my specialties:
Image description: Julia smiling wearing pink-rimmed glasses on a purple couch.
Sexuality: I am a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). I specialize in providing therapy for issues related to sex and sexuality. I have post-graduate training in sex therapy and continue to expand my knowledge with ongoing trainings. I take great care and sensitivity when approaching the topic of sex, with the intention of creating a therapy environment of comfort and ease. For more information about sex therapy with me, click here.
Sexual health and reproductive health: As a former therapist at Planned Parenthood Northern California, I provided sex-positive therapy and education to a vast array of clients, including decisions and care around reproductive health. I worked on a multidisciplinary medical team with nurses, psychiatrists, gender medical care specialists and other medical support staff. I gently guide my clients through exploring themes of sex and sexuality.
Gender: I have a passion for providing gender-affirming care for clients identifying at any point on the gender spectrum. I have experience writing letters to medical providers/insurance companies for gender-affirming procedures. I am not only a therapist, but an advocate for my clients. In addition, I interned as a staff therapist at Alliance Health Project in San Francisco, where I co-facilitated the transgender support group. I am a current member of WPATH (World Professional Association of Transgender Health). For more information on working with me for gender-affirming care, click here.
Relationships: I received advanced training in couples therapy at The Women’s Therapy Center in Berkeley. Click here for more information about working with me for relationship therapy.
Boundary setting: Boundaries are necessary to create spaciousness in our life and to take care of ourselves. Sometimes we need a little extra help creating and upholding boundaries with our loved ones or other people in our life.
Body image & disordered eating: I am a Licensed Be Body Positive Facilitator, which means I am passionate about helping individuals find acceptance in their body size and decrease distress related to body image. I am well versed in Health At Every Size (HAES), a non-diet, weight-neutral approach to health. If needed, I can help set you up with a body positive dietician to support our therapy work.
Trauma: I am a trauma-informed therapist. This means that I am always holding the impact trauma has on our bodies and minds. I approach working through trauma with gentleness and the utmost respect and care, moving at a pace that feels safe to you. I incorporate trauma education in my work and am informed by the Living Legacy of Trauma framework.
Mindfulness and body-centered work: As a trained yoga teacher, meditation practitioner, and athlete, I know the importance of the body in psychotherapy. I bring my knowledge of teaching mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Our past trauma and history is stored in the body, and I believe the body is a crucial tool to accessing healing and growth. I also draw from elements of mindful self-compassion in my work with clients, based in teachings by Kristin Neff and Jack Kornfield.