Welcome, my name is Julie Sanders, and I am a clinical social worker who is excited to begin a journey of healing, learning, and growing with you.
I was always interested in pursuing a helping profession, but because I am also a musician, I started my career and education as a music therapist and music educator.
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and worked as a music therapist at a Day Treatment facility in Quincy, Massachusetts. I loved the work, but quickly realized I wanted to help clients who had severe mental health issues, more than I could as a music therapist. I went back to school and got my Master of Social Work degree at Rhode Island College.
Julie Sanders, LICSW
I have been working as an independent licensed social worker (LICSW) since 2002 and have supervised dozens of social workers on their own journey over the past twenty plus years. I have worked with children, adults, families, and elders in a variety of settings, but have found my most rewarding work with adults and elders in 1:1 and group therapy. I designed and led a Partial Hospital program for adults with dual diagnosis (mental health and addiction issues) and started a DBT program in two community mental health settings. I managed a local Emergency Services Team and was responsible for all the crisis evaluations for youth and adults 24/7. None of that means much, unless you work in the field, but I share this for you to know that I have a depth and breadth of experience that very few people possess in private practice.
Throughout my career, I have faced numerous health issues that have impacted me in profound ways. In my own journey of healing, I realized there are very few clinicians who specialize in treating chronic health issues from a place of true understanding. I thought I understood what my clients with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes were facing but it was not until I received my own diagnosis of Type 1, did I understand the daily struggle it is to keep myself alive and functioning. During this time, I realized that Western medicine can only take us so far in a journey of true healing. I am alive due to Western Medicine, but I am thriving due to a host of different avenues that aid my healing. I share my favorite resources on my Resources page, but everyone’s journey is their own, and I will encourage you to find your own path of healing.
Throughout my career, I have faced numerous health issues that have impacted me in profound ways. In my own journey of healing, I realized there are very few clinicians who specialize in treating chronic health issues from a place of true understanding. I thought I understood what my clients with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes were facing but it was not until I received my own diagnosis of Type 1, did I understand the daily struggle it is to keep myself alive and functioning. During this time, I realized that Western medicine can only take us so far in a journey of true healing. I am alive due to Western Medicine, but I am thriving due to a host of different avenues that aid my healing. I share my favorite resources on my Resources page, but everyone’s journey is their own, and I will encourage you to find your own path of healing.
I am thrilled to be joining the team at The Soul Purpose, as many of my alternative healing avenues have led me to this magical place. We will work with your strengths, needs and preferences to create a recovery plan that works with your hopes and goals whatever they are. They may include reducing your anxiety or depression so you can live a life with more peace, lowering your A1C, or learning strategies to minimize the impact of chronic pain on your daily life.
Credentials:
I am continually looking for new skills and training opportunities and plan to train in auricular acupuncture for stress, addiction, and trauma.
If you would like to see if I could be a good fit for you, please click below to schedule an initial free 15-minute phone consultation.