Our Story
Back in January 2016, through the reading of the Word and much prayer, a longing for a "Haven" was laid. A place where the broken, the abused, the hurting could find comfort, restoration and healing through the hope of the Gospel, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the support of a clinically-trained, trauma-informed counselor.
About Julie Avila
The Road to Counseling:
While "Haven" came upon my heart 10 years ago, seeking to understand and find healing from the effects of sin, abuse, and painful experiences, began decades earlier. In my early 20's, I was blessed by the care of a retired psychologist from my church, who helped me work through my own brokenness through a biblical perspective while utilizing EMDR and other clinical therapies. His care and expertise planted a seed that decades later, has led me to where I am now.
The long, hard journey towards emotional healing and spiritual restoration, led to opportunities for me to support other women through their abuse journeys. Seeing women find "beauty from ashes," experience freedom from shame, and restoration found in Christ, compelled me to start my Master in Counseling.
As my children were leaving the nest, I finished my internship at Westside Family Church while becoming trained in EMDR, to better help clients process trauma. After graduation, I continued to work at Westside Family Church counseling women, adolescents, and couples through a faith-integrated practice until I was ready to start my private practice, closer to home.
Outside of Counseling:
I have been married for 26 years and have 3 adult daughters, a teenage son, and a son-in-law. Before embarking on counseling, I homeschooled our children, was active in our church and served on the local pregnancy center board for many years. I also facilitated 'Mending the Soul' individual and group, which helped women find healing from abuse. I have a heart for those who have experienced abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and spiritual) and have devoted many years of study, reflection and walking alongside others as they work towards healing. Spending time with Jesus, hiking in the mountains and trees, my Scottish Terrier, two big Great Pyrenees, my family and friends are what fills my cup.
Education
May 2002
BS Elementary Education
University of Saint Mary
May 2024
MA in Counseling
Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Training
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, Kansas)
*Supervised by Dr. Lindsay Bonebrake (KS LCPC2510)
EMDR, Level 1 & 2 Trained
Associations
May 2024
MISSION
At Haven Christian Counseling, our mission is to be a haven, a place of refuge, safety, and peace, for those who are hurting, weary, broken, and grieving. With reliance on the Holy Spirit, being biblically-informed, and utilizing best clinical practices, we strive to help clients find the comfort, restoration, healing and growth that God longs for them to experience. We are committed to providing compassionate care to every client, whether or not they hold to the Christian faith, insuring that all of our clients feel safe, valued and respected.