Philosophy and Approach 

My philosophy of counseling is based on the belief that everyone possesses the power to change. I feel my role as your counselor is to support you on a path to find or regain health and balance in your life, either through making changes or finding self-acceptance. I believe that you, not the therapist, are the expert in your own life experiences. My goal is to help you achieve greater self-awareness, emotional well-being, and personal growth. As a counselor, it is my duty to abide by the Code of Ethics for counselors and therapists Oregon Licensing Board's Code of Ethics set forth in OAR Chapter 833, Division 100.

My approach to counseling is primarily grounded in Person-Centered Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.  

• Person-Centered Therapy: Person-Centered Therapy seeks to create a more congruent and integrated self-concept, leading to enhanced self-esteem and mental wellness. I strive to create a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. 

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: This is a goal-oriented approach that offers looking for examples when the issue is not present and identifying a map to finding solutions in the present moment. This orientation is based on the belief that small changes can lead to significant improvements. By identifying and building on your existing strengths and resources, we can develop practical strategies to achieve your goals and foster a sense of empowerment and progress in your life.  

I strongly believe that each client is unique and deserves individualized treatment. Because of this, I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor pulling from several theoretical orientations. I integrate techniques from several other theoretical orientations to provide a holistic and individualized approach to counseling, including Narrative Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Transpersonal Therapy. My counseling practice is informed by social justice values, with attention to the ways social, cultural, and systemic factors influence mental health. I aim to create a collaborative and affirming space that honors clients’ identities, strengths, and lived experiences, while supporting self-advocacy and meaningful change.

Formal Education and Training 

• Degree: I am currently pursuing a CACREP certified Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Oregon State University, with an expected graduation in May of 2026

• Major Course Work: Counseling Theories, Assessments, Diagnosis, Human Development, Crisis and Trauma.

• Licensure: After completing degree and testing, I will be a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) in Oregon. As a student intern, I am under the supervision of Diane Smith, LPC.

• Certifications: QMHP: The certification of QMHP is for an individual with a qualifying Master’s degree in a behavioral health field who is in the process of obtaining 1,000 hours of supervised clinical work experience

• Experience: I have over 8 years of experience working with adults in a variety of settings related to health and healing. I am currently completing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Oregon State University. I previously worked as a Clinical Western Herbalist and have trained as a chef focusing on food as a tool for healing. I have also completed a teaching certification program, working as a Special Education Teacher for students between the ages of 5-14. My training has focused on holistic mind and body approaches to mental health and healing. I use a holistic approach to individual counseling that will focus on your particular needs. I am committed to continuing my education in order to best serve my clients. 

What To Expect

Risks and Benefits of Therapy 

There are risks and benefits associated with therapy. One of the risks is that uncomfortable feelings can come up. Those feelings are welcome here and we can work through those feelings together. We can always make changes to facilitate achieving your goals. I can’t guarantee that you will leave this room and be a completely different person. What I can guarantee is that I will utilize all of my resources, skills, and education available to work towards achieving your goals. Often on the other side of discomfort is growth. By working together, we can navigate these challenges and work towards your goals to the best of our abilities.

Ethical Considerations 

As a student seeking licensure under the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, I will abide by the ACA Code of Ethics. Generally speaking, the information provided by and to the client during therapy sessions is legally confidential and cannot be released without the client’s consent. There are exceptions to this confidentiality, some of which are listed on section 675.765 of the Oregon Revised Statues Chapter 675, as well as other exceptions in Oregon and Federal law. For example, mental health professionals are required to report suspected child abuse to authorities. If a legal exception arises during therapy, if feasible, you will be informed accordingly. You may contact the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists at: 

3218 Pringle Rd SE, #120, Salem, OR 97302-6312

Telephone: (503) 378-5499 

Email: lpct.board@mhra.oregon.gov

Your Rights 

As a client of Julia Braun, you have the following rights: 

• To expect that your therapist/counselor has met the minimum qualifications of training and experience required by state law; 

• To request and receive information about my professional capabilities, including licensure, education, training, experience, professional association membership, specialization, and limitations; 

• To have information about fees, methods of payment, insurance reimbursement, number of sessions, length of sessions, professional assistance when I am not available (in cases of vacation and emergencies), and cancellation policies before beginning therapy; 

• To be assured of privacy and confidentiality while receiving services as defined by rule or law.  

