Meet Julia

Hi, I’m Julia Swaigen MSW, RSW, the Founder and Director of Attuned Families. Attuned Families was born out of my passion for helping parents move from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to feeling empowered, connected and confident. This passion comes from my own lived experience as a busy mom, and from the many families, I have helped reach their potential for a happy life together.

When I had my own children, I was struck by how complex parenting is. Even though I knew so much about children and parenting, my parenting journey came with unexpected challenges that led me to ask more questions about what gets in the way of raising great kids and enjoying the process.

What I discovered was transformative. I now focus on these transformative concepts and practices with the families I work with and am always inspired by their progress.

As the demand for my services became impossible to meet, serendipity led me to a solution. I am so proud of the talented, and compassionate Therapists who have joined me on this mission. Together, we are helping families harness the power of relationship so that parents find peace and children thrive.

Areas of Treatment

 

  • Parenting

  • School Issues

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Learning Disabilities

  • Relationship Issues

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Behavioural Issues

  • Family Conflict

 

Techniques Used

  • Emotion Focused Family Therapy

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

  • Polyvagal Therapy

  • The Safe and Sound Protocol

  • Solution Focused Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Play / Art / Movement / Music Based therapy

  • Gottman Parenting Method

  • Parent/Caregiver Coaching

  • Dr. Neufeld’s Developmental-Attachment Method

  • DIR Floortime Therapy

  • Theraplay

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Education

  • Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto

  • Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University

  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Gerontology from McMaster University

Certifications

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Dr. Gordon Neufeld Institute Intensive

  • Emotion Focused Family Therapy

  • Gottman Parenting Method

  • Safe and Sound Protocol Certified

  • DIR Floortime Therapy 101, 201 & 202 Certified

  • Theraplay (Level 1)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Level 2)

Media and Speaking Engagements

Media interviews and speaking opportunities welcome! Please call or email to make a request.

  • Breakfast Television

  • The New York Times

  • Celebrity Parents Magazine

  • The Ontario Federation for Independent Schools, The Mabin School Parent2Parent Conference

  • Canadian Teachers Magazine

  • Now Toronto

  • Yahoo Canada

Books

  • You Are My Home: Stories of Attunement

Professional organizations

  • Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

  • Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)