Julie Barron, M.A.
Julie Barron is a pioneer of the Michigan alternative healing and psychedelic community. For over 30 years Julie has done extensive research and training in the health & spiritual benefits of cannabis and entheogenic plants/fungi. Julie has devoted her practice at Blue Sage Health Consulting to helping clients find healing and relief as they incorporate these practices on their path to wholeness.
With extensive training in Transpersonal Psychology and Music Therapy from Naropa University, Julie uses an artful combination of Eastern thought and Western psychology to help clients make impactful change using and integrating experiences from non-ordinary states of consciousness (though breathwork, meditation, music, and medicines like cannabis and ketamine). Julie is currently fullfilling the requirements to become a State of Colorado Licsensed Psilocybin Facilitator and is in the process of completing Integrative Psychiatry Institute’s Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Certification.
Early in her work, it was apparent that the individual therapy work of her client’s was just one part. What was missing was the connection to others, Community. At the time there was not an above-ground psychedelic community in her area, so in 2017 she created a much-needed inclusive community called the Michigan Psychedelic Society (MPS).
After a few years, a small MPS sub group started Decriminalize Nature Ann Arbor and, with Julie at the helm, successfully decriminalized entheogenic plants and fungi in the City of Ann Arbor in Sept 2020. Julie started Decriminalize Nature Michigan and helped 4 other cities in Michigan decriminalize entheogens. Julie also helped write decriminalization language for 2 Michigan Senate Bills and co-ran a state ballot campaign. Julie was previously a board member of the national organization Decriminalize Nature working to decriminalize entheogens in other cities and states all throughout the US.
With the interest of alternative practices like psychedelics increasing, a large part of her work has become teaching, consulting, training, and mentoring other practitioners. Julie runs courses and groups for therapists, doctors, nurses, healing arts professionals, and clergy to help familiarize them with alternative and psychedelic techniques.
In 2021 Julie co-founded Entheofest, an annual free speech event at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Entheofest brings local enthusiasts and people from all over the county together in Ann Arbor to celebrate sacred plants and fungi.
Julie has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan and Master’s Degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology & Music Therapy from Naropa University. In Colorado she practiced as a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Registered Psychotherapist in private practice and doing contract work with Children’s Hospital Denver, Boulder Valley School District, TEENS, Inc. Youth & Family Center, The Colorado Institute of Developmental Pediatrics, and others. In Michigan Julie also previously worked with Michigan Progressive Health, helping them to create a psychedelic therapy program for their ketamine clinic.
Julie was Ordained as a Minister in 2013 by the Universal Life Church.
Published Research:
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Aug 11, 2022 “Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: A World Apart from Clinical Care”
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Apr 20, 2023 “How Do I Learn More About this?”: Utilization and Trust of Psychedelic Information Sources Among People Naturalistically Using Psychedelics
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, June 23, 2023 “Preferences and Support for Psychedelic Policies and Practices Among Those Using Psychedelics”
Frontiers in Psychiatry, Aug 4, 2023 “Slouching towards engagement: interactions between people using psychedelics naturalistically and their healthcare providers”
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, September 19, 2024. “Going Underground: Demographics, Services, and Best Practices Endorsed by Practitioners Providing Support for Naturalistic Psychedelic Use”
Psychedelic Medicine, September 17, 2024. “Psychedelic Therapist Sexual Misconduct and Other Adverse Experiences Among a Sample of Naturalistic Psychedelic Users”
