I have been researching and writing about pain (trauma) stories, the transformative power of journaling, narrative therapies and cognitive-behavioral and somatic therapies as well as breathwork in the healing of pain stories for four decades. Four of my eleven books incorporate trauma-informed practices into my healing modalities. I have practiced yoga throughout my life and consider myself a life-time yogi practitioner. I am trained in Vipassanna (mindfulness) meditation practices, somatic experiencing, trauma-informed yoga practices and other researched based practices of mind-training. Trained also in narrative therapies, I trust the process of sharing one's stories. Also trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, Rational-emotive therapies and depth psychology, my wholistic and engaged presence allows you to find your own path of healing and transformation. This is essential to my way of meeting my clients; I have a deep respect for your journey and personal experiences to guide our work together. I recognize our ability to transform our pain stories into antidotes of beauty and resilience. I have designed several healing paradigms as tools, such as the Conversational Arc, the Wheel of Initiation , The Inner Labyrinth of Transformation, The Wish-fulling Mandala, as evidence-based templates to bring forth self-awareness, compassion and the transformation of pain stories. These templates are used in my mentoring writers as well as in therapy for those whom it resonates with. My studies of group dynamics over the past several decades, which includes study with Parker J Palmer, Ph D, creates a safe and dynamic setting for those to learn, engage in practices and explore. Her recent book ,The Clue of the Red Thread was written in collaboration with Parker J Palmer and was released in January of 2021. I have offered the Shaman’s Body consultation circles for therapists and healers to gather for consultation. I have journaled since the age of 16, designed a healing program for family of those with mental illness: Hidden Victims/Hidden Healers due to the secondary trauma family members experience. A result of this research was a book and programs being established in Australia, Canada, and throughout the United States.
Presently my focus is on helping clients transform their lives through embodied writing and embodied living. I use embodied practices in mentoring my writers and in working with therapy clients.
Presently my focus is on helping clients transform their lives through embodied writing and embodied living. I use embodied practices in mentoring my writers and in working with therapy clients.
Julie Tallard Johnson, MSW, LCSW
My passions are many, as I work with clients and students one-on-one, helping you find direction and inspiration. I facilitate transformational circles. I believe that healing, transformation and awakening best occur in community. I offer writing consultation circles and free writing retreats for my writers. I have studied and explored ways to hold safe circles and groups for over thirty years. I enjoy working with people in circle and helping participants learn to hold circles of their own. Circles are based on Parker J. Palmer’s Circles of Trust, 12 Traditions of Al Anon, and my research on healthy group dynamics.
For over 15 years I offered my year-long Initiation Course based on my book, Wheel of Initiation. In 2013 I completed my final one. I went on to offer Zero Point Circles: THE COURAGE TO BE YOURSELF for 5 years. In that circle we explore community, creative purpose and spiritual renewal in a circle of dedicated individuals. I now offer a monthly spiritual circle: The Clue of the Red Thread for those who want to explore their possibilities on and off the page. I enjoy every part of the writer’s life (and helping others to live a fulfilling creative life)–and as an author of eleven books, four for adults and seven for young adults. I am presently seeking a publisher for my first novel. have kept a journal since the age of sixteen. I taught on-line and face-to-face adjunct instructor through the UW-Madison, Continuing Studies Writing Program (for 10 years) until its closing this June, 2021. Working for the UW and living The Wisconsin Idea, was a dream come true for me.
