I am white queer neurodivergent, born female who uses the pronouns she/her. I strive to acknowledge my privileged access to certain resources and strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my practice.

The letters behind my name- What do they actually mean?

MSW: Master of Social Work
I earned a Master of Social Work. I chose this degree rather than a strict counseling degree because of the well rounded perspective of folks in their environment.
You aren’t just an individual. You are a part of a family, a community, a system or many, and the global world. All of these things impact who we are- and the social work perspective gave me a wider view.

LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
This license means I met the lengthy supervision, hours, and requirements to become a therapist. I don’t refer to myself as a counselor, as I don’t counsel. However, our state refers to this standard as such.

LICSW: License (Independent) of Clinical Social Work
While it was not required, I completed a dual credential. I completed extra supervision to obtain my License of Clinical Social Work. This license had a higher standard to meet in order to obtain.

An important item to note: folks tend to associate social workers in one big area… children and families… and often in a negative tone. I have many social work friends who work for social service agencies who work tirelessly to protect families. However, I do not work in that realm. I do need to make mandatory reports of abuse to vulnerable people (as all therapists do), but social workers work in all sorts of areas, including as private practice therapists.

Personal history, dedication to social justice, and beliefs and acknowledgments.

While taking time to recognize my privilege as a white woman (assigned female at birth- AFAB) in the Pacific Northwest, my journey to where I am today was not easy.

I experienced systemic abuse in many realms spanning from spiritual, sexual, emotional, physical, and financial. I empathize with the struggles that so many experience to cope with complex trauma and post-traumatic stress.

I spent over a decade working with youth and young adults in low-socioeconomic areas coping with a variety of challenges, including poverty, abuse, pregnancy, domestic violence, sexual assault, racism, and homelessness. Many of these years included running mentorship programs at overnight and day camps for teens and young adults.

My continuing advanced research, knowledge, and personal experience in high-demand groups (cults and unhealthy religious/spiritual groups, including mainstream churches) bring me to a deeper understanding of spiritual abuse and trauma.
This includes the continued abuse and attacks on marginalized/vulnerable communities (including LGBTQIA+ people, neurodivergent folks and BIPOC/PGM - People of the Global Majority). I meet with many different leaders in this area of research, and continue to be at the forefront of the #churchtoo and #metoo movements.

A couple of huge things about me clients should know:

I am way into social justice. I continue to work to be anti-racist and anti-oppressive (which are ongoing practices), and I celebrate and belong to the queer community. Morals/Values/Ethics are cornerstones of my personal and professional life.

I am Neurodivergent, with a Neurodivergent family. Many of whom did not receive a formal diagnosis until their 30’s and 40’s! I acknowledge the amazing things that my Neurodivergence gives to me (unique insights, sweet sweet skills and many more), while also leaning into not only the difficulties (where the HELL is my phone*, thoughts like “why am I late again- my friends are going to hate me!”) and finally adjusting and embracing to being disabled.
*Note: I don’t want my phone for making a phone call. Because making one or talking on the phone sounds horrible.

I also acknowledge that I practice my work on the land of the Chinook and Cowlitz tribes, forcibly taken away from them by violent acts by white conquerors. I mourn and abhor the part that my ancestors played in this vile history, as well as the role that is currently being played out daily curtailing the (limited) rights of the people who were here way before anyone “discovered” this land.

I believe that all people should have control over what happens to their bodies. I believe in our power, control, agency, and autonomy if that does not harm others.

I am open about these beliefs from the beginning to create a safe space for vulnerable and marginalized populations to see prior to entering into therapy. I understand this may cause others to not choose me as a therapist. I’m okay with that.

I want to ensure that vulnerable, marginalized, and oppressed populations know that therapy with me will be safe, given the uncertainty and honestly, fear we feel.

While these might seem like political statements that a therapist shouldn’t share, I believe these human rights should be openly communicated to proactively set the tone for safety for the oppressed before beginning a journey with a therapist.

I believe neutrality is not an option when it comes to therapists. Neutrality favors the oppressors. Click here to learn more.

