Welcome!
I’m Julie Baxter, MS, Professional Counselor Associate, a Clinical Mental Health Counselor registered with the State of Oregon. I work with clients who have experienced trauma, struggle with depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, relationship issues, or are experiencing grief or life transitions.
My approach is one that acknowledges the mind/body connection in mental health, understands the importance of childhood attachment and relationship dynamics, and is strength-based and Solution-focused in nature. While this may sound complicated, it just means I work to understand your particular story, how it’s impacting your health and mental wellness, how your relationship patterns formed and are being used, and discovering what your strengths are as we work to repair or create a life that works better for you. As we work together I may use many therapeutic approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, etc.), to fit your needs. But this is a team effort! Together we identify goals, develop tools, learn self-support techniques, and begin to understand how your body responds to the stresses you’re experiencing. Our work together will help you change thought and behavior patterns, enhance coping skills, promote healthy decision making, and improve your relationship with yourself and others.
Education & Background
Some things to know about me…
I’ve been working in the mental health field since 1999 and have training from the psychology, sociology, and counseling perspectives. I’ve been a biofeedback technician and have taught clients how to understand and work with the body’s response to stress using guided meditation, visualization, nature, mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition as tools. I earned a BS in Psychology focused on the neuroscience aspect of psychology, and completed a post-baccalaureate Speech Language Pathology program giving me a greater understanding of sensory and processing issues, before earning an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a Child and Family Therapist for Polk County Youth and Family Behavioral Health, I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and teens/young adults experiencing complex PTSD/trauma, high risk suicidal ideation, generational drug and alcohol use, and poverty/homelessness. I have enjoyed being part of multi-disciplinary teams (doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, CASA, etc.) focused on creating healthy family and social systems, and supporting resilience through supported programs (Wraparound, New Solutions). I have been in private practice since 2018.
I’m a member of the American Counseling Association, ORCA (Oregon Counseling Association), Psi Chi (National Honor Society in Psychology), and Chi Sigma Iota (National Honor Society in Counseling). As a Professional Counselor Associate working toward full licensure in Oregon, I work under the clinical supervision of Molly B. Doll, MS, LPC, NCC.
In my personal life I’m a Mom with a large blended family, a professional kayaker and the owner of Kayak Portland, LLC,. Occasionally, I have the delight of being recognized from Motivated Zen, a wellness company I ran from 2010-2017 that connected people in Oregon to nature through Zen kayaking adventures, retreats, and classes, or through my 35+ years as a professional musician. I am also a complex trauma survivor, which gives me great understanding and compassion for those on the healing journey.
