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. I am an Adjunct Professor of Human Sexuality and teach sex therapy to graduate psychology students at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. 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. I interned as a staff therapist at Alliance Health Project in San Francisco, where I co-facilitated the transgender support group, and have since created and facilitated my own gender support groups. 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. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to dyadic and triadic work. 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. I teach the intuitive eating model, helping clients learn their own hunger and fullness cues. 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, Tara Brach, and Jack Kornfield.