New! Holiday Ground + Restore Somatic Group
Julie Waters Therapy
• Supporting growth and balance inside and out •
Individual Therapy • Couples Counseling Somatic Stretch Groups • Consultation
Welcome!
Take a look around to see what I offer and if it aligns with your needs.Finding the right fit for you in your healing journey is important. A good connection can create a deeper feeling of safety in the therapy room as you explore your patterns of feeling, thinking and behaving- and access new perspectives and possibilities, supporting you towards a brighter future.Julie Waters, LMFT #97171
APPROACH
My approach to therapy
Integrative
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 Approach
Somatic Techniques
Somatic
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
RELATIONAL
Relationships of all kinds are at the core of every session. I aim to help you find understanding, ease and connection with others through the guided, compassionate support of the therapeutic relationship.The therapeutic relationship can:
Provide safety to explore your inner world
Offer space to experience authentic vulnerability with a skilled, caring presence
Support the practice of expressing feelings and needs in real time with another person
Relational Therapy
SERVICES
My current offerings
Psychotherapy and somatic techniques for ages 13 and up.
Counseling for couples, families, and groups.
Treating
Anxiety
Chronic pain
Depression
Life transitions
Personal growth and resiliency
Relationship conflict
Trauma recovery
Current Offerings
Individual Therapy
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Group support
Somatic Practice Groups (new!)
Somatic Consultation Group *(new for therapists!)
ABOUT Me
Julie Waters, LMFT #97171
I’ve been offering therapeutic services since 2010, and working in the healing arts since 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 .
CONTACT
Schedule your free 20-minute discovery call,
sign up for a group, or send me your questions!
Call, text, or email using the form below.
510-560-3864
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 ME
Julie Waters, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #97171
IN THE FIELD
I began practicing therapy in 2010 in community clinics, public schools, and restorative justice programs.From 2015-2020, I served as Executive Director and then Clinical Director at SOS Community Counseling - which was 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 part-time Clinical Supervisor as I set up my private practice business, which I now operate full-time in Oakland, California and online.
IN THE CLASSROOM
My path into the helping professions began in my early adulthood, initially through collaborations with peers, community advocates, and therapist, which led to youth programs that wove together art, activism, yoga, and therapy.I became a yoga teacher in 2001, which sparked my lifelong study in somatic based 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 together psychology, holistic health, culture, and community. I went on to earn a master’s degree in Counseling at Sonoma State University, working in the on-campus Community Counseling Clinic.My studies continue today, with a focus on somatic approaches, attachment and parts work, among other theories and perspectives.
IN MY HEART
A dancer in my youth, I found my way to yoga soon after high school. The yoga tradition opened my mind to health and healing through mindfulness, body awareness, and consciousness expansion.In 2002 I was introduced to a Dutch healing modality, that integrates mind, body and spirit, which has deeply influenced my path. After years of personal study and participation, I began formal training in 2018 to become a psychomotor therapist. I was fortunate enough to train directly with the founder, Dr. Niek Brouw, in Holland until his passing in 2024. I continue to train with the Vitaal clinic in The Hague.Many elements of this model inform my psychotherapy practice today, as the theory and selected somatic interventions compliment and ground my work as an LMFT. I offer the full scope of body-based treatment through my separate psychomotor practice, as well.Over the years, through dance, yoga and various somatic practices, I've had many of my own emotional and psychological breakthroughs. I became curious about how these approaches could support deeper healing and have felt very fortunate to find a career where I can continue my own education, while supporting others as they access their own innate healing possibilities!
Grounding Earth
Clarifying Air
Courageous Fire
Cleansing Water
FINDING BALANCE
Born and raised in the Bay Area I have always appreciated the abundance of natural beauty and progressive culture here.To decompress, I connect with nature. I love hiking the steep hills of the Bay Area, listening to the soothing rhythm of the ocean, and spending time tending to and resting in my garden. Observing the plants and animals around me, I see the ebbs and flows of my life reflected in the cycles of nature.To fill my cup, I love exploring new cities, experiencing arts and culture, and 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!
