Julie Hawks, M.A.

Individuals · Couples · Families · Adolescents · Young Adults · Adults · Older Adults

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
License No: MFC 19485

About My Practice

We all confront dilemmas that cause us significant distress, and often we are at a loss about how to resolve them. Even if we have strong friendships, we may want to talk things over with someone who can understand and offer a fresh perspective. Sometimes we also get into stuck places with our partners that leave us feeling upset, angry and demoralized. When the bond with our partner feels threatened, we often feel the need for someone to intervene and help us set a different course.

Individual Therapy

I approach my work with an attitude of respect, curiosity and openness. Together, we can explore your situation in a nonjudgmental way and attend to those areas of your life that are causing you concern. As we get to know the complexities inherent in the issues you are struggling with, you will be able to deepen your understanding and acceptance of who you are, making way for new directions, more vitality, and greater authenticity. Everyone’s process of unfolding is unique. As I listen to people’s stories, I continue to appreciate how valiantly we struggle to deal with genuinely difficult challenges.

Couples Therapy

In my practice of Emotionally Focused Therapy, I support partners in learning how to interrupt difficult cycles like withdrawal, criticism, and blame. In a climate of collaboration and respect, we discover what drives negative patterns, and we create the conditions for safe emotional engagement, where no one is at fault. When we understand our partner’s coping strategy as a way to actually preserve connection in the relationship, it’s easier to change our steps in the dance. And when we feel a more secure connection with our partner, we can create a more nourishing partnership that allows for independence, mutual support, and enhanced sexual intimacy.

Professional Interests:

• Helping couples develop a more secure bond
• Working with parents and adult children to improve communication
• Helping people manage life’s important transitions and decision-making
• Exploring patterns that get in the way of achieving life goals

Education:

• M.A., Johnston College at the University of Redlands, Redlands, CA 1982

Experience / Training:

• In practice since 1984 seeing individuals and couples
• Experience includes long-term groups for women in transition (16 years) and women survivors of incest (6 years)
• Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples

Professional Affiliations / Activities

• Founding Member, Therapy Network
• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
• Founding Member, Northern California Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy (NCCEFT)