Being open about about political stances is often seen as a radical disclosure for therapists, because self-disclosure is a controversial topic. However, a client’s safety will always rise to the top for me, and in this case- radical disclosure is completely necessary.

It is our roles (as human beings, but let’s go with therapists in this example) as advocates to loudly and proudly seek equity in the world in which our clients live. So I will continue to share loudly who I am and what my space strives to align with.

And finally, the least controversial statement in the lot: my passion for seeking the causes of current behavior drives my work. There is a deep reason for the things we do, it can often stem from past trauma/events/experiences. It makes NO sense to simply tell someone to STOP doing a behavior or just think something else. It’s like “Bippity Boppity Boo- I Fixed You!” Nah, Fam.

We need to understand why you are doing it in the first place. That takes time and a relationship of trust with your therapist. We will move at the speed of trust.

PS- If you made it to the end of this- Wow! Congrats! And thank you!

My style is a mix of several points of view.

First, I believe that our relationship is the most important factor. We build a relationship based on mutual trust to do great work together as a team. This may take time.

Adrienne Brown says “move at the speed of trust.”

Second, I believe that always sitting far apart at a forced distance from a client isn’t ideal. I love to kick off my shoes, get comfortable and connect about what is going on in your world. I talk with my hands a ridiculous amount.
I’m casual in my approach, but serious about helping clients.

I LOVE feedback. When something works for you in session, I love to hear that. When something ISN’T working I especially love to hear that. Therapy is a team sport. I approach therapy without ego. I’m the sidecar to your motorcycle.

I’ve become very familiar and comfortable with the world of Zoom therapy. I love to mix laughter and seriousness together to make a fun blend of incredible possibilities for growth and healing. I strongly believe in the value of humor when facing hard things.

I believe there is a significant difference between “all are welcome here” & “This was created with you in mind.” I believe therapy is like this. We will work together to find what works best for you, and make it your space.

I believe in helping you be seen, not viewed.

You are a person who is ready to look at what is currently going on in your life, or what has happened.

You are looking to make some changes and/or want some feedback on your efforts.

You are ready to show up. (You know that your appointments are like a ticket to a show and your seat is reserved just for you.)

You enjoy being serious. You enjoy having fun. You ask questions. You desire to change or improve an area of your life.

You are seen as unique in some way. Maybe in a good way, maybe in ways you don’t like.

Black sheep?
(Welcome to this therapy pasture!)

Estranged from your toxic family? (Welcome home!)

Blamed for all the things?
(Scapegoats are just the easy way out for other people- it’s not you, it’s them!)

On the shame/blame/guilt train?
(Let’s get you to your last stop!)

A lot of my past clients tend to be really quirky people. Unusual collections, unique reading interests, cool hyper fixations on unusual topics.
I DIG this stuff. Please tell me ALL about your collections/interests!!!

Do you consider yourself a weirdo? I’m here for it.

This is a long one!

A bunch of my clients are neurodivergent! You are welcome to be unmasked, and be yourself with me. I recognize this may take time and trust.

I do NOT and WILL NOT “treat” Neurodivergence.

Neurodivergence is you.
It is something that makes us who you are. It is not something to treat.

Neurodivergence can, however, bring about challenges in our lives as we live in a world made for and by neurobland/allistic people in a patriarchal/systemically oppressive society.

We can work together to discover how you can best navigate that world with your unique skills and needs with tools, advocacy and accommodations.... while also taking some decent space to rage/mourn about the unfairness and unacceptability of that burden being placed on us.
I get you.

• How do you understand/define neurodivergence, neurodivergent affirming, etc.?
Neurodivergence (ND) is a funny word- The technical way of thinking of it is that your brain works in a different way than the “typical” brain. (what even IS that?) (Click here for a lovely break down of all sorts of things!)

Not a fan of this definition, but there it is. ND centric (I dislike the word affirming) therapists are not only supportive of unique brains, but also know a lot about how to encourage you, your brain, and your way of looking at the world to look at not just living in it, but thriving in it too.

