Grief counselors and therapists in Lenexa, KS

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.

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.

My therapy space is warm, inviting, and open which mirrors what you will experience working with me. My approach comes from a curious and compassion space to effectively help make change happen. I am a clinically licensed marriage and family therapist. I have over 5 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Self-Care Coach, and founder of Rise Up Resiliency Center LLC. Growing up in Kansas City, Kansas, with parents who faced substance use challenges, I bring a unique blend of empathy, personal insight, and professional expertise to my practice. My passion lies in working with individuals, couples, and groups, especially women, teens, and marginalized communities, to help them build resilience and achieve personal growth.

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.

If you’re feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, trauma, mood shifts, or ADHD symptoms and wondering whether medication could help, you’re not alone. I work with teens and adults navigating mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and stress-related challenges.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my mix of medical expertise and genuine compassion. With a background in both psychiatry and intensive medical care, I understand how closely the mind and body are connected. My goal is to make care accessible and consistent, which is why I offer flexible scheduling and telehealth appointments.

In our first sessions, we’ll review your history, clarify your symptoms, and determine whether medication is appropriate. If it is, we’ll build a treatment plan that feels realistic, evidence-based, and aligned with your goals and overall health.

Outside of work, I find balance through yoga, comedy, time with my dog, and enjoying sunny days — reminders that healing comes from both steady progress and moments of joy.