DeShanda Johnson

Life can feel overwhelming when you're carrying the weight of work, family responsibilities, caregiving, relationships, or simply trying to hold everything together. You don't have to navigate those challenges alone.

My name is DeShanda L. Johnson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) and Maryland Board Approved Clinical Supervisor. I earned my Master of Social Work from New York University (NYU) and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Towson University. With more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field, I provide compassionate, culturally responsive therapy to adolescents, adults, & families seeking healing, growth, & lasting change.

I have a special passion for supporting African American women navigating anxiety, depression, chronic stress, burnout, relationship challenges, life transitions, & the emotional toll of always having to be "strong."

Many women have learned to prioritize everyone else's needs while ignoring their own. Although resilience is a remarkable strength, carrying life's burdens alone can lead to emotional exhaustion, feelings of isolation, & disconnection from yourself. Together, we'll create a safe, supportive space where you can process your experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, establish boundaries, & rediscover balance without guilt.

I also specialize in working with adolescents and at-risk youth. Through my decades of experience as a school social worker & treatment foster care clinician, I have helped teens and their families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, self-esteem, peer relationships, academic stress, family conflict, foster care placement, & major life transitions.

My therapeutic approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and personalized to meet your unique needs, goals, and lived experiences. I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and together we will build on your strengths while exploring the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be preventing you from living the life you desire.

My work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered care, while integrating trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, and solution-focused interventions. I help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, strengthen emotional resilience, improve relationships, and navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and clarity.

As a culturally responsive therapist, I recognize that culture, identity, family dynamics, systemic barriers, and lived experiences all influence emotional well-being. I am especially passionate about creating a safe, affirming space for individuals from marginalized communities, including African

American women and adolescents, where they feel genuinely seen, heard, respected, and understood.

Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply feeling overwhelmed, my goal is to provide compassionate support while equipping you with practical tools to foster healing, self-awareness, and lasting change. Together, we'll work toward helping you feel more empowered, balanced, and connected to the life you want to live.

In your first session, you'll find a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere where we can collaborate as a team. I will outline the therapeutic process, covering the therapy approach, confidentiality, and what to expect from treatment.

You'll have the chance to talk about why you decided to come to therapy, any current issues you're facing, your relevant history (like mental health, medical, and family), and maybe some lifestyle factors (like sleep, work, and relationships).

We'll also chat about your therapy goals and what you hope to accomplish.