Welcome! I’m Julsey and I am the owner and founder of Capon Counseling.

A little bit about me:

From a young age, I always knew I wanted to be in the helping profession. I originally thought I wanted to become a teacher, but I quickly realized that I strongly prefer the one-on-one connection you are able to build in a therapeutic setting. I changed paths and entered the counseling profession and I haven’t looked back since. Born and raised in Montgomery County, I have a strong understanding of the pressures faced by those in our community which allows me to better connect with my clients.

I primarily work with clients between the ages of 13-35, but do occasionally work with younger kids and older adults. I have a deep passion for helping people navigate chronic illness. Having both lived and clinical experience with this, I have a unique understanding of some of the challenges and experiences faced by individuals navigating their health journey. This dual perspective enables me to provide empathic, informed care and support, grounded in both personal insight and professional knowledge.

I am also incredibly passionate about providing neurodiversity affirming care. My approach is grounded in understanding and validating each person's unique experiences. As a neurodiversity affirming therapist, I focus less on problematic behaviors and more on identifying unmet needs, unsolved problems, and lagging skills. I am a strong believer that people are not intentionally giving their parents/teachers/caregivers/friends a hard time, but rather they are having a hard time. As Dr. Ross Green states, "kids do well if they can."

With this reframe, our focus can be on altering routines, implementing an appropriate sensory diet, adjusting school/work accommodations, fostering relationships, developing self-advocacy and communication skills, enhancing flexibility and adaptability, and improving distress tolerance and emotional awareness/acceptance. 

Collaboratively, we will work together to identify and utilize your unique strengths, interests, and passions to help you thrive and live your own value-driven and authentic life.

I love to support: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self Confidence
• Chronic Illness/Medical Trauma 
• Autism
• ADHD
• Emotional Dysregulation
• Peer/Family Relationships

Collaboration is a huge part of my practice. I communicate with school counselors, teachers, psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors and the parents (if applicable) to ensure the best care. There is no "right" way to do therapy. It all depends on what feels best for the person. I primarily utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Strengths Based Therapy. I also incorporate mindfulness-based approaches as well as play and art therapy techniques. 

Prior to opening Capon Counseling, I held several positions which all confirmed my love for this field. I interned at the Barker Foundation, an adoption agency where I had the privilege of placing foster children in their forever homes and the Homeless Children's Playtime Project where I supported the social and emotional needs of homeless children. I also interned at the DC Rape Crisis Center gaining invaluable trauma and crisis counseling experience. I later worked at Southwest Regional Medical Center and Charles County Detention Center helping clients with substance abuse and relapse prevention.  I was employed at Vesta for several years where I provided individual and group counseling for kids, teens, and adults with varying mental health diagnoses. I founded Capon Counseling in 2015 and I am absolutely thrilled to have added 4 wonderful therapists to my team. 

Qualifications :

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• Licensed Clinical Supervisor
• Nationally Board Certified Counselor
• Certified Life Coach
• Certified Trauma Specialist
• Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider (a neurodiversity informed and affirming  approach which strives to value neurodivergence and support non-ableist processes – respecting, valuing, and appreciating the identity and voice of the client)
• Johns Hopkins University: Masters' degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• West Virginia University: Bachelor's degree in Social Work
• Member of American Counseling Association
• Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please email me at c[email protected]. I offer both in-person and virtual appointments depending on client preference. I look forward to hearing from you!