From Corporate Law to Conscious Healing – Julia’s Journey of Purpose and Impact
After graduating from Santa Maria College, Julia Hassall’s (Class of 2004) path took her across the globe, from London and Vancouver to Sydney, Byron Bay and now Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles. What began as a career in corporate law evolved into something far more personal and purposeful. Shaped by travel, ambition, deep loss and profound self-reflection, she redirected her life towards the mental health space, driven by a desire to create meaningful change. Today, she supports individuals and communities to reconnect with themselves and heal in ways that are both practical and transformative.
Tell us a little about where life has taken you since leaving Santa Maria.
After leaving Santa Maria, I took a gap year and moved to London and Vancouver. I was eager to explore other countries and take a break before going to university. It turns out that I don’t like cold weather very much (!), but it was a fun and pivotal time for self-growth. When I returned home, I studied a Bachelor of Law/Commerce at Murdoch University, and worked as a lawyer at a global top-tier firm, media firm and professional services firms. I moved to Sydney at 27 years old, Byron Bay at 33 and Los Angeles, US at 35.
Your career began in corporate law. What prompted the change of direction?
I’ve always had a strong passion to make change in the world. Truthfully, I was lost after I finished school and did not know where to channel my ambition. I thought that studying business and law would open doors for me to work my way up into an innovative tech start-up. I never set out to be a lawyer but was tempted by the financial opportunities and the prestige of the industry.
At 30, the unimaginable happened and my world was turned upside-down when I lost my father to suicide. At the time, he was looking after my mother, his partner of 47 years, who had developed early-stage dementia. He was my best friend, and his death was incredibly traumatic and painful. Shortly after, I made a promise to myself that I would do whatever I could to contribute meaningfully to the mental health space. I later completed Post-Graduate studies in Neuroscience of Mental Health and a Master’s of Clinical Psychology, as well as studying various trauma modalities such as brainspotting and somatic therapy.
How do you work with people?
As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Neurosomatic Coach, I work with individuals and groups in various capacities. I don’t see therapy as “what’s wrong with you,” but rather “what happened to you.” Much of what we struggle with is shaped by family patterns and coping behaviours that once helped us feel safe.
My work is very body-based, so there is less of a focus on straight talk-therapy and more focus on change through emotional and physical awareness.
Alongside 1:1 work, I run tailored workshops and speak for communities, treatment centres, and organisations. I’m growing this side of my work because I want to reach more people. I believe healing is multidimensional – body, mind, and spirit, and that shared conversations about life’s challenges have the power to inspire resilience and connection.
As an Associate Therapist, Coach and Speaker, what does a typical day look like for you?
I primarily work from home in Manhattan Beach, and my desk overlooks the ocean in one of the most beautiful parts of LA. No two days are exactly the same. I see individual clients, run workshops and groups, mostly online, but also in person.
These days I’m also recording podcasts, creating groups and networking and training with people at the forefront of the industry.
In today’s fast-paced world, what do you think people often overlook when it comes to their own wellbeing?
The fast-pace of life has created many distractions and it can be overwhelming to our nervous system and body. Many people feel disconnected from themselves, to others and to nature. People are no longer in tune with how they feel, and how we feel is the ultimate driver of our thoughts and behaviours. When we are attuned to how we feel, we can better understand what our body needs and regulate our emotions more effectively. Many people have underlying trauma or patterns that keep them in a sense of dysregulation and reliant on things that may not be so good for us: drugs, alcohol, codependent relationships, social media. Our sense of wellbeing isn’t just about taking care of ourselves physically and mentally, but also about having fun and connecting with what truly brings us joy.
How do you maintain balance and stay grounded, both personally and professionally?
I prioritise the basic things: sleep, healthy food, exercise, sunshine, nature, connection and a peaceful home. We are glorified house plants, and we need this as our foundation. Additionally, my spiritual practice of Nichiren Buddhism is very important to me. I chant every morning for 30 minutes, which is like a meditation practice. Buddhism teaches that suffering isn’t a mistake; it’s part of the human path and the ground for growth. The practice allows us to “turn poison into medicine”, and every challenge I encounter is an opportunity for learning and expansion. I aspire to find meaning in my life, relationships and joy in my work and interests. After sessions, I clear my energy by jumping in the ocean, although the water here is much colder than the Indian Ocean! (Average 17C).
Looking back, how did Santa Maria College help lay the foundation for the work you do today?
Santa Maria was such a pivotal time in my life. Being in an all-girls environment shaped me more than I realised at the time. There was a strong sense of sisterhood. We pushed each other to do well, and there was a healthy balance of competition and support, which built resilience, confidence and drive. I was surrounded by intelligent, capable young women and strong teachers. Looking back, I can see how much that environment strengthened my voice and my belief that we are capable of whatever we put our mind to.
What do you like to do in your down time?
I love to hike the mountains here in LA, ride my e-bike along the beach, dance, and I’m learning to surf. I also enjoy the company of good friends, and I’m hoping to get to more live shows this year.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself continuing to expand my work throughout the US and internationally. Speaking and consulting across different communities and organisations on spirituality and integrative approaches to mental health. I‘d like to write a book one day. I envisage a life that feels rich with connection, play, and nature, shared with a loving partner, a strong and supportive community, and a home that is filled with warmth and aliveness.
Julia’s life reflects the very principles she shares with others: presence, connection and courage. Grounded in the strong foundations formed during her years at Santa Maria, she continues to expand her work across the US and beyond, championing integrative approaches to mental health and wellbeing. Her story reminds us that even the most unexpected detours can lead to deeply purposeful work.
- Alumni Spotlight, Career Change Inspiration, Featured, Global Alumni Community, Integrative Wellbeing, Neuroscience and psychology, Santa Maria College alumni, Women in Leadership
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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