I have taken my popular UW Retreat and workshop, Write-by-the-Lake and now offer it as a month long class: Write-By-The-LIGHT. |
MediaLIME Radio Interview
On “Using your Journal”to enhance your creative and spiritual path. Listen online (need to find link). Article
On Being A Spiritual Hero 
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TESTIMONIALS
"Julie has been my writing sherpa in the classroom and in a writing circle for 2 years. Under Julie's guidance, both my writing and my confidence have grown. Julie is a wonderful guide, mentor, teacher, counselor. Her circles are part writing critique and part therapy. Julie creates an ideal space to harness all your writerly gifts. Recently I did a one-on-one consult with Julie and I can't believe I didn't sign up sooner. In the hour and a half, we focused on a chapter of my book and I left with very clear goals for revising and improving my manuscript. Sometimes I feel like I am just writing, but after my consult with Julie, I feel like a soon-to-be author. Julie's expertise in the publishing world as well as her helpful, honest, and friendly guidance, make her consults effective, productive, and inspiring. I walked away with a plan, and am at the next level." –Molly Chanson is a teacher, writer, and entrepreneur, inspired by yoga as a path to healing. Molly shares her her personal experiences as a mom and wife on her blog, Soul Ma in order to inspire other women to heal, grow, and transform into their bravest self. Molly lives in southern Wisconsin with her two young boys and is writing her first book. Please contact Molly at molly@soulma.com
“ Julie Tallard Johnson--a gifted teacher and writer--brings fresh insight to an ancient truth: each of us must live from the inside out. Her book--full of resources that range from heart-deep insight to helpful, practical exercises--can help us reclaim the treasure-trove of our own experience and being.” (Parker J. Palmer, author of Healing the Heart of Democracy, Let Your Life Speak, and The Courage to)
“In The Zero Point Agreement, Julie Tallard Johnson intelligently presents elegantly simple yet remarkably powerful practices for personal and societal transformation. Through the masterful weaving of teaching stories that touch the heart and inspire, she helps foster the development of an authentic identity. This is what our children, our families, our communities, and the land need.” (Corinna Stevenson, ecopsychologist and creator of Dragonfly Healing)
“I was captivated by Julie Tallard Johnson’s accessible treatise on how we are all charged with making meaning in our daily lives. I found The Zero Point Agreementdazzling because it is so packed with actual, practical wisdom. I can honestly say it has already changed my life.” (Meg Cox, author of The Book of New Family Traditions)
“The Zero Point Agreement offers a clear, practical path to taking control of what you are able to and living the life you want to live.” (Dinty W. Moore, author of The Mindful Writer: Noble Truths of the Writing Life)
“Julie Tallard Johnson’s The Zero Point Agreement is a brilliant resource for deep and lasting change. I have used the zero point agreement in my own life and have shared it with clients and students. It is not another pie-in-the-sky promise of change. It is straightforward and effective.” (Tamar Zick, LPC, RYT, licensed psychotherapist and registered yoga teacher)
“What a generous, wise, and useful book this is! Each chapter is so filled with quotes, anecdotes, hands-on exercises and more that help and inspire us to fully claim our own lives. There’s enough here to guide and inform you for many years to come.” (Ruth L. Schwartz, Ph.D., award-winning poet, and author of Soul on Earth: A Guide to Living & Loving)
“A delightful companion for those of us seeking greater levels of balance, meaning, and joy--this book offers many gems of inspiration as well as the welcomed reminder that the journey toward wholeness always begins within.” (Karen Horneffer-Ginter, Ph.D., author of Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit)
“The Zero Point Agreement is not only a book it’s also a beautifully written love letter to the essence of who we really are.” (Radiah Nunez, hostess of the H2O Network)
“Julie’s new book goes to the sinew from the beginning, reminding us of who we really are. She invites us to listen to ourselves, especially our demons, and shows us how to navigate from desire to the dreams that comprise our core. “Living life from my side” is an inspired, pragmatic concept that will change lives. Imagine a world where each of us takes 100% responsibility for our experience. This is Julie’s offering: a spark of hope and a path of light.” (Prudence Tippins, owner/director of The Calliope Center for Reflection and Renewal and Wheel of Init)
“In this resource-rich book of practical wisdom and wise practices, Julie Tallard Johnson offers readers multidimensional insights, inspiration, and skills for living with greater authenticity, creativity, and happiness. Integrating science, spirituality, and art in an engaging and deeply thoughtful approach to becoming who you already are, this gifted teacher demonstrates how each of us can create more meaning and joy in our lives--in ourselves, in the world around us, and for our power to create and shape the stories we tell ourselves and others.” (Amber Ault, Ph.D., clinical sociologist and psychotherapist)
