Julie DeRose, B.A., B.Ed., M.C., R.Psych
Bio
Taking the first step into therapy can feel scary, overwhelming, and incredibly vulnerable. All of these feelings are normal. I truly understand how daunting it can be to look for someone to open up to and trust with your story.
My approach to counselling is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and understanding. Before becoming a psychologist, I spent nearly two decades in education as a teacher and school counsellor. Those years gave me the privilege of supporting people with diverse needs, challenges, and family dynamics—experiences that continue to shape the way I show up for clients today.
My personal life also informs my work. As a mom of two young children, I understand firsthand how demanding life can feel when we’re juggling multiple roles, environments, and expectations. It’s easy to lose track of yourself when you’re pulled in a dozen different directions. One of the things I value most about therapy is that the time you spend in session is entirely yours. My role is to support you, gently guide you, and honour the stories and strengths you bring into the room.
I’m passionate about working with individuals from all walks of life. My practice is intentionally inclusive of all cultures, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and ethnicities. I named my practice Open Door Psychology because my goal is to offer a space that is open and welcoming to everyone—while supporting you in closing the doors that no longer serve you.
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, burnout, parenting challenges, internal and external pressures, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, sleep disturbances, exhaustion, academic challenges, learning disabilities, post-secondary stress, divorce/separation, postpartum challenges, and other mental-health concerns.
I am in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists and have been a member since April 2023. My training and certifications include: Permanent Teaching Certificate, Triple P Parenting, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), NSSI (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury), 2SLGBTQI+ Inclusion for Mental Health Professionals, SIVA (Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachments), Family Assessment Training through NACTATR, Brain Story Certification through Alberta Family and Wellness, Go-To Educator for the Mental Health Literacy Project through AHS, and VTRA certification (Levels 1 and 2). I am currently deepening my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals, couples, and family systems.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my two kids, getting outdoors when the weather cooperates, and exploring new restaurants and cafés around the city. We welcomed a dog named Taro in September 2025, and he has brought so much joy (and energy!) into our home.
When I get the chance, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and visiting the many new grocery stores popping up around Edmonton. I’m also known to keep a curious eye on the housing market—mostly daydreaming about finding a place with a bigger backyard. People often describe me as calm, caring, and relaxed—qualities I credit to my mom and to my years in teaching.
If you’re considering booking an appointment but still have questions about therapy, I offer free 15-minute consultations for new clients. I’m happy to be flexible in finding a time that works for you. I’d love the opportunity to connect and support you on your journey.
My Style Of Therapy
I believe meaningful therapy begins with meaningful relationships.
Whether I’m working with a child, teenager, adult, or couple, I take the time to get to know the person sitting across from me. I believe understanding who you are, what matters to you, and the experiences that have shaped you is an essential part of the therapeutic process.
My approach is relational, collaborative, and tailored to each client. I don't believe therapy should feel overly clinical or intimidating. Instead, I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself, sharing your experiences, and exploring challenges without fear of judgment.
Working with Children and Teenagers
When working with children and teenagers, I incorporate play-based approaches with gentle structure. I often begin sessions with a game or activity to help build rapport, create comfort, and establish trust. From there, we may explore emotions, relationships, experiences, or challenges in ways that feel appropriate for their age and developmental stage.
I recognize that therapy can feel overwhelming, particularly for young people who may not have the words to describe what they are experiencing. My style is casual, approachable, and collaborative. Rather than positioning myself as someone who has all the answers, I work alongside children and teenagers, helping them feel heard, understood, and empowered.
My goal is for young clients to experience therapy as a place where they can be themselves, develop emotional awareness, and build skills that support their well-being.
Working with Adults
When working with adults, I tailor my therapeutic approach to each individual's needs, experiences, and goals.
Much of my work focuses on relationships, both the relationships we have with others and the relationship we have with ourselves. I draw from attachment-based approaches, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and person-centred principles inspired by Carl Rogers, particularly empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard.
I am especially interested in exploring the patterns, roles, and systems that influence how we think, feel, and interact with others.
Sometimes, we find ourselves experiencing the same frustrations, conflicts, or emotional challenges without fully understanding why. Patterns can become so familiar that we don't always recognize how they may be contributing to our difficulties.
Part of my role is to offer a supportive, objective perspective, helping you recognize patterns, explore different ways of understanding your experiences, and consider changes that may better support your emotional well-being and relationships.
I don't believe therapy is about telling you what to do. It's about helping you better understand yourself so you can make decisions that feel meaningful and authentic to you.
What You Can Expect from Me
My therapeutic style is warm, genuine, conversational, and sometimes lighthearted. I appreciate humour and believe there can be room for laughter in therapy, even when we are working through difficult experiences.
At the same time, I recognize that every client has different needs. Some people appreciate a relaxed and conversational approach, while others prefer more structure, directness, or a quieter space to process.
I do my best to read the room, adapt to your needs, and meet you where you are.
Above all, I want therapy to feel like a safe, respectful, and supportive space where you can talk about the things you may not feel comfortable sharing anywhere else.
You don't have to show up with the right words, a clear goal, or all the answers. We can figure that out together.
