Julian Ernst, MSW, LICSW
(they/them/theirs)
Why Groundwaters?
Groundwater is a metaphor for resilience. Even though groundwater is one of Earth’s most important resources, we go about our lives mostly unaware of its existence. Just like groundwater, our own resilience may be difficult to connect to but is always present. We must practice cultivating cycles that replenish and reconnect us to these vital resources because, as we do, nourishment flows.
About Me
I found my role as a therapist through community organizing and providing full-time childcare for queer and multicultural families. I appreciate the breadth and flexibility of contemporary psychoanalytic theory, which challenges the ways in which Western psychology has pathologized some of the most creative and generative aspects of human experience and culture. I also teach aspects of behavioral therapy where these provide helpful structure for clients.
I have experience working with clients of various cultural backgrounds and consider the current and historical impacts of racism, colonization, and migration in working with all of my clients. I also appreciate finding ways of connecting clients’ presenting issues with each their unique systems for making meaning of a chaotic world, whether through organized religion, intuitive spirituality, or secular beliefs and values. I specialize in working with queer, trans, and gender nonconforming adults and adolescents.
Clinical Experience
Groundwaters Psychotherapy, 2021-present
Northside Center for Emotional Wellness, Minneapolis, 2019-2022
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Fellowship, 2017-2019
Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA
Outpatient Psychiatry & Integrated Primary Care, 2016-2017
Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA
Healthy Aging Program, 2015-2016
Ethos, Jamaica Plain, MA
Teaching
Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Race, Culture, Gender & Sexuality
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Training Program, MN Psychoanalytic Society and Institute,
Fall & Winter 2022-2023, Fall & Winter 2023-2024
Gender & Sexuality in Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Training Program, MN Psychoanalytic Society and Institute,
Spring 2022
Working with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Clients in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
MN Psychodynamic Clinical Social Work Association, March 2021
Education
Master of Social Work, Simmons University, 2017
Bachelor of Science, Cornell University, 2007
Additional Education/Training
Research Volunteer, 2020-2022
Cambridge Health Alliance Program for Psychotherapy
Examining the Experience of Otherness in Children and Adolescents, 2021
William Alanson White Institute, New York, NY
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, 2014-2015
Akasha Yoga School, Boston, MA