registered expressive arts therapist

Julie Collura, MM, MSW, LCSW, REAT

I am a social worker, musician, and expressive arts therapist. I believe everyone is innately creative, and each person has within them what they need to heal and change. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Oregon and Louisiana, and a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT).

Previously, I supported survivors of violence through the Louisiana Victim Outreach Program (LAVO) and the New Orleans Family Justice Center. I also worked as an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, providing in-person and crisis line support, as well as medical and legal advocacy. In addition, I volunteered extensively throughout the U.S. and East Africa, teaching English as a Second Language to adults and children, and facilitating groups for women and girls.

I use a multi-arts, or intermodal, approach in individual and group therapy and facilitating. This means I use movement, visual art, music, writing, and mindfulness as therapeutic tools to initiate healing and change. Since this work is based on the creative process and not the resulting product, no background or training in the arts is required to benefit.

I have a Master of Social Work from the Tulane University School of Social Work, a Master of Music from the University of South Florida, and a Certificate in Intermodal Expressive Arts from Expressive Arts Florida Institute. I completed Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 training through the IFS Institute, and Level 1 movement-based expressive arts therapy training with the Tamalpa Institute. I am a classically trained clarinetist and a jazz vocalist. Before transitioning into a career in social work, I spent fifteen years as an orchestra librarian. I integrate my background and experience in the arts with my social work training to compassionately facilitate individual and collective healing and change.