Julie Kraai
(she/her)
Master of Arts, LMFT
LIFE EXPERIENCE
“Sadness can make us bitter or wise. We get to choose.”
― Allen Levi, Theo of Golden
Welcome to my page! Like others, I’ve experienced my fair share of life’s pain. And, largely due to a beautiful support system, I’ve learned how to transform that pain into something that’s still present but doesn’t define me anymore. I’d love to help you do the same.
The things that have had the biggest influence on me come in the form of experiences and relationships, and the space that’s created between the two. Meeting me, you’ll see that I’m a middle-aged white woman (the photo here is massively outdated—I have brown/grey hair now). You’ll learn that I’m a parent of three children, and am in that middle stage of launching two of those children. Parenthood is a ride! It literally began with a client in the room; my water broke during my internship, as I was sitting with a client. Trying to finish my master’s degree and graduate with a 4-month old (with goals to enter into private practice shortly thereafter) contributed towards my postpartum depression and anxiety. Much has happened in those nearly 20 years. I’ll spare you all the details, but I’ll say that parenthood has been one of the biggest gifts, and also one of my biggest learning curves. So, I’ve got a tender place in my heart for those who are struggling.
I’ve been married to the same man for over 20 years (meet Dave, one of the other therapists at LuMN!)—and that in and of itself is something I’m immensely proud of. We have a good marriage, which is not by luck. We have worked our a$$es off. If you want a therapist who understands the complexities of marriage, look no further. :)
Outside of my therapy office, I’m happiest with a mix of quiet time and together time. :) I love spending time with those closest to me. I recently learned how to play American mahjong and am gobbling that up with every opportunity that I have. I love to travel. While I’m totally comfortable in a big city (I lived in Tokyo for 2 years—which was deeply transformative—but that story is for another time), my favorite places to travel are where nature abounds. I can exhale a bit, take in the beauty, and just be. I love reading good fiction books that tug at my heart strings—those that show the complexity of the human experience and make me laugh and cry. I also love to learn, and will forever be crafting my therapeutic technique. Therapy isn’t just a job for me; learning about people and how to heal is a sacred space. I love what I do, and I’m honored and touched by each person I’ve worked with.
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 stay at home parents, working professionals, small business owners, retirees, 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 healers often find it restorative to have someone finally slow down and be present with 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 newer ones—often need extra support. Julie understands the challenges of early parenthood and loves helping people through this transition. She also knows that not every relationship includes children, and she works comfortably with people 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 who have experienced 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
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/healthPreferred 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 UniversityAdditional 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 level 2)Availability
Mondays: 8:30a-4p
Tuesdays: 8:30a-4p
Wednesdays: 8a-3p
Thursdays: 8a-4pRates
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
Relational Intensives (1-2 days) 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.