• What is your experience, personal or professional, with (specific neurotypes, profiles, etc.)
I have my own ND diagnoses that I am super open about, and my family is splashing in the same pool! I’ve taken SO many trainings as well- but it’s the lived experience that I find the most useful.

• How do you view and address masking as it relates to mental health?
Oh gosh, isn’t masking exhausting? There will always be areas of our lives where it will feel unsafe to unmask. However, exploring our true selves and deciding where you want to start to show parts of your authentic self can be a part of your process.

• What is your perspective on the use of psychopharmacology (Meds) as a component of mental health support for neurodivergent individuals?
In some cases of ND, people choose to explore medications to assist them with the symptoms that can accompany ND. (For instance, anxiety, overwhelm with sensory processing, etc.)
We can explore what is right for you, and I FULLY support medication as a tool!
I do NOT support medication providers/supplements/etc. that promise some sort of reduction/cure of "Autism."
If you are Autistic, you are Autistic.
BUT, I dig the support of medication/herbs/chiropractic treatments/tools for the other side cars that might come alongside. Yay!

• With the understanding that nothing is one size fits all, what does it look like to take a holistic approach to supporting ND clients? Who else in the community do you work with and/or consult?
I love working with others in the community to get other’s point of view. I literally have no ego, and when I don’t know something, I hit the latest research, and am deeply connected to my local therapist community. If I don’t know, you can be sure I will find out! As a Master of Social Work, I was educated to take a look at your entire system around you, not just you.

• What is your professional stance on ABA?
No.
Just No.
I AM ANTI-ABA.
(I hope that gives you a clear picture.)
Studies are ** very clear ** about the trauma/harm caused by ABA and other behavioral-based approaches for “treating” Autistic people. CBT/DBT approaches can also be harmful if not utilized correctly.

ABA is often for the convenience of Neurobland people people, to “train” Autistics to “perform," “conform,” “be less embarrassing/loud/Autistic” or reduce the amount of work/effort they need to put in to accommodate the needs of Autistic folks.

I also stand against any organization that promotes ABA, considers Autism as something to be fixed, as a “puzzle”, etc.
Autism Speaks is a hate group. Feel free to look into this further online to hear from Autistic people about why.
I am VERY wary of any organization that is “studying Autism” by looking at genetic coding to “help” Autistic people. I believe this may lead to an ability to perform Eugenics prenatally.

I can provide those studies, links, perspectives directly from Autistic people, etc. if asked. You don’t need to be a client. Message me, as well as look in my resources section.

• How have you setup your practice to meet the needs of the client demographics you work with? What are some accommodations are you familiar and comfortable with providing for ND clients who have struggled in other therapeutic settings? Are there accommodations or support needs you aren’t comfortable working with?
I work exclusively via telehealth at this time. This has helped many clients, as they found the ability to turn off cameras when they feel overloaded with emotions/eye contact/or just peopling occurs. I am deeply familiar with accommodations in the workplace/school (if you have a little, I can help you with IEP/504 ideas!)

As someone with a unique brain myself, I’m great at taking notes, so if you are someone who tends to go on fun bunny trails and forgets the original thought, I’ve got you!

If you have accommodation needs for therapy- hit me with it! Let’s see what we can do!

And finally, if there something that I am unfamiliar with, I will research the heck out of it, and will see how I can meet your needs. If I cannot, I will find a few referrals for you.

I will not take on clients that I am not the fit for, you deserve the best care- and if that’s not me, I want you to know that. If after a couple of sessions that you deserve someone better/more qualified than I, I will also remove my ego and make sure that you have a better match.

LHC Podcast- Healing Religious Trauma- (You Tube)
Therapists Next Door- Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
Therapists Next Door- Spiritual Trauma
Embracing Autistic Parenthood- Interview

What clients think about Julia (shared with permission.)

“Julia has been an absolute life saver in every way. Never have I had a therapist who understands me and pursues my treatment and experience with such curiosity and knowledge.
She truly is the definition of what social work is about and she has truly changed my life for the better."