I have been moving away from any one singular approach to therapy, such as CBT, or even Somatic Experiencing.  The growing opinion in clinical psychology is that no particular intervention is better than any other, and that the most important predictor of therapeutic success is the quality of the therapeutic relationship

I agree with that predictor.
​
I have found that the best combo within therapy is relational, narrative and embodied. Relational in that the basis of a successful therapeutic experience is dependent on a healthy, skillful and genuine relationship between the client and the therapist. A good match results in good therapy. The therapist must be rooted in principles, boundaries and have a relatable skill set. Compassion and a genuine interest in the client must be the primary motive for the therapist. It is for me. And the client must feel a genuine connection with the therapist. Narrative in that through the client sharing of their story and experiences and practicing inquiry and attention they can heal and transform painful circumstances and negative habitual patterns. Narrative includes the stories and assumptions we tell ourselves, so those are also part of the inquiry. Embodied means the conversation and work is embodied in physical, emotional and environmental realities. That the context always returns to and is understood through one's physical-emotional experiences. This also reflects on interdependence on the natural world. Embodied means we use breathing, nature, emotional awareness as tools for healing and transforming pain stories. 

Embodiment can be understood as living life informed through our senses; through the sensations and emotions of our body.  Before words and and cognitive understanding, we experienced the world through our body. Embodied practices use all that is available to us for understanding, healing and insight. Our physical and emotional body offers all the information we need to heal from trauma, to follow our truest path and to achieve lasting insight. We can tap into our pain stories, held within our bodies in ways that are safe, transformative and healing.

Embodied practices realign you with your truest path and self. Our body is our gateway to fulfillment of our intentions. I have spent many years in embodiment (somatic experiencing, yoga, intuitive development, breathwork, depth psychology) and mindfulness (Vipassanna, Lojong mind training, Rational Emotive therapy, CBT) and Breath training and practices, along with decades of Buddhist studies in philosophy and psychology.  Through this knowledge and experience I have come to integrate the body and breath in psychotherapy sessions, in my practices in transformational circles and even with mentoring my writers. 

I am deeply committed to practices that are integrative and easily used in our daily lives. Finally, I rely on our imaginative (intuitive) abilities to explore what is possible. 

I offer both in-person and remote therapy sessions. 
​
My approach is to show up and be present with you. I borrow from a diversity of practices. I explore with each client in a transpersonal way, where you are viewed individually within the context of your larger life. This means, we do not isolate you out but discover what will help you through an understanding that comes from within the context of your day to day life and relationships. My background in cognitive-behavioral therapies, narrative counseling, thought transformation, systems theory, meditation, yoga, breathwork, personal ritual, somatic experiencing and Buddhist psychology lends to a meaningful and transformative experience. Various meditation and breath work practices may be used to integrate the theme of the given consultation. I am known for my intuitive and direct way of getting to the core of your desire for living more fully from the zero point. I understand myself more as a guide and consultant, like a navigator on a ship.  I am available for consultation and therapy in  Mount Horeb and over the phone or through ZOOM sessions.  Contact me for your initial free 20 minute phone consultation.   

Counseling sessions are for an hour on line or live. $125.00.  Please contact me to explore if I am the right therapist for you.

Other Possibilities 

Embodied Breath work: I have explored, practiced and trained in multiple breathwork practices that enhance insight, healing and transformation over the past 3 decades. These include: Holotrophic breathwork (Stanlas Grof), Vipassana breath and meditation (trained as teacher), Pranayama (in November 2021 took yoga teacher training), Toltec breathwork, and other researched practices. I have developed some techniques of my own borrowed from these wisdom teachings and practices. 

For more on the value of breath you might want to read BREATH by James Nestor. ​


THERAPY CLIENTS TESTIMONIES   ( some from Betterhelp.com) 

“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.