Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to reach me is through the contact form on this site. After receiving your request we'll work together to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. The phone consultation is our opportunity to discuss your current concerns, to assess the ways I can possibly support you, and whether EMDR therapy might be a fit.
Unlike talk therapy methods which focus on relational and insight-oriented resolution toward change, EMDR therapy is a holistic mind-body approach toward change. While still relationally based, EMDR is more clinician led and an evidence based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It also has well-documented literature for treatment of other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, recent traumatic events, psychiatric disorders and somatic complaints.
EMDR is based in neuroscience and with an understanding of how adverse experiences are held in the nervous system and body. EMDR is based in a what is called the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model which posits that much of psychopathology is due to incomplete processing of disturbing or adverse life experiences. To address the incomplete process, EMDR works in phases and utilizes a three prong approach of past, present and future. This approach has been shown to alleviate presenting concerns, decrease or elimate distress from disturbing memories, relieve somatic disturbance and improve the view of oneself.
EMDR has an incredibly wide level of application and can be utilized in enhancing performance such as in athletics, business and relationships.
For more information please visit www.emdria.org
Models of therapy are shifting and not only is committing to weekly therapy sessions not always a viable option, but resesarch is increasingly demonstrating the benefits of extended, shorter term sessions. An EMDR Intensive involves short term treatment in which sessions are scheduled for either an extended period of time and/or several sessions within a short amount of time. For example, what would normally be six (6) 1-hr weekly sessions could instead be addressed as three (3) 2-hr extended, intensive sessions in a single week.
If you're interested in being placed on my EMDR Intensive session waitlist, please reach out to me using the contact form on this site.
The Flash Technique is a recently developed therapeutic intervention that aids in reducing disturbances associated with traumatic or adverse circumstances. What is most significant about the Flash Technique is that it is minimally intrusive and does not require the client to consciously engage with the traumatic memory. Unlike other trauma therapies, it can allow processing of adverse circumstances without feeling the distress. The flash technique can be helpful with recent event traumas, grief/loss, anxiety and many other mental health concerns.
For more information: https://flashtechnique.com/wp/
Have you ever heard yourself say "there's a part of me that wants to do things this way..." followed by "...but there's another part that wants to do it this other way?" Welcome to parts work!
Parts work focuses on working with these parts of ourselves that hold disowned, protective, or opposing aspects. Parts can sabotage resolution and healing as they often try to protect us from the vulnerable feelings that occur with adverse circumstances. While there are many therapuetic approaches to working with parts, I draw primarily from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and/or Ego States (Structural Dissociation) and have advanced, specialized training working with somatized parts.
I am private pay only and accept payment via credit card and/or HSA/FSA benefit card. I can also provide a superbill which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
For my current therapy session rates, please refer to Therapy section of the main page.
Please note that EMDR Intensives are not typically reimbursed by insurance.
No Surprises Act
Effective January 2022
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask me as your health care provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Therapy is a collaborative relationship and being able to attend with consistency and practicing changes daily to meet your goals is an important part of the process. Which is why part of our collaboration is a time agreement.
For EMDR therapy I require a 48 Hour prior to the time of your appointment. A full session fee will be charged for any cancellation that does not provide sufficient notice.
For information on my Notice of Privacy Practices, please refer to my Notice of Privacy Practices
No. While both offer support, growth, and healing, therapy and coaching serve different purposes and are structured differently.
Therapy is a regulated healthcare service. It is focused on treating mental health conditions, healing past trauma, and exploring emotional patterns.
Coaching is not therapy. It is future-focused, goal-oriented, and designed to help individuals make empowered life changes, navigate transitions, and integrate holistic tools for growth.
nder her LMFT license, Julie offers psychotherapy for issues like trauma, grief, anxiety, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation. These sessions follow the legal and ethical guidelines, are confidential, and may include EMDR, somatic tools, and polyvagal-informed care.
Heartscapes, LLC is Julie’s separate wellness practice offering holistic coaching, workshops, and educational programs for midlife transformation, burnout recovery, menopause support, and nature-based healing. These services are not clinical therapy and are open to clients across state lines.
Possibly, but not at the same time. To maintain clear ethical boundaries, clients can either engage in therapy as a California resident under Julie’s LMFT license or choose coaching/wellness services through Heartscapes, LLC. If you’re unsure which path is best, reach out to discuss options.
Therapy may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement and follows strict privacy laws (HIPAA). Also requires a license and is a treatment oriented model of care.
Coaching is not covered by insurance, does not involve clinical diagnosis, and follows a different confidentiality structure.
Julie is transparent about these differences and will help you make an informed choice.
Coaching sessions may include nature-based practices, expressive arts, somatic rituals, menopause education, burnout recovery tools, and midlife wellness mapping. These are grounded in Julie’s extensive training and experience but are not considered clinical treatment.
If you're working through trauma, anxiety, or mental health symptoms and live in California, therapy may be the right path. If you’re seeking guided support for a life transition, such as menopause, career change, or burnout recovery—and want a creative, body-honoring approach—coaching may be a great fit.