• To know the limits of confidentiality and the circumstances in which I am legally required to disclose information to others: 

• Reporting suspected past or present abuse of a child, elder, or member of any other vulnerable population; 

• Reporting imminent danger to client or others; 

• Reporting information required in court proceedings or by client’s insurance company, or other relevant agencies; 

• Providing information concerning my case consultation or supervision; 

• Defending claims brought by a client against me; 

• To receive a verbal or written treatment plan;  

• To ask questions about your therapy or psychological assessment; 

• To refuse to answer any question or disclose any information you choose not to reveal; 

• To refuse a type of treatment or end treatment at any time without harassment; 

• To request and (in most cases) receive a summary of your records, including the diagnosis, treatment plan, your progress, and type of treatment; 

• To report unprofessional behavior by a therapist to the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers 

• To receive referral names, addresses, and telephone numbers if your therapy needs to be transferred to someone else and to request that a copy or summary of your records be sent to any therapist or agency of your choice; 

• To be treated with dignity, free from being the object of discrimination on any basis listed in the Code of Ethics while receiving services. These can include age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, national origin, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic status and free from sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or harassment.

Right to Privacy 

Because of the depth and intimacy that our counseling sessions can create, it is important to create clear boundaries around the counselor-client relationship. As a professional relationship, our contact will be limited to our arranged sessions. If you need help outside of our arranged sessions, you can contact me via phone or email during my office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can expect to hear back from me within 24 hours. I am out of the office on Saturdays and Sundays.  

A therapeutic relationship is a unique type of relationship that values and supports your right to privacy. It is possible that we may encounter one another in a public setting, especially living within a rural community. Should this happen, I will not approach you to protect your privacy. If you engage first, I will of course respond in greeting but cannot engage in any type of intervention outside of the therapy session. Friend requests on any social networking platform (Facebook. LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Etc.) will not be accepted. Doing so would create a dual role which can compromise both the therapeutic relationship and breach confidentiality.  

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the counseling relationship. All of our communication will be kept in your clinical records, which is available to you upon request. Information shared in sessions is kept confidential and will not be disclosed without your written consent, except in the following circumstances: 

• If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others 

• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult 

• If required by a court order

As a therapist I cannot perform any role or function within your life outside the established therapeutic relationship. This boundary persists after the therapeutic relationship has ended. It’s important to note that I cannot purchase services or products from you; meet together outside of my therapy practice; participate in any group, club, or team; or engage with you on social media.  

Documentation 

Appropriate medical documentation will be taken throughout the duration of therapy including but not limited to initial assessment, intake forms, service plans, progress notes, and communication. Documentation allows us to provide a clear overview of treatment goals, clinical progression, and to coordinate care needs.  

Grievances
If at any time you are dissatisfied with my services, please let me know. If I am unable to resolve your concerns, please contact my supervisor, Diane Smith, LPC at 541-435-7000.

Ending Services 

You may transition or end therapy services at any time. Goodness of fit is extremely important, and it is never taken personally if you’d like to adjust therapists or seek services elsewhere. It can also be very helpful to your treatment to discuss this with your therapist beforehand, and support will be provided with appropriate referral information for continuity of care needs. Should you discontinue contact or not attend services for two sessions back-to-back with now other session scheduled, you will be discharged at that time. In most cases, patients are welcome to return to the waitlist until another provider is available. At times, therapists will make referrals due to goodness of fit, higher level of care needs, or active behavioral concerns. 

Scheduling and Fees 

Sessions are generally scheduled for 50 minutes. If you need to reschedule an appointment, leave a message at (541) 435-7000. I cannot guarantee there will be alternative meeting times available that week. If you need to cancel an appointment, please let the clinic know 24-hours in advance. Please see the attached sliding scale or speak with a Patient Services Representative or a Patient Navigator if you have further questions.