Julie Avner, MPS, LPC
Art Therapist
Julie Avner received a Masters of Professional Studies in Art Therapy from The School of Visual Arts in New York City. She completed her clinical training at FEGS and New Hope Shelter in New York City, working with a wide range of populations. During her training, she gained experience working with adults with mental illness, addiction disorders, anxiety, depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders. Prior to joining ITA, Julie worked at Blitstein Teacher’s Institute in Chicago as an adjunct professor in the Studio Art department, encouraging students to embrace the therapeutic and healing nature of the art making process. In addition to her work at ITA, Julie also works as a Licensed Professional Counselor at a private high school in the Chicago area and sees students who experience anxiety, depression and have difficulties adjusting to significant life changes and experience other barriers to being successful in school. Julie uses the healing powers of creativity to increase their strengths and provide insight into their own thought and behavior patterns to encourage positive change in their lives.