Welcome!
I’m Julie Baxter, MS, NCMHCE, LPC.
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. While this may sound complicated, it just means I work to understand your 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.
I use many therapeutic approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Eco-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 as a Biofeedback Technician, Life Coach, Eco-therapist, Mindfulness Instructor, and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I specialize in motivation, therapy in nature, the impacts of stress and anxiety in individuals bodies as well as their relationships, and in helping those struggling with complex trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, and difficult transitional stages. I’m interested in the rigorous scientific research connecting what we experience (and where, when, and with whom), to our brain physiology and its impact on our behaviors, relationships, and physical symptoms.
BS in Psychology: WSU Vancouver, 2004
Post Baccalaureate Program: Speech Language Pathology, 2011
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Capella, 2018
Oregon Lic.# C7761
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).
I have a large blended family, am a professional kayaker, and the owner of Kayak Portland, LLC., along with Blue Water Therapy, LLC, my therapy practice. 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 40+ 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.
