Current Role

Dr. Jo is a Women's Holistic Life, Wellness, and Spiritual Coach, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation and Mindfulness instructor. She is also a writer, speaker, and passionate social activist. Although she sees women who present with all kinds of concerns, Dr. Jo specializes in the following areas: addiction, anxiety, co-dependency, communication, disordered eating and body image, empowerment, PTSD, relationships, and trauma. Dr. Jo believes in blending Eastern and Western medical theories and methodologies to heal the mind, body, and spirit.

Career Path

When she was only twelve years old, Dr. Jo knew she would pursue a degree as a psychologist since she was fascinated by the human psyche and felt called to help others.

After earning her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Jo worked at the University of Minnesota Child Psychiatry Department as a Research Coordinator and Therapist, then at outpatient clinics as a therapist. She decided to open a private practice as a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, seeing diverse clientele for individual, couples, family, and group therapy.

After thirteen successful years in private practice, Dr. Jo wanted to offer a more holistic approach and specialize in women's wellness. She proceeded to get certified in three areas of coaching and further her training as a yoga teacher (she has over 1,000 hours of teacher training). She opened a new business called TulaSoul. Tula' means 'balance' in Sanskrit, 'wind' in Finnish, and 'poem' in the Philippines.

Professional Organizations

Dr. Jo is a member of the International Coaching Federation, MN Chapter; the Yoga Alliance (RYT-500, YACEP) https://my.yogaalliance.org/people/jo-l-e-ryt-200; the Yoga Specialists, whose goal is to spread the joy, healing, and power of yoga to as many people as possible, through an environment of accessibility, inclusivity, and respect; and the Yoga Service Council, which aims to make yoga and mindfulness community-centered, culturally-sensitive, and inclusive for all. Dr. Jo is also a member of the following organizations: Business Leader's Mastermind, EmpowerWomen.Org, SoulWork, The Coven, and is a board member for the DEIJB Committee of the MN Chapter of the International Coaching Federation, and at Twin Cities Well Connected Professionals.

Dr. Jo strongly advocates social justice and volunteers for Humanize My Hoodie, https://www.humanizemyhoodie.com/, a Minneapolis-based organization that works toward racial equality by educating, uplifting communities, and promoting BIPOC art and artists. In addition, she is an ambassador for the Eating Disorders Coalition, which pushes bills forward to Congress for research, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders.

Question

What problems does your business solve for your customers/clients?

Jo's Answer

As a women's holistic coach and yoga teacher, rather than solving their problems, I empower women to celebrate their unique identities, boldly use their voices, and proudly take up space.

Follow-Up Question

How do these women know how to come to you for this problem? Is yoga the lead into coaching?

Jo's Answer

Great question! Some women are specifically seeking coaching, and we stick to that agenda. Many coaching clients want to delve into yoga, so I incorporate movement and meditation into our sessions. Some clients choose to have separate yoga sessions each week. Some clients stick to coaching, and when they finish coaching, having accomplished all of the goals they initially established, they choose to continue meeting with me for individualized yoga/meditation/mindfulness sessions. I also have a couple of clients who I teach yoga to. It's entirely up to each client, and what a client wants and needs can change over time.

Testimonials from Clients:

"Dr. Jo has a lot going for her. Not only is she an amazing holistic life coach, yoga master, and overall mind expert, she is brilliant, talented, beautiful, funny, kind, empathic, passionate, and authentic. Her poetry, an example below, swallows me in emotions while waking that part of me which allows me to fly. If you need help dealing with trauma, stress, decisions, or whatever, contact her and she'll bring the joy back into your life."
-Chandra Rice

"I have known Jo for 21 years and she is an excellent attribute to any healing that one might seek. She teaches anything from yoga, breathing, and meditation to serious issues of pain, grief and mental disorders. She has a beautiful disposition and personality, and truly cares about each client. I highly recommend her services."
-Jill Ressen

"She has helped me so much with my mental health and through my journey of becoming a yoga instructor! I highly recommend her!"
-Alyssa Petti

"Dr Jo has improved my life in so many ways she Is teaching me how to love and except myself..I am still a work on progress but I could not do it without her. I appreciate her and am thankful I finally found someone who could help me find my authentic self."
-Gina Ferrara

"When I was matched with Dr. Jo and read her bio, everything she had experience with and was interested in matched with everything I was looking for in a coach! We've had a few sessions so far, and I have never felt so comfortable with a therapist/coach right off the bat. I can tell she cares about me and my thoughts/feelings. She listens well, is able to give good advice and guidance. She doesn't just sugarcoat things and is real with me. Its nice to have a non-judgmental space to process and dove deeper into who I am and who I want to become. I am so thankful we connected, and I'm looking forward to working with her long term!"
-Malerie Brill

Testimonials from Colleagues:

"At an early age, Dr. Jo had a desire to help people. With her expertise, she loves helping women on their journey life. She is a holistic coach, offers yoga, pilates, mediation, mindfulness teacher...just to name a few. She is very passionate and enjoys each moment with her clients."
-Senida Selinas

"Dr Jo is extremely professional and has a wealth of knowledge....I honor her both as a doctor, as well as a very special spiritual human being."
- Michael Bradford

"Dr Jo is a genuinely kind and empathetic person. I've been continually impressed with her giving spirit, and her willingness to partner with me on my journey. I've found her to be an intuitive listener who helps me feel deeply heard and understood, which is a priceless experience. I feel very fortunate to have met her, and look forward to seeing what we will be able to create together!"
-Natalie Fayman

"Dr. Jo has a wealth of knowledge and experience with traditional and holistic health. Plus, she really cares about people! Lastly, she values multiculturalism."
-Christie Lea Thompson

"Professional and extremely knowledgeable regarding PSTD and TBI. I attended an educational Zoom webinar and was quite impressed with her knowledge. Her presentation was akin to drinking from a firehose. We received a great deal of information in a short period of time. It was time well spent."
- David Hall, CHWL

"You can sense her spirit of kindness with every conversation. A true gift to this world :)"
-Jeff Walker

tulasoul Voted Best Local Business 2022 Alignable, Runner up 2023

https://www.alignable.com/plymouth-mn/dr-jo

“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
― Audre Lorde