The Hague, NL
Mendocino Woods
De Young, San Francisco
An Integrative Approach
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.
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
![Integrative]()
Integrative
RELATIONAL THERAPIES
In the therapy room, your relationships are supported in two ways: First, you have space to explore the interpersonal dynamics in your life, and second, you can do so through the therapeutic relationship.Self-understanding and self-compassion fosters the same for those we love and interact with. Friction often occurs when our un-explored or under-developed potentials are activated in relationship, and we react from a scared or protective place.Through counseling I help individuals, partners and family members, 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.
WHO
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.
Topics range from
Blending family cultures
Infidelity and betrayals
Loss of intimacy and sexual connection
Navigating polyamory and ENM
Parenting and coparenting
Recurring conflicts and patterns
Relationship with self and identity
Single-by-choice and/or childfree individuals
SOMATIC APPROACHES
Somatic practices strengthen the mind-body connection, increasing self-awareness and presence.By perceiving subtle movements within the body, you can begin to clarify what’s truly yours, what’s not, and where you may be holding tension or blocking potential.
I may guide you through practices such as:
Breath work
Body scanning and attuning
Guided visualizations
Gentle postures and stretches
Hands-on techniques
Each is designed to help you feel more at home in yourself—releasing tension, awakening vitality, regulating your nervous system, and fostering a sense of rooted safety in your body.GROUPS: I'm currently offering two somatic stretch groups.
While I integrate somatic techniques into my psychotherapy work, I also offer separate somatic practice to individuals and to groups open to the general public. These groups draw from the Psychomotor System developed by Dr. Niek Brouw, a holistic European model that deepens physical and emotional integration through guided movement, theory and touch.Note: The somatic groups are educational and experiential, not psychotherapy. You can explore them through my Somatic Stretch Groups page.
FAQ
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 are weekly at the start for the first 6-8 weeks. At that time, some continue weekly and others come every other week. Some choose to continue, monthly or as-needed after goals have been reached.
Groups- Somatic practice groups meet weekly. See my groups page for current openings.
COST
Private practice therapy offers flexibility and depth beyond what insurance often allows, which is reflected in my fees. However, given the economy at the moment, I've created some options to make live and in-person therapy more accessible:
Individual 50 minute session: $220
Individual 30 minute session: $120
Couple/Family 50 minute session: $270
Couple/Family 90 minute session: $350
Monthly Maintenance Package – $250/month
*Designed for former or transitioning clients, this includes one 50-minute session per month plus extended access to phone and email support. Longer calls and detailed email responses are included at no extra charge.
Insurance- 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
These groups offer an ongoing opportunity to experience my somatic approach in a calm, inclusive setting.Take 90 minutes of your day to turn inward and reconnect with your body. Each session includes targeted stretches designed to relax or awaken different physical and emotional systems and develop your self-perception.Stretches are non-rigorous and accessible for most bodies.
In-person and online access available.
CURRENT OFFERINGS
GROUND + RESTORE
Somatic Practices for the Holiday SeasonTake a pause from the rush. Reconnect with your body and find steadiness through gentle, guided movement and self-reflection.This 90-minute somatic class is designed to ease stress and support emotional balance as you move into the holidays.
Fridays in 2025
November 21 & December 19
1:00–2:30 PM
Nest Yoga, Piedmont Ave, Oakland
What to expect
Somatic stretches to release tension
Practices for grounding and integration
Time for reflection and intention setting
Simple tools to take home
No experience needed - come dressed to stretch.$70 per 90-minute session
50% discount give at first session, and sliding scale available for financial hardship, please inquire.Pre-registration strongly recommended.
For questions or to sign up, please use the form →READ MORE BELOW:
This group is based primarily on the Psychomotor theory and techniques of Dr. Niek Brouw, a developmental and movement-based system that supports regulation of the body and nervous system. The practice involves simple, accessible physical exercises that help calm, focus, and integrate body and mind, supporting deeper body awareness, emotional balance, and embodied connection.*It is experiential and educational in nature, and not psychotherapy.
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.