Ardmore, PA | Therapist Spotlight: Julia Cash, MFT
Interview with Julia Cash, MFT by Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT
Julia Cash, MFT is a therapist in our Main Line office in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. She works with adult individuals, couples, families, and adolescents, and specializes in sexual and relational trauma. Through this work she helps people process and navigate wounds from childhood related to family and attachment, their sexual relationships, identity development, anxiety, and grief and loss.
Julia earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. A Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares therapists to see issues through a lens of the bigger system - understanding not just the psychology behind challenges but also how your relationships have influenced you.
She is known to show warmth and curiosity while also challenging you to see beyond what you might usually notice about yourself in order to help you create desired changes.
Read our interview below.
Interview with Julia Cash, Ardmore Therapist
Why are you a therapist?
What originally drew you to becoming a therapist:
I have always loved learning about people, their stories, and the ways they make
meaning of the world. Growing up with both of my parents working in the medical field, I
often heard them speak about their passion for caring for patients, which deeply
inspired me. Together, these influences helped me realize that becoming a therapist
would allow me to feel fulfilled and inspired, while continuing to connect with and
support people as a career!
What keeps you passionate about therapy now, even on hard days?
I feel a deep connection to this work beyond it being just a “job.” This role feels very
meaningful and personal to me. Even on hard days, I often find myself driving home
feeling grateful for the trust people place in me when they share their stories and for the
opportunity to support them in whatever ways I can. This work continually reminds me
that the human experience is complex, challenging, and also incredibly beautiful. On
tougher days, I’m reminded of my own humanness and I’m intentional about leaning on
my own therapist and trusted therapist friends for support when I need it.
Clinical Style and Philosophy: What Type of therapist are you?
How would you describe your therapy style in a few words:
I describe my therapy style as relational, warm, humanistic, and systemic. I consider all
parts of a client’s experience and strive to create a space where clients feel seen,
supported, and understood.
What kinds of clients or issues do you feel most energized working with:
I enjoy supporting clients with attachment related concerns, those wanting to process
family-of-origin experiences, and unlearn harmful messages to create new, more
empowering ones. I also enjoy working with couples who may notice some of these
factors showing up in their relationship and are hoping to increase emotional and
physical connection.
What do you think good therapy should feel like for a client?
I believe good therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and nonjudgmental.
Therapy should feel like a warm space where clients can explore their patterns and
discover what truly feels aligned with their values. It can also gently bring up the things
we’ve been struggling with in a way that feels manageable, while also highlighting
clients’ strengths and capacity for growth.
What can someone expect in a first session with you?
In a first session, I focus on building a supportive therapeutic relationship with my
clients. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, your history, and what makes you
uniquely you. I’ll share a bit about my approach so we can see if it feels like a good fit,
and I try to show my own humanness along the way. I like to remind clients that they are
the experts of their own lives, and I’m here to support them in the areas where they’d
like to build more insight, awareness and change. I aim to create a space that feels safe
and collaborative, with a lighthearted touch, recognizing that the first session can feel
daunting!
Who are you outside the office?
What small joy or ritual that’s brings you comfort or happiness?
One of my favorite activities is creating scrapbooks and moodboards! I have a bit of a
Julia Cash, MFT and her cat Stella
travel bug, so I love printing out pictures from places I’ve visited and journaling about
them. For my moodboards, I like to daydream about places I hope to go someday. I
usually settle in on a cozy night at home with my cat, Stella, who happily chases all the
crafts around the floor.
What’s a book, podcast, or idea that has influenced how you think about relationships
or life?
All About Love by Bell Hooks. I love her sentiment of “love” as a verb noting that is also
about care, commitment, trust and respect, not just romantic feelings. I also appreciate
her reminder that we can cultivate love in all areas of life and her vision of creating a
“culture of love” in the world.
If you weren’t a therapist, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I would have loved to be a photojournalist or a documentary filmmaker.
Closing Thoughts
If someone is feeling unsure about starting therapy, what would you say to them?
First, I want to normalize feeling anxious or unsure! Therapy asks you to be
vulnerable with someone new and sometimes face what I like to call “hard truths.” At the
same time, it’s a space where you can be feel seen and understood, and explore what
matters most to you. Finding the right fit between therapist and client is really important.
If you’ve tried therapy before and it wasn’t a great experience, it can be helpful to share
what did and didn’t work with a new therapist, as it can guide the process and help
create a more personalized experience.
Quick Fast Facts
Go to comfort activity: Dancing! I recently got back into taking dance classes and it’s a great way to express yourself, meet new friends, and tune into your body!
Favorite way to unwind: Coloring while catching up on Reality TV!
Morning person or night owl: Night Owl!
Coffee or tea: Tea
Favorite season: Spring
Working with Julia Cash, MFT
Julia Cash is a therapist in our Ardmore, PA location. Her office is located near accessible transportation for residents across The Main Line and the city of Philadelphia. She is also available by telehealth for any resident of Pennsylvania.
To learn more about Julia, click here to read her bio page.
A Better Life Therapy - Main Line
The waiting room at A Better Life Therapy’s Main Line Office
Our Main Line Office in Ardmore, PA is designed to help you feel at home. Each office has comfortable couches and cozy lighting. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible (while talking about uncomfortable things!) when you attend your sessions. The office has ample parking and is located near SEPTA stations and is easily accessible from Philadelphia and other Main Line neighborhoods.