Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Crystal, MN

Finding the optimal therapeutic fit is a bit like going on a blind date... you hope for the best and prepare for the worst. People who think I'm a fit are often high-achieving individuals with an acute awareness of the issue, feel they have tried "everything" to fix it, and are giving therapy “one last chance.” I successfully get clients “unstuck” by challenging them in unconventional, collaborative ways. I intentionally push people 20% past where they are comfortable (because that’s where the growth happens!) and practice pivoting to ensure you have the skills to navigate, manage, and address the discomfort long-term.

I have over a decade of experience as a Psychotherapist, helping clients recover from trauma, manage ADHD, anxious and depressive symptoms, deconstruct their faith systems, reduce destructive behavioral patterns, sort through charged memories, and deal with their complicated in-laws. I have an eclectic approach, and I specialize in utilizing EMDR, IFS, and CBT frameworks. I truly believe everything is connected, both internally and externally. Thus, it is imperative to account for the 'whole person' in order for therapy to be effective. I also think it's important to laugh once in a while.

Are you looking for an affirming and relatable therapist? Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed in your day-to-day life? Is it difficult for you to move on from past or present pain? Perhaps you feel sadness, failure, anxiety, or a sense of despair. Do these feelings keep you from living the life you want? Disempowering thoughts and feelings of what happened and are currently going through may keep you stuck. You want to go forward but trauma has interfered. I can help you transform painful emotions into renewed wellbeing. How? You will gain a fresh perspective and learn strategies allowing you to discover your true and authentic self.

Julie graduated from The Adler Graduate School of Minnesota and The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Special Education Teacher, and Parent and Adult Educator. Her specialties include working with families with young children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with daily functioning or are striving for a more balanced, holistic, and fulfilling lifestyle. Through the use of multiple approaches, including CBT, solution-focused, humanistic, Adlerian, nutrition, and fitness counseling, she facilitates relational living within a systems approach.

I provide therapeutic treatment for adults struggling with a variety of concerns including: trauma and abuse, intense anxiety or depression, relationship struggles, persistent negative beliefs and unwanted intrusive thoughts, body sensations and emotions that are overwhelming and/or confusing. My clients often find that they get relief from the patterns and symptoms they've had for years and for which regular talk therapy has helped, but not sufficiently resolved. I use a whole brain, collaborative and respectful approach that is creative and responsive to my clients' unique needs, strengths and circumstances.

I empower couples and individuals to overcome personal obstacles. Areas of special interest include couples and individuals coping with chemical addictions, anxiety & depression, grief & loss, and intimate relationships. I assist my clients to find an understanding of themselves in order to strengthen their connections and their relationships. With deep compassion and no judgment, I welcome all.

Trauma, anxiety, and ADHD that are unaddressed will have you feeling shame and guilt that never seems to go away. Feeling exhausted and disconnected from the people around you. Difficulty trusting others. Living in fear. Challenges with starting things and seeing them through to the end. Procrastinating and feeling "stuck". A critical voice in your head that never seems to chill out... To live this way can feel incredibly draining and debilitating. It doesn't have to be this way. There is hope and healing on the other side.

What do you do when you are spinning in circles and have no earthly idea where to begin? Is your relationship with those most important to you floundering? Do you struggle with feelings of acceptance, of yourself, by family members, by society? Do you struggle to believe the phrase, "You are enough!"? Regardless of whether it is due to trauma (developmental, attachment, PTSD), questioning gender identity, sexual identity and your relationships, ENM/Polyamorous relationships, Kink/BDSM, out-of-control sexual behaviors, or MAPs, we can work together to get you where you would like to be!

You are the pilot in your life journey and deserve to be and feel respected and supported; which I pride myself on in my practice. I individualize all of my work and tailor it to your needs. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, phobias, ARFID, OCD, Emetophoia, and panic disorders. I am trained in ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), which is the leading treatment for anxiety, panic, OCD, and other disorders that benefit from ERP therapy. I also have training in executive functioning and adult ADHD treatment.

Oftentimes we find ourselves stuck in patterns and cycles that we struggle to get out of, let alone have hope for to change. These patterns might be a well-rehearsed dance with another person or even a full cast of characters, or simply of our own internal world that ripples outward into our life. Through increased awareness of the dynamic between things within self and dynamics within relationships, we can disengage from the ineffective and instead move intentionally toward a more functional, fulfilling way of being.

Do you feel unlovable or that you are not enough? Do you feel like you are always searching for acceptance from others? Do you feel like there is constant conflict in your relationship with your partner or family? You don’t have to struggle with this alone, and you don’t have to feel like this forever. I can help you! I work with individuals, couples, and families, providing them with assistance in working through the many challenges of life. I want to connect with you and create a space where you feel heard, validated, and supported. I also use my experience as an athlete and knowledge in sports psychology to help athletes succeed!

My commitment to lifelong learning informs my work, which is rooted in trauma-focused therapy modalities that prioritize the integration of mind, body and spirit. I believe that our bodies hold our stories, and it is crucial to incorporate body-based wisdom into therapy sessions. With nearly 20 years of experience, I have provided a safe space for healing, self-reflection, and support.

Are you having a lot of problems in your relationships (friends, family, a partner or spouse)? Do you feel misunderstood? Are you experiencing a lot of stress, anxiety, depression and/or worry due to work, being a single parent, divorce, marriage, committed relationship, racial issues, masculinity and/or self worth? Are you parenting alone and need some emotional support; need marital maintenance. Are you questioning things in life and need to make some decisions. Asking for support is a brave step. I am the Author of "Ruptured Attachment" and am passionate about helping individuals, couples and families heal from the inside out.

My approach to therapy is warm, relational, and supportive. I practice a blend of trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches, as well as therapeutic interventions based in attachment, collaborative, and systemic models of therapy. I believe you are the expert on yourself and your experiences. My role is to help you figure out what needs to happen to accomplish your goals, whether that means learning new skills to face life’s challenges, navigating relational stress, processing highly stressful or traumatic experiences, or something else entirely. I also believe humor and fun are integral parts of the therapeutic experience.

I use individual, couples and family therapy to help people work through a wide range of issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to relationship and family issues. Every client's situation is unique, so I attend to their unique contextual factors, and focus on their strengths to help promote growth and solutions to problems.