"Julie has been my writing sherpa in the classroom and in a writing circle for 2 years. Under Julie's guidance, both my writing and my confidence have grown. Julie is a wonderful guide, mentor, teacher, counselor. Her circles are part writing critique and part therapy. Julie creates an ideal space to harness all your writerly gifts. Recently I did a one-on-one consult with Julie and I can't believe I didn't sign up sooner. In the hour and a half, we focused on a chapter of my book and I left with very clear goals for revising and improving my manuscript. Sometimes I feel like I am just writing, but after my consult with Julie, I feel like a soon-to-be author. Julie's expertise in the publishing world as well as her helpful, honest, and friendly guidance, make her consults effective, productive, and inspiring. I walked away with a plan, and am at the next level." –Molly Chanson is a teacher, writer, and entrepreneur, inspired by yoga as a path to healing. Molly shares her her personal experiences as a mom and wife on her blog, Soul Ma in order to inspire other women to heal, grow, and transform into their bravest self. Molly lives in southern Wisconsin with her two young boys and is writing her first book. Please contact Molly at molly@soulma.com
“ Julie Tallard Johnson--a gifted teacher and writer--brings fresh insight to an ancient truth: each of us must live from the inside out. Her book--full of resources that range from heart-deep insight to helpful, practical exercises--can help us reclaim the treasure-trove of our own experience and being.” (Parker J. Palmer, author of Healing the Heart of Democracy, Let Your Life Speak, and The Courage to)
“In The Zero Point Agreement, Julie Tallard Johnson intelligently presents elegantly simple yet remarkably powerful practices for personal and societal transformation. Through the masterful weaving of teaching stories that touch the heart and inspire, she helps foster the development of an authentic identity. This is what our children, our families, our communities, and the land need.” (Corinna Stevenson, ecopsychologist and creator of Dragonfly Healing)
“I was captivated by Julie Tallard Johnson’s accessible treatise on how we are all charged with making meaning in our daily lives. I found The Zero Point Agreementdazzling because it is so packed with actual, practical wisdom. I can honestly say it has already changed my life.” (Meg Cox, author of The Book of New Family Traditions)
“The Zero Point Agreement offers a clear, practical path to taking control of what you are able to and living the life you want to live.” (Dinty W. Moore, author of The Mindful Writer: Noble Truths of the Writing Life)
“Julie Tallard Johnson’s The Zero Point Agreement is a brilliant resource for deep and lasting change. I have used the zero point agreement in my own life and have shared it with clients and students. It is not another pie-in-the-sky promise of change. It is straightforward and effective.” (Tamar Zick, LPC, RYT, licensed psychotherapist and registered yoga teacher)
“What a generous, wise, and useful book this is! Each chapter is so filled with quotes, anecdotes, hands-on exercises and more that help and inspire us to fully claim our own lives. There’s enough here to guide and inform you for many years to come.” (Ruth L. Schwartz, Ph.D., award-winning poet, and author of Soul on Earth: A Guide to Living & Loving)
“A delightful companion for those of us seeking greater levels of balance, meaning, and joy--this book offers many gems of inspiration as well as the welcomed reminder that the journey toward wholeness always begins within.” (Karen Horneffer-Ginter, Ph.D., author of Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit)
“The Zero Point Agreement is not only a book it’s also a beautifully written love letter to the essence of who we really are.” (Radiah Nunez, hostess of the H2O Network)
“Julie’s new book goes to the sinew from the beginning, reminding us of who we really are. She invites us to listen to ourselves, especially our demons, and shows us how to navigate from desire to the dreams that comprise our core. “Living life from my side” is an inspired, pragmatic concept that will change lives. Imagine a world where each of us takes 100% responsibility for our experience. This is Julie’s offering: a spark of hope and a path of light.” (Prudence Tippins, owner/director of The Calliope Center for Reflection and Renewal and Wheel of Init)
“In this resource-rich book of practical wisdom and wise practices, Julie Tallard Johnson offers readers multidimensional insights, inspiration, and skills for living with greater authenticity, creativity, and happiness. Integrating science, spirituality, and art in an engaging and deeply thoughtful approach to becoming who you already are, this gifted teacher demonstrates how each of us can create more meaning and joy in our lives--in ourselves, in the world around us, and for our power to create and shape the stories we tell ourselves and others.” (Amber Ault, Ph.D., clinical sociologist and psychotherapist)
BOOKS
I think it's imperative that we enter this new world, that is both certain to arrive as we recover from COVID but that is also charged with uncertainty, with a hold of our inner knowings. We need to enter these new emerging conversations with our selves and others in ways that are inclusive and fearless. There is a new world dawning, if we make it so. We can use the clue the red thread to navigate this uncertainty and new world fearless in our desire to make a real difference.” Julie
Link to purchase the book: http://www.shantiarts.co/uploads/files/jkl/JOHNSON_CLUE.html.
