Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Shannon Williams.
Hi Julie Shannon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In a previous chapter of life I was an educator. I taught elementary education for 16 years in the metro area, and was attending yoga during that time. Yoga quickly became more than ‘a class to attend’, as I learned it is more of a lifestyle choice. Being an educator, I realized I have a deep love of learning myself, and wanted to dive deeper into yoga training. That is when I stumbled upon this thing called, Yoga Therapy.
There are less than 4,000 yoga therapist in the world to date, so I quickly understood how rare of a path this would be. It takes many forms, and the yoga therapist can choose the population you’d like to serve. My training, at Inner Peace Yoga Therapy, has amazing facility providing support that coincided with both the medical and mental health industries.
My paths of interest quickly became working with those struggling with chronic pain, autoimmune illnesses, joint health and spinal care. I have worked at Tria Orthopedic Center and Health Partners Neuroscience Center in the Twin Cities. I enjoyed these settings, and have also seen clients through my own business since 2014.
My work with clients has led me to “The Path to Easing Pain”. I truly enjoy this journey with my clients seeking support and guidance on finding their own path easing both physical and emotional pain.
In addition to my work as a yoga therapist, I am also a Medium. I have come to embrace this path as it was initially unnerving in many ways until I learned of my family lineage, and witnessed the healing support it can offer to those deep in grief from loss! Yoga Therapy and Mediumship and Spiritual Guidance seem to go hand and hand, and I feel honored to show up for my clients and walk with them on this journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t call this road smooth…at all! 🙂 First, when it comes to yoga therapy, I am often explaining the differences between yoga teaching and yoga therapy. Yoga teachers have a 200 hour training, and many go on to add separate trainings of interest. Yoga Therapists become certified through the International Association of Yoga Therapists after completing 1,000 hours of trainings and completing practicums in their areas of choice. Also, I am not a mental health therapist. I have a scope of practice with which I stay in, and if the client is in need of more support in this area, I refer the client to someone who can support them in that way.
As for my work as a Medium, years ago, I would often get that glazed look in people’s eyes upon hearing what I do followed by the phrase, “Oh, that’s interesting.” and then silence. 🙂 More recently, when I share this, people often shyly say, “I had this experience once…”. I think that is amazing! Things are shifting, and more and more people are opening up to intuition, the mystical experiences, and connecting beyond.
I’ve had to work through my own fears and doubts of not fitting into the mainstream, but at this stage of life…I feel honored to be able to do this “work” with people. We are ALL connected, and I get to witness some amazing experiences with my clients!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets my work apart is the way I bridge evidence-based pain care with deeply compassionate, whole person support. As a certified yoga therapist, educator, and intuitive guide, I help people move beyond simply “managing symptoms” by addressing the physical, emotional, nervous system, and lifestyle components of healing together. My approach combines pain neuroscience education, therapeutic movement, breathwork, trauma-informed care, and nervous system regulation in a way that is accessible, empowering, and personalized for each individual. My work in ‘chronic care’ answers many unanswered questions in a world that focuses on acute care only in the medical model.
I believe healing is not one size fits all. Whether someone is navigating chronic pain, grief, emotional overwhelm, or major life transitions, I create a supportive space where they feel seen, safe, and capable of reconnecting with themselves. What makes this work unique is the balance of practical, science-based tools with intuitive, heart-centered guidance, helping people build self-trust, resilience, and a sustainable path toward greater ease and wellbeing.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I would have answered this question vastly different even one year ago. Considering the state of the world politically, I am extremely proud of this city! Minneapolis has shown the world what it truly means to stand side by side with your neighbor. Not just your neighbor who looks like you, but with a stance of humanity! We are all one, and when we stand together, we stand tall and strong.
Oh…and the gorgeous lakes and beautiful trails embedded right in the city…can’t beat them as well.
What do I like least? I guess I’d say the mosquitoes & ticks when they arrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://julieshannonwilliams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieshannonwilliams/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@julieshannonwilliams
