Don't Wait to Get the Help You Need

Julie Ferdas, LCSW

COO & Clinical Therapist

Licensed in New Jersey and Maine

Julie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and certified supervisor with over 25 years of experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, individuals, and families. As an experienced trauma therapist in New Jersey, she specializes in anxiety therapy, depression treatment, trauma-informed care, and supporting clients through major life transitions.

Julie has advanced training in evidence-based, trauma-specific modalities including EMDR therapy, DBT therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and TraumaPlay™, allowing her to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs.

She also holds a Sports Social Work Certificate from the University of Michigan and is passionate about athlete mental health, athlete wellness, balance, and supporting athletes through injury, performance stress, burnout, and transitions in and out of sport.

Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University in 1997 and completed her Master of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania in 1999. She joined Bridge to Balance in 2014, contributing clinical expertise and leadership to its continued growth.

Known for her calm presence, clinical wisdom, and deep empathy, Julie provides compassionate, effective therapy in New Jersey, helping clients build resilience, emotional balance, and lasting change.

Approach to Helping

Julie believes strongly in meeting clients where they are in life’s journey, recognizing that there is a meaningful story behind every individual. She works collaboratively with clients to identify realistic, achievable solutions while validating each person’s unique experience. Grounded in the belief that clients are doing the best they can—and want to do better—Julie views each struggle as an opportunity for growth and healing.

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Helping Athletes

Julie helps athletes navigate the complex emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany competitive and high-performance environments. Many athletes struggle with performance anxiety, fear of failure, burnout, perfectionism, or the pressure to constantly meet external and internal expectations. Julie works collaboratively with athletes to understand how these pressures show up in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and she helps them develop practical tools to manage stress, improve focus, and perform with greater confidence and consistency.

She supports athletes through injury recovery, setbacks, and transitions. This may include returning to play after time off, redefining identity following an injury, changing levels of competition, or adjusting to life beyond sport. Julie recognizes how deeply intertwined athletic identity can be with self-worth, and she helps clients explore who they are both within and outside of their sport. Her work fosters resilience, self-compassion, and a more sustainable sense of purpose.

Julie’s approach is grounded in trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices while remaining highly individualized to each athlete’s goals, sport culture, developmental stage, and personal history. She understands that every sport and every athlete comes with its own demands, language, and expectations. Julie creates a supportive, nonjudgmental space where athletes can reflect honestly, build effective coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation, and cultivate confidence that extends beyond performance and into everyday life.

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Bradley, Certified Therapy Dog

Bradley, Julie's delightful Bichpoo, has recently reached an exciting milestone in his journey of spreading comfort and joy. In 2026, he was certified as a member of the Tri-State Crisis Response Team. In January 2023, he proudly passed his Therapy Dog Certification test through The Alliance of Therapy Dogs and began volunteer work with the Tri-State Canine Response Organization. With his calm demeanor and gentle heart, he has proven himself well-suited for the meaningful work of therapy service.

Now a certified therapy dog, Bradley brings his soothing presence into office settings, where he happily offers pets, cuddles, and quiet companionship to clients seeking a moment of comfort. Whether someone is feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a friendly face, Bradley is always ready to lend support in the most heartfelt way he knows how. His warm personality and intuitive nature make him a beloved source of calm and connection for everyone he meets.

When Bradley’s working day comes to an end, he fully embraces the joys of off-duty life. He delights in tasty treats, long cozy naps, and plenty of belly rubs, soaking up every bit of relaxation he can. These simple pleasures recharge him for his next opportunity to spread happiness, ensuring that Bradley is always ready to brighten someone’s day—both on and off the clock.

Learn more about Animal-Assisted Therapy