In The Clue of the Red Thread, Johnson, longtime student of author, teacher, and activist Parker J. Palmer, offers numerous practices and strategies for navigating what she calls the greatest adventure of our lifetime: going inward to discover who we truly are, then returning outward to blossom into a fearless and compassionate citizen, living with integrity while both keeping hold of the red thread in our own lives and moving forward to pass it on to others.
New Arrival! The Clue of the Red Thread. Click here to order: Nine Rivers, an imprint of Shanti Arts
I think it's imperative that we enter this new world, that is both certain to arrive as we recover from COVID but that is also charged with uncertainty, with a hold of our inner knowings. We need to enter these new emerging conversations with our selves and others in ways that are inclusive and fearless. There is a new world dawning, if we make it so. We can use the clue the red thread to navigate this uncertainty and new world fearless in our desire to make a real difference.” Julie
Link to purchase the book: http://www.shantiarts.co/uploads/files/jkl/JOHNSON_CLUE.html.
In The Clue of the Red Thread, Johnson, longtime student of author, teacher, and activist Parker J. Palmer, offers numerous practices and strategies for navigating what she calls the greatest adventure of our lifetime: going inward to discover who we truly are, then returning outward to blossom into a fearless and compassionate citizen, living with integrity while both keeping hold of the red thread in our own lives and moving forward to pass it on to others.
New Arrival! The Clue of the Red Thread. Click here to order: Nine Rivers, an imprint of Shanti Arts
How I Got to Where I Am: My Origin Story
I obtained my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a double major in sociology and social work. In the late 1980s, I worked as a social worker and case manager of a program in Minneapolis for those with chronic and persistent mental illness (my interest in this field came from my brother, who has had persistent mental illness).
I went to graduate school at the University of Minnesota at Duluth, and when I could not find the resources I was looking for, I started a self-help and support group for siblings and adult children of the mentally ill (and also as a result, designed and authored The Eight Stage Healing Process for Families and Friends of the Mentally Ill). Continuing to find real need, I founded the National Siblings Network in the United States through the Alliance of the Mentally Ill, and am proud to say that Australia adopted my eight-stage protocol and incorporated it into there primary national program for families of the mentally ill.
As a lifelong-learner and someone who is incredibly inquisitive, I have studied and investigated many, many different topics and areas of interest. It is accurate to state I employ a multicultural approach in my work, as I know each person has to find a spiritual practice and lifestyle that is personally relevant for them. My core dream has been, and remains to this day, to build community and connection, especially with those who lack resources.
To paint a picture of the areas I have explored and studied, I will share the highlights. These include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, mind training, thought transformation, creativity, Buddhist philosophy, transpersonal counseling, inutitive development, narrative therapy, eco-psychology, group dynamics and systems theory. As John Muir said, "everything is connected to everything else," so I am biased and determined to help us seek and experience this underlying connections in our life.
Also along the way, I have studied neurolinguistic programming (NLP)and rational emotive therapies (RET). I have recently furthered my education through various Teaching Academies through the UW, Madison, where I also teach one course on Integrative Field Social Work. I have explore inclusivity, social justice, trauma informed practices, diversity and humility. I rely on my and my client's curiosity to take us to our next level of engagement, learning and practice. I have explored and studied the role of creativity and journaling in one’s spiritual and psychological well-being and view creativity as an intricate part of an active and satisfying life. My own journaling practice began at the age of 16, along with my introduction into the I Ching and meditation. I came to value narrative therapies (storytelling) in helping others to transform suffering and negativity. I am a teacher of Vipassana (mindfulness) meditation (which I have practiced for three decades). I have studied and applied mandala work and the healing power of circles, wheels, and mandalas in the transformative process. Transformation, healing and recovery rely on one's ability to be self-aware and to discern for themselves what works and what doesn't. All my work comes down to us increasing our self-awareness, owning what is ours, and learning to live life from the inside out.
All of these approaches and philosophical systems are found in the basic principles and tenets of my work with others. Through my lifelong study and exploration, I was led to develop the Wheel of Initiation and the Initiation Course, which I led for two decades now. My most recent book: The Zero Point Agreement offers the reader a way to bring forth what is already within them. I have also offered my Spiritual Journaling classes since 1999 with great joy and success.
