180 Christian Counseling & Training
An NCCA Certified Academic Institution
180 Christian Counseling & Training, has been an NCCA Certified Academic Institution since 2012. Dr. Juli is an NCCA Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Advanced Certified. She is also an International Representative of the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling.
Dr. Juli Wilhite is the founder and director of 180 Christian Counseling & Training. She received her License with NCCA in 2010 and is Advanced Certified. She became a CAI in 2012 and is an International Representative with the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling. She achieved her PhD in Christian Leadership from Kingdom Christian University in St. Petersburg, FL in 2021. Juli has been in private practice since 2011, prior to that she served on staff at a large church in the metroplex as the Director of Celebrate Recovery and Counseling. Juli and her husband Arthur of 18 years have a Christian Boarding School and Church in Uganda. They reside in a Tiny House on Wheels (currently in Texas) with their Chorkie, Lola.
I grew up in Michigan and launched my career right after graduation with American Express Group and Incentive Services, which allowed me to travel the world. Later, I transitioned into the field of Voice Mail. After 21 years in the corporate world, I felt a divine calling to ministry. I had always been the go-to person for those who were hurting or needed someone to talk to. This led me to my church's Celebrate Recovery (CR) program, which addressed a broad spectrum of issues, not just substance abuse.
My first small group comprised women dealing with codependency. Initially, I questioned whether codependency was a real issue, but I soon realized its profound impact. I became a leader and eventually the director of the program. A large church in the Dallas metroplex then recruited me to direct their Celebrate Recovery program, a role I held for seven years. During this time, I decided to pursue counseling credentials and discovered my favorite counseling tool: Temperament.
Temperament has been a significant asset for me, enabling me to build a thriving private practice and help others achieve their counseling goals. Over the years, I've worked with many families, often extending to multiple generations. This experience has been incredibly rewarding.
I’ve found that Temperament is not only excellent for building a practice but also for developing a Certified Academic Institution (CAI). Many counselors struggle with attracting clients and conducting sessions. Temperament provides a clear pathway, as clients complete a questionnaire before our first session, allowing me to prepare thoroughly.
Early in my practice, I worked alongside Functional Medicine Doctors and Functional Neurologists. Our patients often overlapped, and it was gratifying to see neurologists impressed when I identified a person's brain type using the Temperament Questionnaire, something they confirmed after lengthy evaluations. This solidified my belief that Temperament defines our brain types, which helps me attract whole families eager to understand their Temperaments.
Throughout my life, I’ve faced numerous challenges that tested my resilience and adaptability. Each obstacle was an opportunity for growth. Whether it was moving to a new city, starting a new job, or navigating personal relationships, I approached each situation with an open mind and a positive attitude.
The past few years have been particularly challenging for everyone. Running a virtual practice during 2020-2021 was eye-opening and allowed me to expand my reach globally. My husband and I realized our dream of living away from the city, selling our home, and building a Tiny House on Wheels. Now, we reside an hour outside Dallas on a lake, where life has slowed down, and my passion for helping others has deepened.
During my time at the church, I developed additional tools that I now share with my students and clients. My 3-stage approach to counseling includes:
Temperament: Understanding one's unique temperament or brain type, which helps clients understand their information processing. Psalm 39:13-16
Communication: Utilizing Non-Violent Communication (NVC), a model that emphasizes empathy and precise language. Eph. 5:19-20
Trauma Model: I developed Transformation Today/Spiritual Mapping, a tool for processing severe or situational trauma, which clients can use for life. Jeremiah 17:9-10
My journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally, with a deep-seated drive to help others achieve their goals and overcome their challenges. Beyond the professional realm, I have many interests that keep me invigorated. Reading, kayaking, cooking and spending time in nature is vital to my health. There's something incredibly refreshing about immersing myself in nature. I find it physically rewarding but it also provides me with a sense of peace and mindfulness.
Reflecting on my journey so far, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me. Each step, whether a triumph or a setback, has taught me invaluable lessons and contributed to my growth. As I look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. My goal is to continue pursuing my passions, making a positive difference in the world, and living a life filled with purpose and joy.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. Here’s to the adventures yet to come and the endless opportunities for growth and discovery!
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