OUR THERAPISTS

Julie Grucza, Associate

You might be having the same argument again, feeling lonely beside someone you love, or wondering why being understood seems so difficult. Perhaps you are coming on your own, making sense of feelings or parts of yourself you have kept quiet. You do not need everything neatly explained before we begin.

I’m Julie. I bring warmth, curiosity and a practical approach to counselling. I want to understand what matters to you, what feels difficult and what you hope could change. There is room for uncertainty, strong feelings, laughter and things you are not sure how to say. We can take our time finding the words together.

In couples and relationship counselling, I draw from an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) approach. Together, we slow down recurring arguments, explore the feelings and needs beneath them, and work towards clearer communication, repair and closer connection. I make space for each person’s experience. You may be seeking support with recurring conflict, emotional distance, changes in intimacy, or different hopes for your relationship.

I welcome neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ clients, and monogamous, consensually non-monogamous, polyamorous and kink-involved relationships. Sessions can accommodate different communication styles, sensory needs and ways of processing emotions alongside the exhaustion that can come from masking or feeling repeatedly misunderstood.

I also support children and young people, and further information is available on our children’s counselling page.

Outside the counselling room, I happily embrace my inner geek, foodie and explorer. I love sharing good food, discovering new places, and spending time with family, friends, my partners and, of course, my cats. I value connection where we can relax, be ourselves and feel accepted—with all our quirks and complexities.

Areas of Special Interest

Couples, communication and connection
Neurodivergence, including late identification and masking
LGBTQIA+ affirming counselling
Identity and self-worth
Anxiety, stress and emotional overwhelm
Life transitions and periods of uncertainty
Children and young people

Qualifications & Training

Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Australian College of Applied Professions
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) Externship
Bachelor of Education, University of Queensland
Consensual Non-Monogamy in Therapy: Best Practices for Therapists — Martha Kauppi, Mind Body Training Institute
LGBTQIA-Affirmative Therapy: A Compassionate and Inclusive Approach — Clinton Power, Mind Body Training Institute
PACFA Certified Practising Counsellor & Australian Counselling Association Level 2