My Approach to Therapy
Over the years, I have moved away from relying on any one singular approach—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Somatic Experiencing—toward a more integrative, relational, and embodied practice. The growing consensus in clinical psychology is that no single intervention is universally superior. Instead, the most critical factor in therapeutic success is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client.
I wholeheartedly agree.
The most effective therapy, in my experience, is a combination of relational, narrative, and embodied approaches:
  • Relational: A successful therapeutic experience depends on a strong, skillful, and authentic relationship between client and therapist. A good match fosters trust, safety, and meaningful transformation. As a therapist, I am grounded in clear principles and boundaries, with a skill set that is both professional and deeply human. Compassion and genuine curiosity about my clients guide my work, and I believe that true healing begins when the client feels seen, heard, and understood.
  • Narrative: The stories we tell ourselves shape our reality. Through sharing experiences, engaging in inquiry, and bringing awareness to our internal narratives, we can heal and transform painful circumstances and negative habitual patterns. Narrative work is not only about past experiences but also about recognizing and reshaping the assumptions and beliefs that influence how we move through life.
  • Embodied: Healing is not just a cognitive process; it is a lived, physical experience. Our bodies hold our histories, emotions, and unprocessed pain. An embodied approach means bringing awareness to physical sensations, breath, and movement, using tools like nature, emotional awareness, and mindfulness to support healing. It also acknowledges our interdependence with the natural world, reinforcing that healing happens within the context of our environment, not in isolation.
Embodiment is the foundation of deep healing. Before we had words, before we intellectualized our experiences, we understood the world through our bodies. Embodied practices allow us to access insight and transformation through the wisdom of our physical, emotional, and intuitive selves. The body holds the keys to our healing, offering us a safe and profound way to release trauma, align with our true path, and cultivate lasting change.
For years, I have immersed myself in somatic experiencing, yoga, intuitive development, breathwork, and depth psychology, alongside mindfulness traditions such as Vipassana, Lojong mind training, Rational Emotive Therapy, and CBT. My background also includes decades of studying Buddhist philosophy and psychology, all of which inform my integrative approach.
I bring this depth of experience into psychotherapy sessions, transformational circles, and even my work with writers. My goal is to offer practices that are not only transformative but also accessible and applicable in daily life. Finally, I trust in our innate imaginative and intuitive abilities—because healing is not just about understanding where we've been, but also about envisioning what is possible.
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Personalized In-Person & Remote TherapyI offer both in-person and remote therapy sessions, creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. My approach is rooted in presence—I show up fully with you, meeting you where you are.
Drawing from a diverse range of practices, I take a transpersonal approach, considering you as an individual within the broader context of your life, relationships, and daily experiences. Rather than isolating issues, we explore what truly supports your growth and well-being.
My background includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative counseling, thought transformation, systems theory, meditation, yoga, breathwork, personal ritual, somatic experiencing, and Buddhist psychology. Our sessions may integrate meditation or breathwork to help ground and embody insights gained in our work together.
Known for my intuitive and direct approach, I guide you toward the core of your desire to live more fully from a place of clarity and inner alignment. I see myself as a navigator, helping you steer your course toward deeper understanding and transformation.
I offer therapy and consultation in Mount Horeb, as well as online via phone or Zoom.
Session Details:
  • Remote (Online/Phone): 60 minutes
  • In-Person (Mount Horeb): 75 minutes
  • Rate: $130 per session (sliding scale available)
Free Initial ConsultationFinding the right therapist is important. I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to explore whether we’re a good fit.
Contact me to schedule your consultation and take the next step in your journey.

Other PossibilitiesEmbodied BreathworkFor over three decades, I have explored, practiced, and trained in a variety of breathwork techniques that support insight, healing, and transformation. These include:
  • Holotropic Breathwork (Stanislav Grof)
  • Vipassana Breath and Meditation (trained as a teacher)
  • Pranayama (completed yoga teacher training in November 2021)
  • Toltec Breathwork
  • Additional research-based practices
Drawing from these traditions, I have developed my own breathwork techniques, integrating wisdom from multiple sources to support deeper self-awareness and energetic balance.
For a fascinating exploration of the power of breath, I recommend BREATH by James Nestor.
Meditation PracticesMy meditation journey began at the age of 16 with Transcendental Meditation, which I practiced for six years. Over time, my path expanded to include:
  • Mindfulness Meditation (introduced through Stephen Levine’s A Gradual Awakening)
  • Dzogchen
  • Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breath)
  • Vipassana
I have studied and practiced a range of meditative traditions, each offering unique ways to cultivate presence, clarity, and inner peace.
Personal CeremonyThrough our work together, we may uncover personal ceremonies that can deepen your well-being, strengthen your connection to the natural world, and foster trust in a Higher Power—whatever that means for you. These ceremonies are an opportunity to honor transitions, set intentions, and cultivate spiritual alignment in a way that feels authentic to you.


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TESTIMONIES   (some from Betterhelp.com)   Due to confidentiality names are withheld. 

“The 8 sessions that I have had with Julie have had a surprising impact on my situation, helping to shift my perceptions and move me forward significantly along my path towards healing and happiness. I have felt very supported by Julie, not just within the sessions but also afterwards when she follows up with thoughts and suggestions for reading. What I have found particularly helpful is Julie’s straightforward and pragmatic approach. I have no hesitation in highly recommending her.”
 
“Julie is a dedicated and knowledgeable counselor. She put me at ease immediately and I have no trouble opening up during our sessions.”
 
"Julie is an amazing therapist! She challenges me to think in new ways and holds me accountable to my goals. I highly recommend her to those who are looking to make real changes in their lives."
 
"Julie has real expertise in striking right to the heart of issues, and doing so in a way that respects the individual's own autonomy and dignity. Working with Julie, I feel like I really will be safe in opening up, and that I can count on the person I am working with to bring real experience and acumen to the process. Combined with the useful features of the BetterHelp platform, I've had a very overall positive experience working with Julie as my counselor."
 
"Julie has been a guiding force in my journey. She is empathetic, strong and mindful. I have had many obstacles throughout my journey and I am still not a 100% but she has been so positive and encouraging. I would recommend her to anyone who is in a dark place and needs guidance."
 
"I have never tried therapy before, but Julie has set the bar high. She has such a peaceful, knowledgeable aura around her, and she listens and is so patient and professional. I am so thankful for her help."

Resources

 How to Mitigate Suffering & Increase Happiness. Article in the elephant journal.