Julie Waters Therapy
Supporting growth and balance inside and out.
Individual Therapy • Couples Counseling • Somatic Practice • Consultation
Somatic Therapy in Oakland
Welcome! Take a look around to learn about what I offer and if it aligns with your needs at this time.Finding the right fit for you in your healing journey is important. A good connection can give a deeper feeling of safety in the therapy room to process painful parts and access new perspectives- supporting you towards a brighter future.Julie Waters, LMFT #97171
Take a look at my newest offerings:
Somatic Stretch Groups
Somatic Therapists Consultation Group
APPROACH
Integrative Psychotherapy
As a unique human, you deserve care that reflects your individuality. I integrate multiple therapeutic models to support your needs. In getting to know you, I consider:
Your development
Cultural influences
Potential impacts of trauma
Strengths and resiliencies
Values and goals
Your fundamental unique nature
Integrative Psychotherapy
Somatic Therapy
Somatic Practices
Moving from thinking into processing sensations and emotions in the body can be transformative when we learn to hold ourselves in safety and love.Somatic theories inform all of my practice and can help:
Relieve tensions
Deepen safety and grounding
Clear blockages
Clarify authentic needs
Energize and inspire
Somatic practice groups offered weekly.
THERAPY FOR RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships of all kinds are at the core of every session. Deepen understanding, respect and connection with guided support.
I work with:
Blending family cultures
Infidelity and betrayals
Loss of intimacy and sexual connection
Navigating polyamory and ENM
Parenting and coparenting
Recurring conflicts and patterns
Single by choice
Relationship Therapy
SERVICES
Somatic Therapy in Oakland
Therapy for individual adults, teens, and couples and relationships of all kinds.
Groups and consultation offered regularly.
I work with:
Anxiety
Chronic pain
Depression
Loss and grief
Life transitions
Personal growth and resiliency
Relationship conflict
Trauma recovery
Therapy appointments available in Oakland, CA and Online:
Monday - Thursday 9:00am-6:00pmGroups: Wednesday evenings, Friday afternoonsConsultation Group: Friday 9:30-11:00am
ABOUT
Julie Waters, LMFT #97171
I’ve been offering therapeutic services since 2010, and my work in the healing arts began in 2001. From the age of 20, two core beliefs have guided me:First- No one is free until all of us are free. To me, freedom is health. I love supporting and witnessing others as they grow into greater authenticity and peace.Second- I’ve always embodied the saying, “healer, heal thyself.” Staying committed to my own growth and evolution as a person keeps me inspired and empathetic to your journey.Click below to learn more about my background, training, and how I stay balanced while remaining in tune with the rawness of life .
LET'S CONNECT
Book your free 20-minute discovery call today.Call, text, or email your questions using the form below.
510-560-3864
About ME
Julie Waters, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #97171
Earth: Grounding
Air: Clarity
Fire: Courage
Water: Cleansing
IN THE FIELD
I began practicing therapy in 2010 in community clinics, schools, and restorative justice programs.From 2014–2020, I served as Executive and Clinical Director at SOS Community Counseling, a nonprofit training facility offering free and low-fee services in Sonoma County.After stepping down from leadership in 2020, I continued with SOS as a Clinical Supervisor until 2021.During that time, I built my private practice, which I now operate in Oakland, California and online.
IN THE CLASSROOM
My path into the helping professions began early, through collaborations with peers, community advocates, and therapists that led to youth programs weaving together art, activism, yoga, and therapy.I became a yoga teacher in 2001, which sparked my lifelong studies in somatic therapy in California and abroad.At UC Berkeley, I majored in Interdisciplinary Field Studies, where I designed my own concentration in Integrative Psychology. I brought together coursework from various departments and wrote an honors thesis tying psychology, holistic health, culture, and community. I went on to earn a Master’s in Counseling at Sonoma State, specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling. My studies continue today, with a focus on somatic approaches and parts work.
IN MY HEART
A dancer in my youth, I found my way to yoga soon after high school and became a teacher in 2001. The yoga tradition opened a path into mindfulness, body awareness, and expanding consciousness.In 2001 I was introduced to a Dutch model of mind–body healing that deeply influenced my path. After years of personal study and experience as a participant, I began formal training in 2018 to become a psychomotor therapist. The model continues to inform my approach, as its theory and selected somatic interventions complement my work as an LMFT. I offer the full scope of body-based treatment through my separate psychomotor practice.Through dance, yoga and somatic practices, I experienced emotional and psychological breakthroughs and became curious about how these approaches could support deeper healing.These experiences continue to shape how I show up as a therapist today, offering therapy that honors both traditional and somatic-based methods!
FINDING BALANCE
Born and raised in the Bay Area I have always appreciated the abundance of natural beauty and progressive culture here.I connect with nature to decompress. I love hiking the steep hills of the Bay Area, listening to the soothing rhythm of the Pacific Ocean, and spending time in my garden. I commune with the plants and animals around me, seeing my own ebbs and flows reflected in the cycles of nature.To fill my cup, I love exploring new cities, experiencing arts and culture, dancing to live music. I'm inspired by the beautiful creations and expressions of the talented artists and creators, abundant here in the Bay Area and abroad!
