Elva 'Julia' Garafola, LCSW

Supportive, person-centered therapy for life’s challenges

Anxiety and depression support
Relationships and communication skills
Life transitions and growth

About Elva 'Julia' Garafola

Elva "Julia" Garafola is an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - who brings 12 years of experience helping people navigate the complicated realities of life, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Licensed in Texas and Missouri, she supports individuals facing concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship stress, and the desire for personal growth, with care that centers each person’s lived experience and strengths.

Her work is grounded in a compassionate, whole-person perspective that makes room for the many factors that shape how people feel and cope day to day. Elva "Julia" helps clients explore themes like self-worth and self-love, communication patterns, life transitions, trauma recovery, and personal empowerment, including the pressures that can build from workplace stress and challenging interpersonal dynamics.

With a collaborative, person-centered style, she partners with clients to develop insight, strengthen resilience, and move toward practical, values-aligned change. Whether someone is working through relationship difficulties, sorting through questions of identity, or seeking steadier footing during a major transition, Elva "Julia" offers supportive, affirming therapy that respects each client’s goals and individual experience.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGrief Depression Coping with life changes

Also Specializes In

LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual dysfunctionSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Elva 'Julia' Garafola have?

Elva "Julia" Garafola has 12 years of experience providing therapy and supporting clients through a range of life challenges.

Is Elva 'Julia' Garafola a licensed therapist?

Yes. Elva "Julia" Garafola is licensed as an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). License numbers are TX LCSW 56813 and MO LCSW 2024038145.

In which languages does Elva 'Julia' Garafola provide therapy?

Elva "Julia" Garafola provides therapy in English.

Where is Elva 'Julia' Garafola located?

Elva "Julia" Garafola is located in Missouri.

How can I work with Elva 'Julia' Garafola as my therapist?

You can work with Elva "Julia" Garafola through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what fits your needs and scheduling.

Does Elva 'Julia' Garafola work with international clients?

No. Elva "Julia" Garafola does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Elva 'Julia' Garafola cost?

The cost of therapy can vary based on factors such as your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Evidence-Based Approaches, Made Accessible Online

Elva "Julia" Garafola integrates structured, research-informed methods with a warm, person-centered style, helping clients build practical tools while staying connected to what matters most to them.

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), therapy focuses on noticing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, then practicing alternative responses that better support mood, relationships, and day-to-day coping. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes making room for difficult thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful steps guided by personal values, which can be especially helpful when stress, anxiety, or life transitions feel overwhelming. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication, supporting steadier reactions during conflict, high stress, or intense emotions.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Elva "Julia" works collaboratively with clients to clarify goals, understand preferences, and adjust strategies over time so therapy feels relevant and workable.

Online therapy also makes care easier to fit into real life. Sessions can take place through video calls or phone sessions, with additional options like live chat or text-based messaging for flexibility, continuity, and support between appointments.

Ready to start therapy with Elva 'Julia' Garafola?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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