Karie Johnston

Welcome! I am so glad you are here. I’m Karie Johnston, a licensed therapist committed to empowering you with the tools and perspective needed to start building a life that feels authentic, resilient, and entirely your own.

My passion for this work is deeply personal. I’ve faced my own struggles and challenges, and I know firsthand how life-changing therapy can be. It helped me break free from patterns that held me back and reconnect with my true self. That journey inspired me to help others do the same over the past 26 years.

I’m here to help you through your journey. Whether you’re seeking healing, clarity, or personal growth, I believe change is possible. Together, we’ll create a space where you can feel safe, seen, and empowered to become your best self.

I view therapy as a collaborative journey rather than a clinical process. You are the expert on your own life; my role is to provide the tools, guidance, and strategies to help you navigate it. I believe that healing happens when we stop fighting our emotions and start understanding the messages they are trying to send us.

My approach is integrative and client-centered, focusing on supporting the whole person. We won’t just talk about the symptoms; we will work together to uncover the resilience that’s been there all along.

To ensure our work is effective and tailored to your unique needs, I draw from evidence-based practices, including:

• ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy): A modern, visual approach (similar to EMDR) designed to help process distress and trauma quickly.
• ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy): Helping you stay present and move toward what matters most to you, even in the face of difficult emotions.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Identifying and shifting the thought patterns that keep you feeling "stuck."
• Solution-Focused Therapy: A goal-directed approach that focuses on your strengths and your future.

Taking the first step into therapy can feel vulnerable, so my priority is to make our initial meeting feel safe, grounded, and entirely yours.

In our first session, we focus on connection rather than just paperwork. We’ll spend our time getting to know one another and discussing what brought you here. You are the expert on your story; I am here to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and begin identifying what a "better life" looks like for you.

By the end of our first hour, my goal is for you to leave feeling heard, understood, and hopeful. We will:

• Discuss your goals and what you hope to gain from our time together.
• Address any questions or "first-session jitters" you might have about the process.
• Start sketching out a collaborative plan that honors your pace and your unique needs.

There is no "right" way to show up for therapy. Whether you arrive with a specific list of concerns or just a general sense that something needs to change, you are welcome here exactly as you are.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re looking for a partner who is as invested in your healing as you are, I would love to connect.