julie@juliecake.com

I began my professional life as an educator after graduating with highest distinction from UNC–Chapel Hill in 1995. Those early years of teaching English and history were full of connection — with students, with families, with the stories that shape us. Over time, I found myself drawn more and more to the emotional lives behind those stories, and that curiosity eventually led me to Seattle to pursue a new path. In 2002, I completed my master’s degree in counseling at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

A commitment to learning has always guided my work. I completed an internship supporting survivors of sexual abuse, where I led groups and worked individually with clients. I trained in EMDR and DBT, and later found a deep resonance with relational psychoanalysis, which shaped my love for long‑term, depth‑oriented work.

In 2009, I co‑founded Seattle Therapy Alliance (now Mend), a low‑fee clinic serving underserved communities, and began supervising clinicians — work I continue to value and offer today. I recently completed a four‑year term as President of the Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study. That role allowed me to give back to the professional community that has supported me for so many years. Since 2020, I’ve also served on the Speaking About Race committee, a collaborative group between the area’s four psychoanalytic organizations. Our mission is to provide ongoing education around race, culture, and identity for therapists.

Lately, my work has expanded in a meaningful way. I’ve been diving deeper into mentalization theory and incorporating it into the family therapy I offer. Helping families understand each other’s inner worlds — the thoughts, feelings, and intentions beneath the surface — has been a privilege. Watching communication soften and conflict ease as families begin to mentalize together has become a rewarding part of my practice.

Outside the therapy room, I love writing, gardening, and spending time with my family and friends — the places where I continue to learn, grow, and stay connected to what matters most.

Areas of Expertise and Interest