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My name is Justin Birnholz, I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience. I specialize in LGBTQ issues, OCD, psychosis, panic attacks, and personality disorders. I do individual and couple's therapy using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques and skills.
My approach
I'm trained and certified in several CBTs, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention. I am collaborative, culturally humble multicultural aware, and highly methodical in my approach.
My focus
I enjoy working with sexual and gender minority folks, helping them do more than accept themselves but love themselves. I also specialize in specific treatments that help with anxiety disorders such as OCD and panic disorders. I've been working with adolescents and adults for so long and in so many clinical environments (e.g. hospitals, community mental health centers, the VA, etc.) that I'm comfortable working with anyone with any diagnosis. I can help you, whoever you are, and whatever is going on.
My communication style
I'm professional and, I like to think, warm and funny in my communication style. As a DBT person, I've learned how to be direct and honest without being aggressive or insulting. Working with me, you'll know that I genuinely care. And that I think I'm very funny, and frankly, I am.
My journey to mental healthcare
Growing up with a disability made me compassionate and interested in anyone who may be struggling. I had the luxury of a lot of help in my most stressful times, and when I got through my worst year, I knew I wanted to help other people succeed as I did. I took my first psychology class in 1998 and I knew that was how I was going to help people. I love what I do!
My goals for you
You got to get your money's worth - you're in therapy for a reason, let's address those reasons! I always tell clients that their job is to learn from me how to be their own therapists (the best therapist they can have, with my expertise mixed with theirs) and then to fire me (politely). We do that via establishing, tracking, and making progress on your goals.
My first session with you
I will ask a lot of questions about a lot of things in your life, past and present, and I'm really going to listen to your answers. I'm going to tell you how the forms of therapy I offer work. I'm going to ask your pronouns, your gender identity abs sexual orientation, and what you consider your culture(s). And I'm going to thank you for doing the hardest part: showing up.
