Ms. Garafola received her Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Psychology from Texas Woman's University and earned her Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as her Associate's degree in Nutrition from Tarrant County College.
Over the past 12 years, she has had the opportunity to work with seniors and their families in a myriad of settings to include end of life issues, chronic illness, grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver issues and aging parents. Ms. Garafola practices client-centered philosophy, utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. She believes in developing a non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship with each client in order to provide guidance in discovering qualities and strengths, tools, and skills they can use in maneuvering life's challenges.
Ms. Garafola's happy place is the beach and sunshine, relocating from Texas to Florida where she lives with her husband and 17 year old pup Lola. Spending time outside in the sunshine biking and gardening are activities of choice, as well as dining out, shopping, traveling, and family vacations with her adult children. She is active in her church as well as her husband's vacation property business.
Professional experience
12 yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyRelationshipsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Elva 'Julia' Garafola. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She’s awesome and listens well!
Written on Mar 22, 2025 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
She was very professional and a great listener.
I felt at ease talking to her.
Written on Mar 05, 2025 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, and grief
She has only been working with me for a few weeks but has already showed me that there's hope for me after all. I'm excited to see what we be able to accomplish in my future. I have never been in therapy before but I wish I would have known about her 10 years ago. So here's to hopefully bright and happier 2025.
Written on Feb 25, 2025 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I’m very pleased with the process of BetterHelp and extremely pleased with the support I received from Julia. I would recommend Julia and BetterHelp services to anyone needing to validate their mental health and thoughts while sorting through a social crisis.
Written on Feb 16, 2025 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and grief
Very compassionate and understanding therapist
Written on Feb 10, 2025 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, and relationship issues
Julia is a good listener and seems to understand my situation, having only met two times. She is compassionate and reassuring.
Written on Dec 09, 2024 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Elva is extremely supportive and a wonderful person. She had listened and helped guide me through a really rough time. I truly believe she has be instrumental in the process of my healing. You won't go wrong with her!
Written on Nov 19, 2024 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
So far Julia has been so great!! She knows exactly where to take the conversation and her experience really shows. From someone hesitant to therapy she has made me feel so comfortable in only 3 visits.
Written on Nov 14, 2024 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life
She really listened and made me feel like I was being heard. I look forward to working more with her in the future
Written on Oct 26, 2024 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Happy to find a therapist that has life experience to understand and has knowledge to help me move forward.
Written on Jul 04, 2024 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and adhd
I feel so comfortable with Julia. I received the perfect balance in our sessions. Her listening and understanding, then suggesting. I had to discontinue due to financial hardship but suffered w/o her. Now, thankfully I get her again. A new start. A new chapter!
Written on Apr 23, 2024 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and coping with life changes
I have only had one session with Julia so far but I knew immediately that we were a good fit. We had some similarities that she was open to sharing with me, that really led me to feel comfortable. She encouraged me to journal in the BetterHelp app between our sessions and when she is free, she reads my journal entries and thoughtfully responds to them. I am very excited to continue meeting with her moving forward.
Written on Apr 12, 2024 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I have so enjoyed my time with Julia. She makes me feel hopeful and has great suggestions to help with things I am wanting to focus on. She is awesome!
Written on Mar 20, 2024 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, and anger management
Julia has/is helping me discover a path in this season of my life that rings with truth and wisdom. She is helping me find myself again. I appreciate her so much.
Written on Feb 23, 2024 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I appreciate how she helps me determine what is best for me.
Written on Nov 12, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, and coping with life changes
Julia has helped me so much. I truly used to be an emotional mess and I do not feel that way anymore. I thought I would be in therapy for at least a year, and Julia helped me work through major issues I had been struggling with in the span of three months. After each session, I felt better and better. I can truly say I am in my best mental health that I have felt in a decade...all thanks to Julia! If you are looking for a true professional who will help your with you problems quickly, I highly recommend Julia.
Written on Oct 27, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
She’s amazing! Changed my life in a short period of time!
Written on Oct 17, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Julia is kind caring and empathetic and also able to let me know what is working for me and what isn't. She asks a lot of questions which makes me feel like she cares and is engaged in what I am communicating to her. I am excited about the future and getting healthy and well.
Written on Aug 13, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
She listens and connects!
Written on Aug 13, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
A wonderfully responsive, emotionally intelligent leader. I enjoyed our session.
Written on Aug 11, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I've only had one session at this time. The only thing I can really comments is that Mrs Garafola is a good listener, very professional and empathetic.
