Member Highlight — Sipan Nazaryan, Prelicensed Associate

Julie Brams

In the heart of Los Angeles, Julie Brams stands out as a beacon of healing and connection, deeply rooted in Earth-Centered psychotherapy. A certified Nature Therapy Guide, mediation teacher, and soon to be published author, Julie has dedicated her life to nurturing a "love of life on earth," driven by a profound fascination with consciousness and the intricate web of relationships that define our existence. Julie's approach to therapy transcends traditional confines, viewing it as a dynamic interplay between her and her clients, where each session is a step towards deeper understanding and growth. Her innovative practices, including leading nature therapy retreats, underscore her belief in the transformative power of connecting with the natural world around us.

Julie Brams' career as a psychotherapist is distinguished by her profound dedication to "earth-centered psychology," a unique specialization that seeks to mend the frayed ties between clients and the nature. This focus emanates from her deep-seated belief in the healing power of nature, complemented by her extensive experience of over 30 years in the field. Julie's expertise isn't limited to earth-centered practices; she is also well-versed in addressing mindfulness, PTSD, and grief.

Her specialization is further enriched by her certification as a Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, a methodology developed by Amos Clifford. This practice, inspired by the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing, rests on the philosophy that "the forest is the therapist; the guide is merely the door," facilitating a profound connection between the client and nature. This approach democratically offers anyone the opportunity to rebuild their relationship with nature, fostering a recognition of their intrinsic bond with the Earth.

Julie's therapeutic modality is an eclectic blend that includes psychodynamic training, cognitive approaches, EMDR, mindfulness, and family systems therapy. She views these modalities as valuable but believes they all lack one crucial element: a connection to nature. Forest therapy or earth-centered psychology isn't meant to replace these methods but to enhance them, adding a vital component that reconnects the body to its natural environment.

In practice, Julie offers a triad of therapeutic avenues: traditional talk therapy, meditation classes, and nature immersion walks, or forest therapy walks, through her company, Elemental. This three-pronged approach embodies her holistic view of health, integrating mind, body, and nature. With an upcoming nature retreat workshop in April, Julie continues to provide diverse paths for individuals seeking healing, emphasizing the importance of nature in achieving mental and emotional well being.

Julie spoke about her upcoming book, "The Nature Embedded Mind: How the Way We Think Can Heal Our Planet and Ourselves." This work promises to illuminate the inherent connection between human cognition and the natural world, advocating for a shift in perspective that could simultaneously foster personal healing and planetary health. Scheduled for pre-order by the end of year, the book crystallizes Julie's long held conviction that the forest acts as a natural therapist—a concept that, while intuitive to her, may seem strange to others eco therapists. The book is Julie's homage to humanity, aiming to contribute meaningfully to our collective well being.

Throughout her career, Julie has navigated the nuanced challenges of establishing and sustaining a private psychotherapy practice. The transition from associateship to a thriving business is seldom addressed in graduate programs, leaving many practitioners to grapple with the realities of self-employment, client management, and financial stability on their own. Julie's journey was marked by learning to self-regulate through client transitions and mastering the business aspects of her practice. Her resilience and determination were further honed by specializing in grief and loss, recognizing it as a prevalent need among her clients. This specialization not only broadened her professional expertise but also underscored the importance of emotional courage in overcoming the obstacles inherent in the path of a psychotherapist. Julie's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of specialization, and the critical need for psychotherapists to be equipped with entrepreneurial skills alongside their clinical training.

Julie Brams offers sage advice for those contemplating a career in psychotherapy or considering a specialization in a particular area. Her first piece of guidance is to engage in volunteer work or gain preliminary experience in the field before fully committing. This approach allows individuals to ascertain their true passion and suitability for a career in therapy, potentially saving time and resources for those who might discover that it's not the path for them. Julie underscores the importance of identifying a niche that resonates with one's interests, suggesting that specialization can be a powerful way to differentiate and enrich one's practice.

For those drawn specifically to earth-centered psychology, Julie recommends starting with programs on ecotherapy and seeking certification through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). She highlights the ANFT's rigorous six month program as a valuable foundation for thinking in a nature-embedded way and mastering this modality.

Regarding her involvement with the San Fernando Valley chapter of CAMFT, Julie shares her long standing membership since her graduation. Her proactive involvement began when she volunteered as an intern representative, leading to deep connections and friendships within the community. Serving on the outreach committee, Julie contributes to the chapter's initiatives on continuing education and networking events. She praises the SFV CAMFT for its welcoming, down to earth atmosphere, which has provided a supportive network throughout her professional journey.

On the topic of self care, Julie emphasizes the importance of self awareness and the ability to recognize the signs of burnout. She prefers body centered activities such as sauna visits, massages, and hiking to maintain a healthy balance between mind and body. Naturally, forest therapy remains a cornerstone of her self care regimen, along with meditation and spending time with friends. Julie's approach to self care reflects her holistic view of well being, integrating physical, mental, and emotional health practices to sustain her passion in her professional and personal life.

Julie Brams is an Earth-Centered psychotherapist, certified Nature Therapy Guide, mediation teacher, and author. She leads nature thera you are interested in working with her, contact her at ExperienceElemental.com or instagram.com/JulieBramsLMFT.

Sipan Nazaryan is an associate therapist at Avedian Counseling Center, with locations in Sherman Oaks and Glendale, holding a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Specializing in both child and adult therapy, he has extensive experience working with diverse clients on issues ranging from ADHD and behavioral challenges in children to couples counseling and anger management for adults. Sipan employs a mix of Psychodynamic therapy and evidence-based techniques, offering a culturally sensitive, down-to-earth approach in both English and Armenian. For consultations, Sipan can be reached at 818.399.1961 or sipan@counseling-centers.com.