Interview with Dr. Julie Franks, Maternal Mental Health Therapist at Nurturing the Sisterhood — Supporting Kitsap and Seattle Moms.
Takeaway: Looking for a maternal mental health therapist in Kitsap County, Seattle, or Washington State? Dr. Julie, founder of Nurturing the Sisterhood, offers specialized therapy for women navigating infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years of motherhood. Based in Bainbridge Island and available virtually throughout Washington, Dr. Julie combines advanced clinical training with personal experience to offer compassionate, judgment-free care.
“Talking about the struggles we face as we become mothers is still taboo. We’re here to change that.”
Dr. Julie Franks, Founder of Nurturing the Sisterhood.
Meet Dr. Julie Franks of Nurturing the Sisterhood, in her own words.
Becoming a mom myself was life-changing—and hard. Looking back, I’m sometimes surprised I made it through the infertility journey, high-risk pregnancy, and postpartum anxiety. That experience gave me deep empathy and understanding for the women I now support as a maternal mental health therapist.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) who specializes in perinatal and maternal mental health therapy—which is a fancy way of saying I work with women in the messy middle of infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years of motherhood.
I started Nurturing the Sisterhood because the kind of dedicated space and community I needed didn’t exist when I was going through it. While there were individual therapists doing incredible work, I couldn’t find a practice that centered maternal mental health—especially here in Kitsap County. And on the Seattle side, many options felt corporate or hard to access. I wanted a place where women could feel seen, find community, and get support that truly speaks to the season they’re in—so I created it..
What Makes Nurturing the Sisterhood Different
Dr. Julie’s approach is shaped by both her clinical expertise and her lived experience as a mom. But how she offers care is just as important as what’s addressed. You don’t have to explain what it’s like to be a mom—because we start there.
Nurturing the Sisterhood isn’t just a therapy practice—it’s a community-minded, woman-centered space where you’re truly seen. The entire environment is designed to feel welcoming, flexible, and built around what women actually need during the most tender seasons of life.
This means:
There’s no awkward waiting room or clinical office vibe—just a space where you can be yourself
Every inquiry, email, and phone call is personally answered, no matter what
After each session, you’ll receive an email recap to help you remember and reflect between visits
Snail Mail! An occasional handwritten note + the coveted welcome packets and postpartum packets that come in the mail because personal connection and printed material matters
Babies are always welcome in your sessions - and encouraged!
Looking ahead, a working mom support group will launch in Fall 2025 to create more opportunities for community, and the Nurturing the Sisterhood’s blog serves as a hub to connect women to a wider village of perinatal providers—including doulas, lactation consultants, sleep coaches, and more—helping you build the circle of care you deserve.
Q&A with Dr. Julie Franks
How does a mom know she’ll benefit from therapy? When is it time to reach out for support?
Every mom needs and deserves support. Most moms reach out when their doctor or a loved one expresses concern about their mental health. From my perspective, if you feel like you’re struggling, it’s worth getting help. The earlier the better — we know that the most important factor in moms feeling well is support.
What’s one myth about maternal mental health that you wish more people understood?
That there’s something wrong with you. In truth, maternal mental health challenges like postpartum anxiety and depression are much more common than people realize—affecting nearly 1 in 5 new moms according to national statistics. Struggling doesn’t mean you’re weak or failing; it means you’re human. Recognizing this myth helps reduce stigma and opens the door for more women to increase their support networks.
How do you approach therapy differently than what moms might find in books or online forums?
I understand what it’s like to be a full plate mom who is struggling, so everything we do is simple yet effective. I focus on bite-sized tools that you can fit into your everyday routines because I know you don’t have time for a 60-minute jog or extensive self-care rituals. Something else that’s different is that I’m willing to share my own story, and many women appreciate that. I can’t promise that therapy will be fun, but it’s a refreshing contrast to the stuffy therapy sessions some might expect.
What role do you see community and connection playing in healing and women’s mental health?
Talking about the struggles we face as we become mothers is still taboo in many circles. But community and connection are critical to healing. Sharing experiences breaks isolation, normalizes feelings, and creates a village that lifts everyone up. At Nurturing the Sisterhood, building this sense of community—whether through virtual therapy sessions, support groups, or the blog that connects women to local perinatal providers—is central to empowering women and new moms.
What do you love most about supporting women during the perinatal period?
I love seeing women find their voice. Make decisions. Become confident and feel connected to their baby and the person they are becoming. It’s a privilege to walk alongside women as they reclaim their power and embrace motherhood on their own terms.
Are there any favorite books or resources you recommend to moms feeling overwhelmed or isolated?
I’m a big believer in the power of children’s story books. I include Mommy Love: A Mindfulness Exercise for Mothers and Babies by Susan Verde in the postpartum care packet I send to every mama I work with. The illustrations in the book are my favorite part, because they are so relatable. Another book I often recommend is Crib Sheet by Emily Oster, which provides research-based information for navigating pregnancy and early parenthood.
How to Connect with Dr. Julie
Instagram: @nurturingthesisterhood
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