I also have an strong interest in the integrity of teachers, counselors and others who have an influence on other’s well-being. Each of my ten books addresses the special relationships between therapist and client, as well as student and teacher. I have researched and written on Spiritual Seduction, the Narcissistic teacher and what to look for in a spiritual teacher, or therapist. In Teen Psychic I help youth be careful in seeking psychics for help. I also have studied and written on the topic of adult bullying and have several blogs about the topic. Finally, nature is central to everyone’s health, wholeness and well-being and in my books and work I bring our personal relationship to nature into the query and healing process. Nature and Science are the foundation to my personal and professional pursuits.
In 2017 I started teaching at the UW, Madison in the Eau Claire location. This was a dream come true. I am an advocate of the Wisconsin Idea and have learned so much as I teach other social workers their important role as change agents in the world.
Of course, I’m not finished exploring and learning, every day brings forth another opportunity for me to make meaning and to be of benefit to others.
I went to graduate school at the University of Minnesota at Duluth, and when I could not find the resources I was looking for, I started a self-help and support group for siblings and adult children of the mentally ill (and also as a result, designed and authored The Eight Stage Healing Process for Families and Friends of the Mentally Ill). Continuing to find real need, I founded the National Siblings Network in the United States through the Alliance of the Mentally Ill, and am proud to say that Australia adopted my eight-stage protocol and incorporated it into there primary national program for families of the mentally ill.
As a lifelong-learner and someone who is incredibly inquisitive, I have studied and investigated many, many different topics and areas of interest. It is accurate to state I employ a multicultural approach in my work, as I know each person has to find a spiritual practice and lifestyle that is personally relevant for them. My core dream has been, and remains to this day, to build community and connection, especially with those who lack resources.
To paint a picture of the areas I have explored and studied, I will share the highlights. These include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, mind training, thought transformation, creativity, Buddhist philosophy, transpersonal counseling, inutitive development, narrative therapy, eco-psychology, group dynamics and systems theory. As John Muir said, "everything is connected to everything else," so I am biased and determined to help us seek and experience this underlying connections in our life.
Also along the way, I have studied neurolinguistic programming (NLP)and rational emotive therapies (RET). I have recently furthered my education through various Teaching Academies through the UW, Madison, where I also teach one course on Integrative Field Social Work. I have explore inclusivity, social justice, trauma informed practices, diversity and humility. I rely on my and my client's curiosity to take us to our next level of engagement, learning and practice. I have explored and studied the role of creativity and journaling in one’s spiritual and psychological well-being and view creativity as an intricate part of an active and satisfying life. My own journaling practice began at the age of 16, along with my introduction into the I Ching and meditation. I came to value narrative therapies (storytelling) in helping others to transform suffering and negativity. I am a teacher of Vipassana (mindfulness) meditation (which I have practiced for three decades). I have studied and applied mandala work and the healing power of circles, wheels, and mandalas in the transformative process. Transformation, healing and recovery rely on one's ability to be self-aware and to discern for themselves what works and what doesn't. All my work comes down to us increasing our self-awareness, owning what is ours, and learning to live life from the inside out.
All of these approaches and philosophical systems are found in the basic principles and tenets of my work with others. Through my lifelong study and exploration, I was led to develop the Wheel of Initiation and the Initiation Course, which I led for two decades now. My most recent book: The Zero Point Agreement offers the reader a way to bring forth what is already within them. I have also offered my Spiritual Journaling classes since 1999 with great joy and success.
I also have an strong interest in the integrity of teachers, counselors and others who have an influence on other’s well-being. Each of my ten books addresses the special relationships between therapist and client, as well as student and teacher. I have researched and written on Spiritual Seduction, the Narcissistic teacher and what to look for in a spiritual teacher, or therapist. In Teen Psychic I help youth be careful in seeking psychics for help. I also have studied and written on the topic of adult bullying and have several blogs about the topic. Finally, nature is central to everyone’s health, wholeness and well-being and in my books and work I bring our personal relationship to nature into the query and healing process. Nature and Science are the foundation to my personal and professional pursuits.
In 2017 I started teaching at the UW, Madison in the Eau Claire location. This was a dream come true. I am an advocate of the Wisconsin Idea and have learned so much as I teach other social workers their important role as change agents in the world.
Of course, I’m not finished exploring and learning, every day brings forth another opportunity for me to make meaning and to be of benefit to others.
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©2021 Julie Tallard Johnson. The Writing Sherpa
Embodied Counselor & Educator
Engaged in the world, one conversation at a time
Most rights reserved. Admin
Embodied Counselor & Educator
Engaged in the world, one conversation at a time
Most rights reserved. Admin