Daily Inspiration: Meet Julie Elizabeth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Elizabeth.

Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Gilbert in a large blended family with a strong immersion in the LDS religion. There was a fair amount of trauma throughout my childhood that inspired me to pursue education in psychology and interpersonal relationships. I wanted to build my own understanding and resilience and to help create more healthy relationships and families in our society. In college, I solidified my path toward marriage and family therapy and obtained dual bachelors degrees in Psychology and Family and Human Development and later a master’s in Human Development & Family Studies with specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Religion provided a framework that gave me a sense of certainty and stability in a chaotic and often overwhelming world, and I believed in it fully. I struggled with anxiety and shame throughout my adolescence but responded with repenting for any missteps and working harder to adhere more closely to the teachings. I got married two weeks shy of 21, which is very common and highly encouraged in that culture. I saw this as an important milestone to finally achieving worthiness and alignment with God’s plan for me. Two years into that marriage, I began experiencing an existential faith crisis that was extremely painful, isolating, and scary. I began a slow unraveling of my belief system, questioning what I had been taught and evaluating what I authentically felt inside. I started grad school in Colorado, which was a welcome culture shift while I navigated my identity crisis. My graduate program was challenging and constructive as it forced me to examine my beliefs and identity even further to become a more well-rounded human, while training to become a well-rounded clinician. I began discovering more of my authentic self, more of my inner wounds, and more challenges reconciling it with my outer world (marriage, family relationships, social/cultural foundation).

After graduation, I moved back to AZ and started my career as an MFT specializing in trauma recovery, relationships, and sexuality. My faith crisis largely contributed to my eventual divorce, strained relationships, and new opportunities to expand personally, professionally, and socially. When I allowed my religion to break, my spirituality was born. It was a reclamation of self, a new beginning, and a re-aligning with my inner wisdom and gifts. The shame I experienced regarding my sexuality in my religious upbringing made it feel like a curse to be connected to myself in that way. What once felt like my greatest weakness that disconnected me from God was, in reality, always one of my greatest strengths. I’ve since been able to integrate a more nuanced personal belief system with a respect for religious principles and a lot more room for communion with the Divine Feminine. This set the stage for the creative and professional endeavors I’ve pursued ever since.

My own awakening fueled my passion for serving other women (& men) with connecting deeply to their own authenticity and embodying truth and freedom in a world that is saturated with depression, distraction, and disconnection. My book, ‘Sacred Sexuality: Within & Between’ was published in 2022 along with my coaching business (Vibrance Coaching) where I offer embodiment workshops, Goddess yoga classes, podcasts, retreats, and other educational platforms regarding intimacy and sexuality, with particular focus on the intersection between spirituality and sexuality. I work with a lot of transitioning or post Mormon populations who have experienced religious trauma in these areas. This is in addition to my private practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist serving individuals and couples in AZ and WA.

I consider the work I do to be a sacred privilege being able to witness and walk alongside people in deeply vulnerable moments. I believe to be embodied is to be spiritually connected. I believe the more connected we are to ourselves and each other in our humanity, the more true and beautiful world we can create together. One dance, song, laugh, cry, hug, or orgasm at a time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not smooth at all. Moving through significant personal transformations and growth while simultaneously building my career and professional offerings has been immensely challenging. It’s forced me to confront my own healing and blind spots at every stage with a fierce commitment to constant growth and humility. As cliche as it may sound– the more I learn, the less I know.

I’ve had to learn skills that I never thought I’d need– website building, branding, marketing, bookkeeping, publishing, etc. etc. etc. Beyond that, I’ve had to face failure, rejection, grief, fear, and burnout. There have been times I had to quit for my own wellness journey. Finding the balance is an eternal quest I don’t know that I’ll ever master perfectly. It’s challenged me to take risks, learn from my failures, adapt, and persist with passion and resilience. I’ve had to dig really deep for the reason why I do this work that can be as demanding as it is inspiring and fulfilling. But my soul continues calling me to keep going because the truth is- I love this work. I love people and their journeys and I’m a hopeless romantic for the human evolution story. I’m a part of it because what I see in others is also within me. Connection is medicine and I need it as much as anyone. This work gives me healing for the past, meaning for the present, and hope for the future.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart is the multidimensional nature of who I am and what I offer. I’m a licensed therapist with clinical training and ethical integrity, but I’m also a human woman and coach immersed in integrated wellness modalities and holistic healing– including experiential embodiment, alternative healing, spirituality, and creative expression offerings. I’m deeply devoted to practicing what I preach and embodying authenticity to the best of my ability.

I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made bringing these worlds together within myself and allowing that integration to enhance the work I do, in whatever space I’m in. The book I wrote was not a clinical publication, but a personal memoir and labor of love for anyone who might benefit from the lessons I’ve learned along my own journey. It was for me, and it was for them. My other offerings are no different– when I lead a workshop or event, I get to practice my own mastery and have accountability for my own healing. As a therapist, I learn so much from the vulnerability, wisdom, and resilience of my clients.

Currently, my offerings for AZ are virtual because I live out of state and offer telehealth therapy or virtual coaching sessions. I offer therapy sessions for individuals or couples, specializing in relationships, trauma healing, and sexuality (trained in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy but use an integrated client centered approach).

My book is available on Amazon and I’m working on launching a podcast very soon for education, connection, and exploration of all things related to womanhood and the Divine Feminine, called ‘Let The Rivers Run Red’. I’m offering a workshop at the Yin on Fire Festival in southern Utah next week to teach principles related to creating sexual synergy. I teach Goddess Yoga, a sensual dance-yoga fusion experience for women to connect to their sensual and sexual expression (currently in Idaho, but this offering exists in Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Phoenix with other teachers as well). I lead ecstatic dance events (also in Idaho but similar events are available in Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale), and I’m passionate about immersive retreats for embodiment, connection, and healing.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love to collaborate! Invitations are my love language. I’m happy to create offerings that serve the empowerment and healing of our collective and especially love making experiences accessible and available to people. Read my book, listen to my podcast (coming soon), invite me to contribute to a retreat or event you’re hosting.

I’m accepting new therapy clients- reach out for support if you’re suffering and need help. I’d be honored to support you or connect you to the right resources if I’m not the best fit.

Pricing:

• 200/hr for therapy sessions
• Book 19/29 (paper/hardcover)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vibrancerelationshiptherapy.com/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/julie_elizabeth

Image Credits
Lindsey Bryant