Meet the Therapist Behind Empower Counseling

Julie Rich Hilton

Psychotherapist

Clinical Social Worker

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

EMDR Trained

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

Licensed in Georgia & Florida
 Identify what holds you back.
Reveal a freedom you never knew possible.
That's exactly what I plan to do.

A note from Julie...

​As a therapist, I am passionate about helping women break free from the unrealistic and unfulfilling narrative of who we are told we "should" be in this life. There is no such thing as perfect and even if there were, it sounds pretty boring and stressful to me.

You weren't born to be anyone else's version of you! Nothing makes me more excited than to see clients be able to drop the guilt, anxiety, and pressure to make everyone else happy and learn how to live their unique purpose, the way they define it.

It does take work to undo the messages we've received our entire lives. That means unpacking all the toxic and traumatic experiences we've had in order to really understand what we started telling ourselves from them, in order to rewrite that narrative for ourselves. 
Healing from the past and learning a new way of thinking leads to a renewed sense of self and inner happiness that we all desperately need!

​Unfortunately, most of us are so busy that we never prioritize the time to work through the things that hold us back. In my opinion, therapy is the ultimate form of self care because you are making an investment in yourself and your future. 

Reaching out for help is the first step and can seem intimidating, but I assure you there is nothing to be nervous about. In all honesty- I’m a lot like you and I live in the same world that had me feeling stuck in that cycle. I know what it takes to get to a place of healing and happiness, and I would love to work with you to get you there.

​​I am a therapist, but I'm also a wife, a bonus mom, and a dog mom! There's a good chance you will hear about Mojo and Madeline, my fur babies, in session from time to time. I think you will quickly see that my openness and down to earth approach will help you feel at ease about therapy.​

You deserve this and I cannot wait to see what is in store for you. It would be an honor to work with you. 

-Julie Hilton​
Madeline & Mojo, Julie's fur babies

Experience

Brewton-Parker College, BA, Human Services- 2008
Valdosta State University, MSW, Advanced Generalist Program- 2011
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)- 2011
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)- Georgia 2015, Florida 2017 
Clinical Supervisor for future LCSW candidates- 2017
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)- 2018 with the
​International Association of Trauma Professionals
EMDR Training- 2019 with EMDR Consulting


After finishing her graduate degree, Julie worked as a medical social worker for many years, gaining extensive experience helping patients living with chronic and terminal illnesses, as well as their caregivers. This experience allowed her to specialize in grief counseling, especially as it relates to the death of a family member.
Upon completion of her clinical license, Julie found herself gravitating towards individual counseling and soon began working as an in-home therapist with both home and facility based clients in Georgia and Florida, and eventually joinging a group counseling practice in 2018. 
In 2019 Julie opened Empower Counseling & Consulting in Alpharetta, GA. 
Since opening Empower Counseling, Julie has continued gearing her practice and trainings towards healing trauma, becoming certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional and completing extensive trainings in clinically proven modalities such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems. 

In her spare time, Julie enjoys traveling, being active, volunteering at an animal shelter, spending time outdoors in nature, and spending time with her family and fur babies, Mojo and Madeline, who you are sure to hear about in session from time to time! 

What people are saying about Julie Hilton

"Julie is amazing. If you’re looking for someone educated, kind and non judgmental- you’re in the right place! I’ve known
Julie for over 5 years and can’t recommend her enough!"
-Morgan R.
I’ve been seeing Julie for a few years now and I’m so fortunate to have found a therapist that meets me where I’m at, is kind, non judgmental, and very knowledgeable about how trauma impacts the human body. Together we have not only discovered past trauma, but have also worked to heal those hurts from the past and found ways to not allow those hurts to affect my future. I am very pleased with how much I’ve grown since beginning therapy. My family has also committed on how much I’ve changed for the better since working on myself. If you want a therapist who cares and will not only meet you where you are at, but safety challenge you…you’ve found the right place! My only regret about therapy is that I wish I hadn’t waited years to try it out, because it’s the best decision I’ve ever made for myself!
​-Google Review
Julie is a warm, empathetic, insightful and skilled therapist. She creates a safe space for you to share whatever you feel comfortable with and she makes you feel heard. You can tell that she genuinely cares about her clients. Therapy is not an easy thing, but she makes me look forward to each session. I am super grateful for her!
​-Google Review
"Julie is the total package - authentic, non-judgmental, compassionate and highly skilled - everything you want in a therapist and more. Julie actually "empower"ed me to follow my dreams and pursue a career in private practice. I would not be where I am today without her supportive words. She's amazing. :)"
​-Chris D.
"As a fellow therapist in Alpharetta, I am always looking for other counselors if I need to make a referral. Julie is who I think of first for women who really need to shed the past, get rid of self-doubt and own their own worth. She is so knowledgable about working with anxiety and is an expert using EMDR."
​-Karen W.
I could not recommend Julie more. I came to Julie after several failed attempts to remedy my PTSD and severe anxiety. I was exhausted with feeling like nothing was working and decided to move away from the ‘corporate’ business type therapy. I am so thankful I did because for the first time, after lots of work of course, I finally get to enjoy life and all the ups and downs that come along. Julie is the first therapist I have felt heard at. I came to her with such complex trauma, and she has taken the time to work with me through each trauma. I am a better mother, partner, and friend because of her work. I could not thank Julie more; life is much lighter because of her.
​-Google Review
"Julie’s social media presence, especially her blog, have helped me in so many ways to define my self worth and to really BELIEVE in my self worth. She is such an empowering woman and I’m so grateful to know her and have her services available!"
​-Ali P.
"Julie is a fellow colleague of mine in the mental health field and I have experienced her as a therapist who is truly dedicated both to her clients and her own growth as a clinical social worker. During the time I worked with Julie in the same group practice, I found her to be a caring presence and while this is certainly a great characteristic in a co-worker, it is critical for successful therapeutic work with clients. I would recommend her highly to anyone seeking a compassionate clinician to help guide them through their journey of growth!"
-April O.
"Julie and I are long time colleagues. She always puts the client first in her therapeutic techniques. She focuses on empowerment interventions that meet the client where they are according to their goals. I would highly recommend her to any referral and have sent her referrals in the past, with nothing but good feedback."
​-Martha H.
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