Karen Johnston

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who enjoys meaningful conversations and takes a genuine interest in understanding people. I’m warm, curious, and direct, and I value creating a relationship where you can speak openly, including about things that feel difficult to explain.

I especially enjoy working with people who think deeply, feel intensely, or spend much of their lives supporting others while needing support themselves. I work with men, women, and couples navigating anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My interests include men facing stress and internal pressures, and women navigating midlife, perimenopause, menopause, and changing family roles.

My experiences as a military spouse and in a marriage across cultural backgrounds inform my understanding of relationships, differing perspectives, and the demands of adapting to change.

For clients who wish to include Christian faith in counseling, I welcome that as part of our work. I also welcome clients of all faiths or no faith, and follow your preferences about whether spirituality is discussed.

My approach is collaborative and active. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and offer honest feedback with care. Together, we’ll explore what is contributing to your struggles, recognize recurring patterns, and identify changes that fit your needs and goals.

Understanding why something happens can be helpful, but you may also need help responding differently when it happens again. Our work may include processing painful experiences, managing overwhelming emotions, strengthening boundaries, or improving communication. I make room for difficult feelings while helping you put what you learn into practice.

I am trained in EMDR and draw from evidence-based approaches, including CBT and DBT. My work is trauma-informed and tailored to your needs and readiness. We’ll adjust the pace together and stay focused on what you want to address.

You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. Our first session is a conversation about what brings you to counseling, what has been difficult, and what you hope will change. If you’re unsure where to begin, I’ll help guide you.

I’ll ask about your current concerns, relevant background, relationships, and sources of support. There is no expectation to describe every painful experience in detail during our first meeting. We can begin with what you feel ready to share.

You’ll also have time to ask questions and get a sense of whether my style feels like a good fit. Together, we’ll identify your initial priorities and discuss next steps, giving us a starting point for our work.