About Julie
My journey as a therapist began in 1991, when I attended Bryn Mawr College Graduate School.
I started my career as a Clinical Social Worker at an urban cancer center in Philadelphia. It was there I worked with cancer patients in all phases of their illness, providing individual and group counseling, as well as workshops and resource connections.
After moving back to Colorado (where I grew up) in 1998, I worked as a mental health therapist for a community mental health center and then grew into program management for two centers. It was there I developed a deep respect for the struggles of those living with mental illness and the effects on their families
In 2002, I started my private practice here in Colorado. Over the last 20 years I have helped hundreds of individuals and couples navigate the challenges of their lives.
In 2008, I met and began training with Terry Real, the founder of Relational Life Therapy (RLT). It was then I began a journey of professional and personal growth of Full Respect Living, the basic tenet of RLT. I have used this model to help clients discover their inherent self esteem, heal their early wounds, and deepen their personal relationships with skill and integrity. In 2022, I became a faculty member for the Relational Life Institute, and now train therapists and provide community learning opportunities such as Men’s Groups and Relationship Skills Bootcamps.
I am also trained in EMDR, ACT, DBT, Gestalt and the Enneagram, which are outlined below.
My Approach
I have been trained and use the following therapeutic models:
The Relational Life Therapy Model for couples and individuals
Relational Life Therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic model specifically designed to address the complex dynamics and challenges within intimate relationships. Our early learning and culture deeply impacts our approach to intimacy, and often impedes our ability to connect effectively in our relationships. RLT uncovers these ineffective strategies and creates skills to form a better relationship with ourselves and others.
As a faculty member with RLT, I train therapists and provide learning opportunities to the community.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals develop psychological flexibility and make meaningful changes in their lives. What I like about ACT is its strong focus on mindfulness practice, together with value based changes in habits and behavior. We know mindfulness works best for changing brain patterns and desired behavior changes, and when we connect it to our values we can live lives more aligned with what really matters to us.
I am trained as an ACT therapist and use this model as an effective mindfulness based therapy.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach combining mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and enhance their overall well-being.
DBT can help when we find ourselves reacting to events in ways we feel we can’t control.
I have facilitated DBT groups and have used this model for many of my individual clients who suffer from emotional regulation issues.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt Therapy is an experiential and holistic therapeutic approach that focuses on the present moment, promoting self-awareness and integration of one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
I use techniques of this model to help people get in touch and name their experience and feelings. In addition, it is also helpful in regulating emotional reactivity.
I am certified in Gestalt Therapy, and have used its techniques for many of my clients.
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapeutic approach that uses bilateral stimulation to facilitate the processing and resolution of traumatic memories and other distressing experiences. Our brain can become hijacked when we don’t successfully process traumatic experiences. EMDR uses a technique to help the brain and the nervous system calm down the reactivity associated with trauma. When we say “I know this intellectually, but I don’t seem to get past my …(fear, upset, etc)”, this is usually where EMDR can help. People are often surprised by how effective this can be.
In 2006 I trained in EMDR and have had extensive training in trauma work since.
Enneagram Informed and Trained
The Enneagram is a personality system that describes nine distinct personality types, each characterized by specific patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, providing insights into individual motivations and growth opportunities. This personality model provides a wealth of understanding of our basic instincts and fears, and it has helped clients navigate their strengths and vulnerabilities both with themselves and others.