Widely recognized expert and authority on death, dying and bereavement.

Julie is a dynamic speaker and workshop leader. She has lectured extensively to professional audiences including the Case Management Society of America and the National Brain Tumor Foundation. She is an educator having taught several years at Whittier College and as a guest lecturer at both USC and UCLA.

Through her work with hospice she received the Award of Excellence from the Southern California Cancer Pain Initiative and was interviewed by CNN regarding loss and disasters.

Called in to provide counseling during major catastrophes

Julie’s skills and expertise were called upon during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath of 911. She also served as bereavement counselor during workplace violence involving bank robberies and multiple shootings. The school system enlisted her services to address the sudden death of a beloved teacher and to educate and train staff regarding the needs of students when a classmate dies.

Served over 2000 families

Through her many years with hospice and her private practice as a psychotherapist Julie has counseled over 2000 families. She worked with dying patients supporting them through their journey to a dignified and peaceful death while at the same time providing comfort and guidance to those left behind. She has produced multiple bereavement groups, holiday grief workshops and special seminars addressing sudden loss, suicide, and coping with terminal illness.

Where empathy meets credentials

Julie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years experience in the areas of death, dying and bereavement. Her formal education consists of dual master’s degrees in psychology and social work. While completing her graduate studies at the University of Southern California she served an internship at the prestigious City of Hope in Duarte California.
The greatest teachings however came from dying patients and their bereaved loved ones sharing their vulnerabilities and courage. One such teacher was Jonathon, a dignified gentleman who always wore a starched white shirt and suspenders. He was a quiet and simple man, deeply loved by his family. Jonathon was dying of aggressive pancreatic cancer which had spread throughout his body changing his strong and broad physique to that of a frail and thin man. During the last few days of his life he became bed bound and too weak to speak. His wife of 45 years stayed at his bedside constantly.

It was evident that she loved him unconditionally and at the same time was overwhelmed with intense grief, knowing his time was near. When she left the room Julie went to Jonathan and promised him that she would help his wife and support her throughout the bereavement process. His beloved wife would not make the journey alone. He began to cry. He too was aware of his wife’s anguish. Through his eyes and his embrace he expressed his gratitude and Julie realized that for Jonathan a dignified and peaceful passing could only occur knowing his loved ones would be cared for. He died shortly thereafter. A commitment to a dying man resulted in Julie creating a life time career serving others in the area of death, dying and bereavement.

Meet Julie Siri, where empathy meets credentials.