Mendocino Woods
The Hague, NL
De Young, San Francisco
An Integrative Approach
THERAPEUTIC STYLES
Attachment : Cultivating secure relationships
Cognitive : CBT, Motivational Interviewing
Existential : Exploring purpose, authenticity, and freedom
Internal Family Systems : Connecting and integrating various parts of yourself
Psychodynamic : Easing defenses through the subconscious
Somatic : Mind-body connection
FRAME WORK
Developmental: Addressing factors from childhood development that may be impacting you today.
Feminist and Multicultural: Considering values, strengths, expectations, taboos, inequalities, and oppressions informed by your culture and society. I am and my practice is inclusive of all cultures, identities, abilities and religions. I am an LGBTQ+ ally, and supportive of all relational expressions.
Trauma Informed: I see symptoms as coping mechanisms from past traumas, big and small. The goal is to build safety so you can access your innate wisdom and strength.
RELATIONSHIP Therapy
The more we understand ourselves, the more we understand others, which leads to greater compassion and empathy all around. In relationships friction often happens when our younger parts get activated and we react from a scared or protective place.Through counseling partners will learn how to navigate those reactive, defensive or immature parts, together. Cultivating mutual understanding and developing skills can help you move through friction with a little more grace and success.
I work with couples, those in poly and ENM partnerships, families, and adult family members. I also work with individuals wanting to sort out their end of all kinds of relationships.
CORE VALUES
Building Safety
I aim to help you find balance between safety through healthy attachment, with the freedom to be unique individuals through autonomy, within the relationship.Taking Responsibility
I encourage each person to self reflect on their role in challenging dynamics, even when unintended or reflexive.Practicing Skills
Self-awareness through self-reflection, self-soothing and regulating practices, and communicating with integrity all help with conflict resolution and avoiding repeated patterns.
SOMATIC APPROACHES
Somatic practices strengthen the mind-body connection, increasing self-awareness and presence.Perceiving subtle movements inside your body helps to clarify what's for you, what's not for you, and where you hold tension and block your potentials.
In sessions I may lead you to practice:
Breath work
Body scanning and attuning
Guided visualizations
Physical postures and stretches
Hands-on techniques
Each of these practices are designed to help you feel more at home in yourself by releasing tension, waking up potentials, regulating your nervous system, and most importantly helping you feel rooted and safe in your body.
Join my somatic stretch groups on Wednesday evenings and Friday afternoons to learn more.I have a separate body work practice using a Dutch model by Dr. Niek Brow called Psychomotoric Therapy,
which offers an in depth personalized somatic program.
The Fine Print
WHO
Individual Therapy : Adults and teens.
Relationship Counseling : Couples, families, adult family members, friends, and business partners.
Groups : Adults of all ages.
Consultation : Therapists, somatic and bodyworkers, and coaches.
WHEN & HOW
Frequency- Sessions usually begin weekly or biweekly. Once you’ve reached steady progress, monthly or as-needed sessions may be an option.
GroupsSomatic practice groups meet weekly. Contact me for current openings.
Cost- Private practice therapy offers flexibility and depth beyond what insurance often allows, which is reflected in the fee.
Insurances- I do not accept insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill for potential partial reimbursement, depending on your plan.
Sliding Scale- Reduced rates are available when possible. Please inquire if cost is a barrier.
THE ARCH OF THERAPY
Each session is shaped by what you need that day. Sometimes I spend more time listening, other times, we’re in active dialogue or practicing new skills to help you integrate insights.
Beginning- We get to know one another, clarify what brought you in, and define your goals for therapy.
Middle- We explore patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs or behaviors, and strengthen your natural resilience.
Ending- We prepare for closure with reflections to integrate what you’ve learned and what you wish to bring forward with you after therapy!
SOMATIC PRACTICE GROUPS
I'm currently offering two somatic practice groups:Take an hour out of your day in a calm, supportive environment to turn inward and reconnect with your body. Each session includes guided somatic movements; targeted stretches designed to relax or awaken different physical and emotional systems, along with space to reflect or share your experience with others, if you choose.Stretches are non-rigorous and accessible for most bodies.
In-person and online access available.
Beauty and Balance from Within
Women's group
Who: Female-identifying adults
What: A 1-hour somatic practice group offering guided movements to release tension, awaken balance, and deepen perception.
When: First and third Wednesdays, 7:00–8:00 pm
Where: Julie’s office on Piedmont Ave, Oakland and Online
How much: $60 per session, with sliding scale available.
Active clients receive 50% discount.
GROUNDED CONNECTION
Somatics for all
Who: Adults of all gender identities
What: A 1.5- hour somatic practice group offering guided movements to release tension, awaken balance, and deepen perception.
When: Fridays at 1:00-2:30 pm
Where: Julie’s office on Piedmont Ave, Oakland and Online
How much: $75 per session (sliding scale available).
Active clients receive 50% discount.
Rooted in the Psychomotoric work of Dr. Niek Brouw from the Netherlands, Internal Family Systems, and other integrative somatic practices, this group supports deeper body awareness, emotional balance, and embodied connection.
Somatic Therapy Consultation Group
Forming now!Consultation Group for Bay Area based Somatic Therapists.We'll meet one Friday each month from 9:30am-11:00am, at my Oakland office on Piedmont Avenue.The group will be a collective leadership style, focusing on brief check-in's and prioritizing case consultation and business support needs.No cost, it's a mutually beneficial, supportive and generative group.Sign up or send me your questions with the "Get Started" link below.