About Julia
I am Julia Lopez-Kaley (she/her), an empathic space holder, co-learner, and tend-er. I was born on Mdewakanton land (Central Minnesota) and currently reside on the lands of the Wahpekute, Dakota (St. Paul, Minnesota). I am of mixed European lineages, including Italian, Celtic, Nordic, French, and Bohemian-Germanic. I was raised and taught by my parents, Victoria and Michael Lopez-Kaley, as well as other elders, teachers, and community members within and outside of my familial bloodline.
As a person and practitioner, I have experienced many moments and periods of liminality throughout my life. So far, these experiences have occurred most when outside, where I find connection with spirit strong; when with folks in times of grief, questioning, transitions in life and during the dying process; during my own periods of loss, grief, deconstruction, and growth; and when sharing in the possibilities that lie within the liminal space of music creativity. I am committed to tending to and cultivating connection, expression, growth, authenticity, and healing through relationship, trust, loving curiosity, and creativity.
I have been involved in my own personal healing for over 10 years and this learning and integration is on-going. Part of my work as a companion, community member, and practitioner is doing my own internal work - work of the body, mind, heart, and spirit - so that I can be safely and honestly present with others and their own experiences and needs. This work is messy, often painful, and it is work that humbles and reminds me of my own humanity, brokenness, and beauty. Personal internal work is one of the most educational experiences I have had. It is through the awareness and acceptance of my own shadows, wounds, and strengths that I have been able to be more fully present and tend to those learning to be with their own shadows, wounds, and gifts. I draw on many lessons that I have learned from family, elders, teachers, clients, community, and ancestors, and knowledge gained through my own process of suffering, healing, practice, and alchemization.
Though I take my work, role, and learning seriously, I am a person who also loves laughter and humor, goofiness, adventure, and moments of simplicity. Being outside is when I am happiest, whether that means getting to know a new landscape or tending to my small garden plot. Second to outdoor time, I enjoy creative outlets, including baking (and eating), pottery, knitting, music making, writing, reading poetry, and the occasional sewing project. Time with those that I love makes almost any experience better.
I am committed to:
anti-racism learning and action
anti-oppressive practice
accountability to individuals and community
community connection, care, and reparations
co-learning formal, self-led, and community-relational
ancestry knowledge and relationships
earth kinship and care
Work Background
I was trained as a music therapist and I work from a person-centered, strength-based perspective and foundation. I believe that my role as a therapist and companion is to travel alongside someone, offering my own observations and wonderings while also recognizing that each person is an expert in their own self and experience. I do not have the answers for another, but I am honored to be a present and curious companion while another searches for meaning and direction in their life.Â
I am trained in the many ways improvisation can positively add to the creative process of therapy, though I utilize a variety of techniques and perspectives within music therapy sessions. I have had the privilege of working with a variety of folks ranging in age, ability, and background through my work as a music therapist and as a caregiver in several settings. I have experience supporting young children, teenagers, and adults of all ages with diverse needs. I have been honored to witness realizations, expressions, and connections within the many different contexts and spaces I have worked. To be with another during times of great pain, vulnerability, and even joy is a privilege that I do not take lightly.
My experiences being present with those during intense moments and periods of life, including at the end-of-life, have been profound medicine and teachers. It is often in those liminal spaces - sometimes spaces full of pain - that the power and medicine of deep listening, intuition, and spirit have been evident. This co-learning and medicine is something I strive to bring into all spaces I enter and all aspects of my work.
Energy Work
The exchange of energy and somatic knowledge between humans and all kin is an experience that has greatly affected how I live and work. I have come to better understand that energy work, known as Reiki in the Japanese tradition, is a part of my work in the world. My own rituals and animist understandings are essential to my health and connection to earth, community, spirit, and self. I gained life-changing energetic knowledge and embodied understanding through my learning with Marika Hamahata Clymer and the Foundations of Energetic Ecology Reiki Program community. I facilitate energy work within music therapy sessions, spiritual companionship, and in communal spaces and interactions. Energy exchange occurs within the relationships to which I tend and is a core aspect of how I work and live.
My Teachers
It is important to me to publicly acknowledge, thank, and give credit to the many teachers within my life. Any ability, skill, or knowledge that I have is not mine alone. All parts of me are parts of others that have been generously taught, given, or realized through relationship. I uplift my teachers - human, animal, elemental, and ancestral - throughout this site and refer to them in my work, as appropriate.
Donate
A portion of monthly income from all offerings at Liminal Tending is donated to trusted organizations that support the health and thriving of local BIPOC folks within our community. Please consider offering your support at the links below: