Welcome! I am so glad you are here.
Image description: Julia smiling looking to the side with her head propped on her hand enjoying the sunshine. A mural is behind her.
My name is Julia (she/her/hers). I am a psychotherapist in Oakland, CA. I work with adults, teens and relationships. Therapy is a collaborative process; you can think of me as a companion as we travel down the roads of your growth together. I am committed to helping my clients to become the most authentic versions of themselves. There is no need to go through life suffering. Let me help you put down the weights you have been carrying. My style of therapy is warm, authentic and collaborative. You can count on non-judgmental and stigma-free care. My communication style is direct and straight-forward – I am skilled at cutting through the noise and getting to the heart of the matter. I also bring in a healthy dose of humor when appropriate!
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I see my clients as individuals functioning within systems: for example, family systems, societal systems, and systems of oppression. We do not exist in a vacuum, but are constantly navigating the complex world that we live in. As a white cis-woman, I work to constantly check my own privilege and position of power, while also fighting systems that oppress my own marginalized identities. I come from a Holocaust survivor family, and I have lived-experience and insight on the impact of intergenerational trauma.
I use a holistic approach to health, meaning that I work collaboratively with other health care professionals as needed to give you the best care, like dietitians, psychiatrists, primary care doctors and any others on your care team. The mind is only one piece of the puzzle – therapy also includes somatic cues from your body. In addition to psychotherapy, my background is in yoga, meditation and other contemplative practices. Together we sit in the present moment, just as it is. Read more about how I work here.
I have taught as an adjunct Professor of Human Sexuality at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco to psychology graduate students training to become therapists. I have also guest lectured at other graduate institutions on the intersection of sex and therapy including at the University of San Francisco.
Image description: Above: Julia smiling outdoors wearing a red top. Below: Julia smiling wearing red with her arms around a black and tan dog.
My dog Clover occasionally makes an appearance in the therapeutic space. Clover is a trained, hypoallergenic rescue dog. Many people find the presence of an animal in the therapy room to be soothing.
Education
Masters of Social Work (MSW), Smith College School for Social Work
B.A. in Psychology, Minor in Jewish Studies, University of California Santa Cruz
Sex Therapy Certificate Program, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA
Certifications + Training
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) Certified Sex Therapist
International Association of Psychosexual Therapists (IAPST) Certified Psychosexual Therapist
Post-graduate training in couples and adolescent therapy at the Women's Therapy Center, Berkeley, CA
The Body Positive Licensed Facilitator Training
Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga Alliance
I am also a member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH), Kink Aware Professionals and Pro-Choice Therapists.
I honor the Ohlone Nation, on whose occupied lands my office is located. I pay monthly Shuumi land tax to support the efforts of the Sogorea ’Te Land Trust, an indigenous women-led land trust in the East Bay.