Julie Kraai

(she/her)

Master of Arts, LMFT

LIFE EXPERIENCE

Julie grew up moving across three continents before high school—a gift that opened her eyes to the world, but also left her often feeling like the “other.” Those early experiences shaped her deep compassion for people who feel unseen or unheard. She believes with her whole heart that when we feel safe, nurtured, and understood in our relationships, we’re able to shine and grow into who we’re meant to be.

She and her husband, Dave, have been married for more than 20 years, and their relationship has been strengthened through challenges they never expected. Julie knows firsthand the heartache, frustration, and even anger that can surface in hurting relationships. The support they received from skilled therapists changed their marriage, and she brings that same hope, honesty, and hard-won wisdom into the therapy room. She’s passionate about helping couples uncover what’s really going on and learn practical tools that bring relief, closeness, and genuine joy.

As a mom of three, Julie also understands the emotional toll of early parenthood; she walked through postpartum anxiety and depression with her first two children. Because of that, she holds a tender, gentle place for parents who feel overwhelmed, isolated, or stretched thin.

When she’s not working, Julie loves being outside, savoring time with the people she loves, and feeding her curiosity as an enthusiastic lifelong learner. She gravitates toward deep conversations, long walks, hiking, traveling, good books—and she’ll happily admit she has a bit of a cribbage board obsession.

Julie’s Client Base

The Clients Who Thrive With Julie

Julie works best with clients who are motivated for change, open to reflection, and ready to engage in the therapeutic process. She brings deep empathy, genuine care, and a compassionately direct style that helps clients feel both supported and empowered.

Individuals, Couples, and Parents

Julie works with adults (18+), couples, and parents. Her background gives her a unique lens: growing up as an expatriate’s daughter and being married to a creative entrepreneur means she easily relates to a wide range of experiences. She connects naturally with entrepreneurs, small business owners, corporate executives, and anyone navigating demanding personal or professional worlds.

Supporting Fellow Helpers

Julie has a special place in her heart for those who care for others. Therapists, nurses, musicians, lawyers, doctors, clergy members, and other helpers often find it restorative to have someone finally pour into them. Julie provides a space where caregivers can rest, reset, and receive the support they so often give away.

Caring for Parents and Couples at Every Stage

Parents—especially new moms/dads—often need extra support. Julie understands the challenges of early parenthood and loves helping individuals and couples through this transition. She also knows that not every relationship includes children, and she works comfortably with couples facing relational stress of any kind.

She also enjoys working with adults nearing or entering retirement, offering guidance during this meaningful life shift. Whatever season you’re in, Julie’s gentle presence helps clients move toward clarity, connection, and restoration—no roadmap required.

Trauma-Informed and Steady

Life’s challenges can leave a lasting impact. Julie’s calm, grounded approach makes her a natural fit for those healing from trauma. She is experienced in working across the full spectrum of dissociation and dissociative disorders and always meets clients exactly where they are.

Deep, Lasting Change

Julie is not a “quick-fix” therapist. She takes time to understand the deeper patterns that shape us so that real, lasting change can take root. Her approach is flexible, non-judgmental, and deeply affirming. She seeks to understand why we are the way we are—and then works with clients to create the change they long to see.

A Warm, Welcoming Space

Above all, Julie strives to create a therapeutic space that feels safe, nurturing, and truly welcoming. She would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey.

A few words from Julie…

Brene Brown said it best: “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” This can be scary and hard, and I’d be honored to work alongside you to help let your authentic, beautiful self shine.

Affirmation- I welcome clients ready to change and grow, I value cultural and gender identity and love that families come in all shapes and sizes.

I support LGBTQIA individuals and families. My practice is open to all new and expecting parents and individuals who need help regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender orientation, etc.

MN-MFT License #3914

Badge for Relational Life Therapy certified RLT couples therapist.

EMDRIA EMDR Certified Therapist badge; teal design with "emdria" and "EMDR International Association" text.

Clinical Issues

Anxiety
Boundaries
Communication problems
Deconstructing old beliefs
Depression 
Dissociation
Grief
Infidelity
Maternal mental health
People in transition
Relational issues
Religion and spirituality
Self Esteem
Sex issues
Those feeling stuck
Those wanting more
Trauma
Women’s issues/health

Preferred Models

Systems Therapy 
RLT (relational life therapy)
Gottman 
Sex Therapy: OCSB, GESM, Systemic
IPNB (interpersonal neurobiology)
Ego States (parts work)
Mindfulness
EFT (tapping)
Discernment Counseling
Trauma focused
Narrative

Education

Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing Management from University of St. Thomas
Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel University

Additional Training / Specialization

Certified Relational Life Therapist (advanced training in couples therapy)
Certified EMDR Therapist
Discernment Counseling
Energy psychology (emotional freedom technique (EFT), otherwise known as “tapping”) , levels 1 and 2"
Ego States
Flash Technique
Gottman’s Bringing Baby Home workshop
Gottman Couples Level 1
Gottman Affairs and Trauma
Maternal mental health through Postpartum Support International
PREPARE/ENRICH certified
Sandra Paulsen's "When There Are No Words"
Sandra Paulsen's "Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma and Dissociation"
Sex Therapy from UW Stout’s graduate sex therapy certificate program
STAIR Integration (currently enrolled)

Availability

Mondays:          8:30a-4p
Tuesdays:         8:30a-4p
Wednesdays:   8a-3p
Thursdays:        8-4p

Rates

Therapy (53 mins)                             $200
Extended sessions (80 mins)        $320
Discernment counseling, 1st session (110 mins)     $400
Discernment counseling, subsequent sessions (80 mins)  $320
EMDR Intensives (3-4 hour sessions)     Please inquire

*Please note that Julie does not work with insurance companies. If your plan allows for out-of-network benefits, Julie would be happy to provide a Superbill for you to submit for reimbursement. It is the client’s responsibility to determine coverage and eligibility.