Julie Grunhaus, PhD

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” — Carl Rogers

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Julie Grunhaus, PhD's style

Why Julie Grunhaus, PhD chose to be in the helping profession

I believe people are incredibly resilient, especially when they feel truly seen, understood, and supported. Even during painful or uncertain periods, people have the capacity to heal, grow, and reconnect with parts of themselves that may have felt lost or out of reach. I chose this profession because I wanted to build the kind of relationships that help make that process possible. There is something deeply meaningful about creating a space where someone can slow down, feel heard, and begin to understand their experiences in a new way.

As a psychologist, I have the privilege of being invited into people’s lives during moments of vulnerability, reflection, and change. I value the opportunity to help clients make sense of what they have been through, recognize the strengths they already carry, and move toward the lives they want to live. I do not take lightly the trust that clients place in me when they share their stories. It is an honor to support them as they develop a deeper understanding of themselves and discover new possibilities for healing and growth.

Julie Grunhaus, PhD's approach

I believe that understanding where we have been can help us better understand where we are and where we want to go. My approach is rooted in relational and psychodynamic therapy, which means we explore how your past experiences and important relationships have shaped the way you see yourself, relate to others, and navigate the world. We may look at longstanding patterns, emotional responses, and beliefs that developed for understandable reasons but may no longer be serving you. This deeper understanding can create space for greater freedom, flexibility, and choice.

Our work will be collaborative, thoughtful, and tailored to what feels most important to you. I will listen closely, ask questions, and help you notice connections that may be difficult to see on your own. Together, we will build on those insights to identify new ways of responding to challenges and relating to yourself and others. My goal is to help you create meaningful, lasting change that feels authentic to who you are and aligned with the life you want to build.

What you can expect from sessions with Julie Grunhaus, PhD

I work with adults navigating trauma, grief, women’s issues, relationship concerns, and major life transitions. In our sessions, you can expect a warm and supportive space where you can speak openly about what you are experiencing without fear of judgment. We will work collaboratively to better understand your emotions, explore longstanding patterns, and recognize how past experiences may be influencing your present life. I will meet you with curiosity, compassion, and respect for the pace that feels right for you.

Therapy with me is not a one-size-fits-all process. We will tailor our work to your unique goals, values, circumstances, and needs, while paying attention to both insight and practical change. Together, we will develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others and build the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. Over time, my hope is that you will feel more confident, self-compassionate, and resilient, with a stronger sense of connection to yourself and the life you want to live.

Julie Grunhaus, PhD's experience working with the Jewish community

I have experience working with Jewish clients across a range of backgrounds and relationships to Jewish identity. I recognize that Jewish identity is multifaceted and may encompass cultural, familial, spiritual, religious, and communal experiences. For some clients, Judaism is central to daily life, while for others, their relationship with Jewish identity may be more complex, evolving, or difficult to define. I approach each person’s experience with openness and respect, without making assumptions about what being Jewish means to them.

Jewish clients may come to therapy navigating questions of identity, belonging, family relationships, community expectations, or major life transitions. These experiences often exist within a broader personal, cultural, and historical context that deserves to be understood. I value learning about the people, relationships, traditions, and communities that have shaped each client’s story. My goal is to provide a space where clients can bring every part of themselves into the room and feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported.

Julie Grunhaus, PhD's Book Recommendation Zone

• Hold Me Tight
  A guide to building stronger, more secure, and emotionally connected relationships.
• It's OK That You're Not OK
  A compassionate reminder that there is no "right" way to grieve and that healing doesn't require rushing the process.
• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
  An honest and heartfelt look at the power of therapy, growth, and being human.

Approaches

• Couples Counseling
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Gottman Method
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Bereavement & Grief
• Chronic illness
• Dating
• Depression
• Emotion regulation
• Infertility
• LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics
• Prenatal, perinatal, & postpartum mental health
• Relationships
• Religious Identity Issues
• Stress management
• Transitions & Change
• Trauma

5 years in practice

Degrees

• PhD by Fordham University 2025

Average costs per session

$100 - $235

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Sliding Scale
• Free consultation
• Credit Card

Insurances

• Aetna
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• United Healthcare