Julia Aziz LCSW-S

I believe that anxiety is often closely linked to high sensitivity and/or empathy. If you suffer from chronic underlying fear and worry, it is often helpful to understand how you are affected by your environment and other people. Learning how to set energetic boundaries and how to meditate or otherwise access an inner sense of calm can be very helpful. Somatic release and hypnotherapy are also wonderful tools for easing the need to control and learning how to let go.

I used to work as a hospice chaplain with dying patients and their loved ones, which gave me great appreciation for the different ways that people grieve. Oftentimes, people need permission to move through the many different feelings that come up with a loss, as grief is not just sadness, but all sorts of emotions. Whether it is the death of a loved one or a different sort of loss, a lot of patience and space is needed, as well as forgiveness for things left unsaid or undone.

I used to work as a hospice chaplain with dying patients and their loved ones, which was a great honor. Oftentimes, people need permission to move through the many different feelings that come up with a loss, as grief is not just sadness, but all sorts of emotions. Whether it is the death of a loved one or a different sort of loss, a lot of patience and space is often needed, as well as forgiveness for things left unsaid or undone.

I have practiced and done extensive studies in mindfulness meditation in Thailand, Nepal, and the US since 1996. Mindfulness is not a therapy modality for me as much as it is a way of life. Present-moment awareness is key for the shift in perspective that is often needed in therapy. I leave space in between clients to meditate and re-center myself because I believe that presence is most essential ingredient to good therapy. I also teach mindfulness tools to clients and in groups and retreats.

I incorporate a variety of tools in my practice, with a focus on mind-body-spirit integration. I use somatic release, body awareness, meditation, ritual, and other self-healing tools depending on each client's needs. I am also certified by Marika Alvarado, Apache elder, as a Traditional Healer through the Of The Earth School of Indigenous Medicine.

I integrate a spiritual approach to life's challenges with a background in counseling, hospice work, intuitive movement, and meditation. Tools I use with clients include writing, movement, music, visualization, shamanic journeying, self-compassion practice, personal ritual, and deep listening. I also teach several graduate school courses at AOMA Graduate School for Integrative Medicine.