Marissa Johnson

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and obtained my Master's Degree in social work. I began my professional background in an elementary/middle school setting, though I had prior experience interning at an assisted living facility as well as working with foster children. I worked for Chicago Public Schools as a school social worker for over four years, and recently relocated to Washington state where I provide therapy services at a behavioral health center. I currently work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and have experience with various races/ethnicities, gender and sexual orientations, ages, and mental health diagnoses. I was trained in trauma-informed practice and recently received a certification in DBT, however I prefer to integrate various therapeutic approaches depending on the needs of my client.

I utilize a strengths-based approach, grounded in motivational interviewing, and guided by an ecological lens to emphasize empowerment and understanding. I encourage exploration of my client's personal goals and inner strengths, while considering broader life experiences, relationships, and external systems that shape their story. I am solution-focused and may offer skills and coping strategies inspired by CBT, DBT, art therapy, and more. Likewise, I make space for free expression, and may provide a more hands-off approach dependent on the client's presenting needs.

During initial sessions, I offer my background and approach to therapy while inviting the client to share their interests, motivations for therapy, and personal goals. I emphasize transparency as well as relationship-building so that clients may share their thoughts and feelings at a pace that feels empowering and supportive. I take a collaborative approach, where as I understand the client as the expert of their own experiences, while also introducing new perspectives and skills to challenge the client as appropriate.