Maci Johnson

Hello, and welcome! I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina with a Master of Social Work (MSW) and currently a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) candidate. My clinical experience includes supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges, trauma, and life circumstances that can affect their sense of identity, relationships, and overall well-being.

I work with teens, young adults, and adults experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, serious mental illness, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and major life transitions. I also have a special interest in supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse, women navigating personal and relational challenges, and individuals impacted by discrimination or institutional and systemic trauma.

I recognize that every person’s story is different. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable exploring your experiences, identifying your strengths, and working toward meaningful change. I believe that healing involves more than managing symptoms; it can also mean rebuilding trust in yourself, strengthening your sense of identity, and reclaiming your voice and personal power. Wherever you are in your journey, you deserve to feel heard, respected, and supported.

My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, person-centered, collaborative, and strengths-based. I believe you are the expert on your own experiences, and my role is to help you better understand yourself, recognize patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward the changes you want to make. I strive to create an environment where you can be honest about your struggles without fear of judgment while knowing that you will also be encouraged to challenge yourself and grow.

I draw from evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, grounding techniques, and Moral Recognition Therapy. I tailor these approaches to your individual needs, goals, and readiness for change rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

I also recognize that our experiences, relationships, identities, and environments influence our mental health. I aim to understand the broader context of your life while helping you build resilience, strengthen boundaries, improve relationships, and develop a healthier relationship with yourself. My goal is to balance compassion with accountability, helping you feel supported while empowering you to take meaningful steps toward healing and lasting change.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and explore what brings you to therapy. You do not need to have everything figured out or know exactly where to begin. We will discuss your current concerns, relevant life experiences, personal strengths, and what you hope to gain from the therapeutic process. I will also invite you to share any questions, preferences, or concerns you may have about therapy.

I understand that opening up to someone new can feel uncomfortable, especially if you have experienced trauma, struggled to trust others, or spent a long time managing things on your own. We will move at a pace that feels appropriate for you, and you will not be expected to share everything before you are ready. Building trust and establishing a sense of safety are important parts of our work together.

We will begin identifying your goals and discussing how we can work toward them collaboratively. You can expect a supportive, respectful environment where your experiences are taken seriously and your voice matters. My intention is for you to leave our first session with a clearer understanding of how therapy may help, an initial sense of direction, and the reassurance that you do not have to navigate everything alone. We will build from there, one step at a time.