Grief counselors and therapists in Lenexa, KS

Hi, my name is Julie Karanja, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have been in the helping profession for over 20 years and have worked at SOZO Therapy Group for more than three years. I consider it an honor to walk alongside individuals who take the brave step of beginning their therapy journey.

I enjoy supporting individuals through grief and loss, relational challenges—including betrayal trauma—and working with women and couples as they navigate their reproductive journeys. I have held a certification in Perinatal Mental Health for over five years, bringing specialized training and care to this area of my work.

The decision to seek counseling can be overwhelming. Finding the right fit and feeling like you are in a safe space can sometimes be a challenge. My goal as a therapist is to create a place where clients feel empowered, secure, and seen. I utilize an integrative counseling approach which allows me to tailor your treatment to your unique needs.

I work with clients of all ages and in all seasons of life. Especially those clients with ADHD or those who may be dealing with relationship issues, lack of self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. My top priority is providing clients with the best therapy experience possible as they work toward their personal goals.

You already took the first step toward the best version of yourself. I would be honored to walk with you on the journey toward a better, healthier you.

I earned my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University in 2019, but my path here didn't start in a classroom — it started in Human Resources, where I spent years helping people navigate conflict, communication breakdowns, and the messy dynamics that come with any close relationship. Turns out, those same skills translate pretty directly to couples work.

Life flows from the heart, so it's worth caring for. Heart Work Therapy was born out of my own journey of facing life's challenges and discovering that healing is possible. I know firsthand that meaningful change rarely happens alone.

The compassion, resilience, and hope I've gained through my own experiences allow me to come alongside others with empathy and understanding. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, or simply feeling stuck, you don't have to carry it by yourself. My desire is to provide a safe place where you feel seen, supported, and empowered as we work together toward healing and lasting change.

Finding the right provider can make all the difference. I’m a board- certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a background caring for both children and adults, including experience in pediatrics, adult ICU care, and outpatient psychiatry. I work with clients across the lifespan and have a special interest in ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself. I value genuine connection and believe effective care starts with understanding the whole person, not just a diagnosis.