Julie Johnson

I have a deep personal understanding of what it means to be a survivor. My own extensive 15+ year healing journey has given me a unique and empathetic perspective on the struggles that survivors face every day.

As someone who has experienced trauma firsthand, I know how important it is to have support and resources available when navigating the healing process. That's why I am so passionate about working with survivors and providing them with the tools and care they need to heal.

I believe that every survivor deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in their journey towards healing and recovery. Through my work with trauma-informed yoga and Reiki, as well as co-founding Integrate Trauma Informed Network, I hope to continue providing a supportive and welcoming space for survivors to receive the compassionate care they deserve.

In summary, my personal experience as a survivor has fueled my passion for working with other survivors. I understand the unique challenges and needs that survivors face, and I am dedicated to providing them with the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.

For me, Trauma-Informed Care is more than just a set of practices or techniques. It embodies a fundamental shift in how we communicate with survivors and each other in communities of care. To me, it means prioritizing human-centered communication and emotional engagement above all else.

I believe that the way we communicate can have a profound impact on the healing journey of survivors. When we approach communication from a trauma-informed perspective, we acknowledge the unique experiences and needs of each individual and strive to create a compassionate and supportive environment for them.

Human-centered communication, which is at the core of trauma-informed care, emphasizes empathy and emotional engagement. It's about being present and attuned to the needs and feelings of others, even when it's uncomfortable or challenging.

Through my work as a learning experience designer and co-founder of Integrate Trauma Informed Network, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of human-centered communication in supporting survivors and promoting healing. By prioritizing emotional engagement and authentic relationships, we can create a safe space for survivors to feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey towards healing and recovery.

In short, Trauma-Informed Care and human-centered communication are deeply embodied concepts for me. They represent a radical shift in how we communicate with one another in yoga classes and Reiki sessions, and they hold the key to building authentic connections, promoting healing, and creating a more compassionate world for all.

As a trauma-sensitive yoga and Reiki III practitioner, my modalities holistically address the impacts of sexual violence and other traumatic experiences that survivors commonly face. Trauma-informed yoga and Reiki are both gentle, non-invasive practices that can help survivors reconnect with their bodies, release emotional blockages, and promote overall wellness.

Trauma-informed yoga, in particular, is an approach that prioritizes safety, choice, and empowerment. It's designed to help survivors feel safe and supported in their bodies, even in the face of difficult emotions or memories. By offering a safe and supportive space for survivors to move, breathe, and connect with their bodies, trauma-sensitive yoga can help survivors feel more in control of their own healing journey.

Reiki can be a power modality that has the potential to help survivors address the impacts of sexual violence and other traumatic experiences. When practiced in a trauma-informed way, Reiki can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and provide a sense of empathic witnessing. I offer Reiki with distance only (no touch & online), no touch or touch (for in-person)

Together, these modalities offer survivors a holistic approach to healing that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of trauma. By providing survivors with a compassionate and supportive environment to reconnect with their bodies and explore their emotional and energetic body in a way that is personal and meaningful to them.

As a trauma-informed practitioner, I understand how important it is to a trauma responsive environment for survivors. To modify my treatment approach and increase safety and accessibility, I would take the following steps:

Firstly, I would create an intake form that is specifically designed to gather information about the survivor's unique needs and experiences. This would include questions about any triggers or sensitivities they may have and any accommodations they might need to feel safe and supported.

Secondly, I would make sure to meet with the survivor beforehand to establish a relationship and ensure that reiki or yoga is the appropriate modality for them. During this meeting, I would take the time to listen to their story, understand their goals for treatment, and answer any questions they may have about the modalities I offer. It's also possible I would refer them to a psychotherapist or someone more qualified to address the issue.

Thirdly, I would check to ensure that I am the appropriate yoga teacher or reiki professional for them. Not all practitioners are a good fit for every survivor, and it's important to acknowledge that. If I feel that another practitioner or treatment modality would be a better fit for the survivor, I would refer them to other resources and provide them with the Trauma Informed Professionals from Integrate Trauma Informed Network or The Breathe Network.

Finally, throughout the treatment process, I would continue to check in with the survivor on their sense of wellbeing. This might involve adjusting the pace or intensity of the practice, offering supportive Reiki in any of the following ways. I offer Reiki with distance only (no touch & online), no touch or touch (for in-person).

My ultimate goal is to provide trauma-sensitive care that empowers survivors and helps them on their journey belonging to themselves and their chosen community.

Accessible technology, adaptive yoga, trauma responsive system, human centered design (UX), Learning Experience Design, human centered communication.

I regularly meet with Sarit Z. Rogers, an advisor for Integrate Trauma Informed Network to problem solve any areas of our professional worlds that feel tender or hard. She also advises on trauma-informed best practices for Integrate at large.

I have space for up to 3 sliding-scale clients within my online and in-person Reiki session.  Payment can be made via Venmo or Paypal.