Dr. Derrick Johnson

I am dual licensed as both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist with over 14 years of experience in clinical practice. I hold a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and enjoy teaching as an adjunct professor as well as being a therapist.

My work is deeply informed by both professional training and lived experience. I understand addiction, identity development, and personal reinvention not only from textbooks, but from life.

I specialize in working with:

• Addiction & Substance use disorders
• Relapse prevention and long-term recovery development
• Professionals experiencing burnout or high-performance pressure
• Relationship distress, betrayal trauma, and attachment wounds
• Codependency and patterns of over-functioning
• Anxiety and mood-related disorders
• LGBTQ+ identity development and life transitions
• Individuals navigating major life reinvention (divorce, coming out later in life, career shifts)

My approach is direct, structured, and growth-oriented.

I believe therapy is about "discovery, education, and growth," and utilize this formula to help you create the change you are seeking. I combine psychoeducation with a variety of therapeutic approaches to help you discover new ways of thinking and living and do so with emotional depth and compassion. Clients often describe my style as warm, honest, and supportive, and yes, I am pretty direct in my delivery. Therapy with me is collaborative where we will examine the "why" but also build the "how."

In our first session we'll laugh a little as we get to know one another. I will warn you about my directness.... "oh , this is gonna hurt a little bit," but that always comes from a place of compassion and understanding and my clients normally say "Dr. d" that wasn't that bad!" Incidentally, I am also known for giving an A+A+A+. Most refer to me as "Dr. d," but I also respond to Derrick just as well.

You can expect to focus on setting goals as well as establishing what therapeutic approach is best for you to obtain those goals. I will also inquire about where you grew up, what or who influenced you, and what also provides life meaning. Our time together is about you and you can share what you are comfortable in sharing. I am dedicated to help you create the change you want for your life and will do so with warmth, dignity, and respect.