Hi, I’m Julie Cappel
I am a life coach and veterinarian. I am a practicing small animal, avian and exotic veterinarian, business owner, wife, and mother of two amazing adult children. I have navigated and understand the pressure of balancing a demanding veterinary career with a family life that is rich with experiences and love.
I understand the feelings of being overworked, overweight, overwhelmed, and under-appreciated. I have overcome these feelings and have learned to love myself and enjoy my abundant life. I coach with compassion and humor to help you find yourself, take back your confidence, and build the life and career that you have always dreamed of.
FROM MY CLIENTS
BACKGROUND
Credentials and certifications
Certified Life Coach
Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional
Certified Weight Coach
Former Executive Committee Member - Southeastern Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, Past-President 2006
Former Executive Committee Member- Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, Past-President 2015
Advisor for the MVMA Power of Ten Leadership Academy, Chairperson of the MVMA Leadership Development Committee
Board Member - Michigan Animal Health Foundation
Published works in DVM360, Vetted, Fetch DVM, Andy Roark’s Blog, NOMV, Chewy, and The Michigan Veterinarian.
Dr. Cappel works as a small animal and exotic pet veterinarian, author, speaker, and leadership and life coach. She worked as a practice owner for over 22 years running a four doctor veterinary practice in Warren, Michigan. Dr. Cappel has studied leadership, employee relations, personality profiling, business management, interpersonal relationships, and work-life balance. She has served on multiple veterinary committees, school boards, and was an executive committee member for the Southeastern Michigan Veterinary Medical Association serving as their president in 2006. She has also served on the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association executive board and served as their president in 2015, and continues to work as an advisor for the MVMA "A team", Power of Ten, and on several committees. Dr. Cappel published her first book. “Love Your Veterinary Life - The Veterinary Life Coach Guide to Harnessing Your Mind and Building an Incredible Life.” in September of 2023. Her work has been published in DVM360, Vetted, Fetch DVM, Andy Roark’s Blog, and The Michigan Veterinarian. She currently authors a weekly blog that she produces for her coaching business. She also has a weekly podcast - The Veterinary Life Coach® Podcast.
Before I started working with Julie, my confidence as a veterinarian was starting to suffer. Working with Julie helped me to grow in my understanding of how powerful the mind is. Using the strategies taught by Julie really helps me to fight my negative thoughts and remind myself that “I’m a big brave dog.” If you are looking for practical and soul searching methods to help you grow in personal life and as a professional, I recommend coaching with Julie.
/ JANEEA /
I found Julie through her podcast, which is so enjoyable and informative. Despite being in therapy for years, I felt I needed some guidance from someone who had firsthand knowledge of what is to be a veterinarian. This was exactly the boost I needed. Speaking with Julie really helped to change my perspective and mindset. It was great to speak with someone about the details of work challenges and have them know exactly what it is like. Her expertise is invaluable. The sessions with Julie could benefit anyone inside or outside of the vet profession and I often catch myself thinking when talking to others "wow this person could really benefit from chatting with Julie". I really enjoyed our conversations and any homework that was given. It feels great knowing that I have Julie in my circle as a wise mind I can depend on!
/ Julia /
“I never knew how much I needed a life coach until I met with Dr. Cappel! She changed my life, and gave me the confidence to work toward being a better leader at work and a better person outside of the workplace. It was so helpful and comforting to talk about things with a fellow mother and veterinarian, and set attainable and structured goals for the things I wanted to improve in my life. Dr. Cappel also helped me change the way that I form my thoughts and approach adversity. There is no doubt that I will continue to seek coaching sessions with her in the future!”