Written on Aug 07, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks
Julia is amazing, she helped me through one of the roughest periods in my life and showed me what my worth is. She pays attension and makes you feel comfortable. 10 out of 10, would recommend!
Written on Jun 03, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She listens well, is intuitive and compassionate
Written on Apr 07, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She is just awesome. I have enjoyed talking with her. And I am so looking forward to our sessions every week. She’s just great!
Written on Mar 12, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and sleeping disorders
I’ve been through years of therapy with many different counselors and Julia has by far been the best. She has always been honest, open minded, unbiased, and caring. I always feel that she is there for me even though I’ve never met her in real life. She is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and i really respect her and appreciate the respect and effort she’s put into me.
Written on Mar 02, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
Julia Garafola is very supportive. She’s a good listener and that makes it very easy to talk to her. I enjoy talking to her and I usually feel 100% better after our conversations.
Written on Feb 19, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and sleeping disorders
She makes me feel special, like I am a needed person in the world.
Written on Jan 19, 2023 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning grief
She is such a great listener and really helps you work through the problem even when you feel stuck. Julia has helped me work through a difficult time in my life by actively listening and sharing her professional experience explained really well.
Written on Dec 08, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 4 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and coping with life changes
Julia is such a great listener and guides you to see the truth for all that it is. She is uplifting but also helps you to see where you need to be challenged
Written on Nov 30, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Julia is a God send. She helps me with real solutions to help me work through the challenges I face now and those from my past.
Written on Nov 28, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
She’s great. Really helps me think about my situation on a granular level
Written on Nov 26, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and coping with life changes
I have already shared this around my office for others that may need help. It’s been wonderful.
Written on Oct 23, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, lgbt, and family conflicts
Julia is really good at helping me help myself! I graduated from some issues a year ago and back to tackle some other stuff this year.
Written on Oct 17, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
A great therapist, feels like a friend you can talk to after a while. Very helpful in giving nice insight on how one thinks, and gives good advice. Honestly a good person to talk to while sipping some tea, very calming and relaxing.
Written on Oct 04, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
Julia is a superhero. She got me through my divorce and helped me work out some childhood traumas. I wouldn’t be here without her.
Written on Aug 19, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Julia is very relatable and easy to talk to. She has been wonderful helping me to explore the reasons for my breakdown and to find ways to keep busy and correct the patters that lead me here. I hope I will never need a therapist, but if I do, I hope she will be available again.
Written on Jul 02, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She is great!
Written on Apr 17, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks
She is awesome, very kind and thorough. She makes you feel like you matter.
Written on Apr 11, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
i really feel Julia is helping me
Written on Apr 11, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and coping with life changes
Julia has been my lifeline! I was having a tough time just getting through each day after the death of the two most loved people in my life, my mom and my husband, which happened two months apart. Julia is a kind, compassionate and patient person. She is a best friend and honestly, I don’t know where I would be today without her. Thanks to Julia, I am such a better place and am able to move on with my life. I highly recommend Julia if you are looking for a therapist who is understanding, down-to-earth and truly cares. Thank you Julia!
Written on Apr 03, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Thoroughly enjoy Julia’s expertise. She’s been very helpful.
Written on Mar 10, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and anger management
Julia is a professional counselor who has excellent interpersonal skills, a compassionate heart and provides great, non-judgmental advice. I desired a counselor with a Christian focus and Julia has done an excellent job representing a Christian perspective in my counseling sessions. I highly recommend her!
Written on Jan 25, 2022 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 4 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with life changes, trauma and abuse, adhd, anger management, intimacy-related issues, and grief
This is my first time talking to a therapist and I am so happy with Elva “Julia” Garafola. I was scared I would get a therapist that didn’t have experience in what I wanted to talk about but she did! I like how I can message her and she responds fast! Thank you for all you do.
Written on Sep 19, 2021 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
I was hesitant and nervous to start counseling, but was amazed at how quickly Julia became a friend. I had some nerves before sessions, not wanting to dive into deep feelings and talk about hard things. But Julia has a way of guiding conversation that put me right at ease and I was always so much lighter after speaking with her. She was fun, encouraging, and such a sweet soul. Thank you, Julia for helping me find the good in life again.
Written on Sep 15, 2021 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 1 month
Julia is great. She checks on on me which I love and need during the week and it always feels like genuine
Written on Jul 24, 2021 after therapy with Elva 'Julia' for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and bipolar disorder
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