Carolina Anxiety & OCD

Whether it’s racing thoughts, intrusive worries, or persistent fears that seem to hijack your peace of mind, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to face it alone either. Many people find themselves stuck in cycles of overthinking, avoidance, or self-doubt. The good news is: change is possible, and reaching out is the first powerful step. I’m Julia Markovich, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in helping individuals navigate anxiety, OCD, and related challenges using evidence-based therapies, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-based approaches. My work is rooted in the belief that therapy should be a safe, supportive, and empowering space — one where you can show up authentically, gain insight into your patterns, and learn practical tools to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're dealing with panic, phobias, intrusive thoughts, social anxiety, or generalized worry, we’ll work together at a pace that feels right for you. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions, and I welcome clients from all walks of life. I am committed to creating an affirming environment where you feel seen, heard, and respected. Professional Credentials and Training: Julia Markovich, LCSW, is extensively trained and primarily specializes in treating OCD and anxiety disorders (90% of her caseload meets diagnostic criteria for OCD). She’s completed intensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is the gold standard for OCD treatment, through the Cognitive Behavioral Institute. She’s also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) both through the same institute and McLean Hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard Medical School. In addition to that, she’s been trained in Habit Reversal Training (HRT) for things like skin picking and hair pulling, and she’s completed specialized coursework in identifying and treating different OCD subtypes through NOCD Academy. Julia is also trained in Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)—a less common but evidence-supported approach developed by Dr. Kieron O’Connor and Dr. Frederick Aardema. I-CBT targets the reasoning errors and inferential confusion that often maintain OCD symptoms, especially in cases involving mental rituals or more abstract fears. Julia also specializes in treating secondary diagnoses commonly co-occurring with OCD and anxiety disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, sexual and gender identity concerns, trauma, and attachment or relationship issues. She integrates holistic approaches, Sensorimotor Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and incorporates DBT skills work to support individuals navigating complex intersections of identity, experience, and connection. She’s certified in The Daring Way method (developed by Brené Brown), an approach that explores topics such as shame, vulnerability, and perfectionism. Through this work, Julia has developed a deep passion for helping others embrace their own uniqueness and live more wholeheartedly. She has also completed training in cultural and ethical sensitivity through the National Association of Social Workers. All of this builds on her MSW from NC State University and her license as a clinical social worker in North Carolina, where she graduated with honors.