Michelle Johnson

Michelle “MJ” Lankford-Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), with advanced credentials including Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS), and CADC eligibility. She provides mental and behavioral health services throughout Virginia via telehealth.

MJ is guided by her core values of Community, Inspiration, and Education, which shape both her clinical approach and the meaningful connections she builds with clients. Her professional expertise is complemented by lived experience, having navigated and healed from her own traumatic life events. This allows her to show up with authenticity, empathy, and a grounded understanding of resilience. She believes healing is possible, growth is attainable, and you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

She works with adults who are navigating old patterns---feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them and are ready for change.

My specialties are Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Trauma Model Therapy. The perfect psychotherapy trio for acknowledging and treating rooted issues that have grown and become troublesome during adulthood in any area of your life.

You don’t have to go through your challenge(s) alone. Let it be 'well in your soul'. I work from an open, compassionate, and holistic lens and hold the belief that we all have the resiliency within ourselves to find peace and fulfillment in life. I’m just here to help guide you along the way to pull unwanted roots in order to re-plant yourself.

An ideal client would be someone who is willing to grow to be comfortable and safe in therapy. This client is prepared to make lasting changes in their lives and is someone seeking support to address their past, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other curveballs that life can throw. Their issues may also include neurodivergent disorders-ADHD/ASD, Borderline Personality, mood disorders, and trauma-related disorders-PTSD. Therapy should start where you are in your journey of growth and wellness & progress to "Pulling unwanted roots". MJ has always had a passion for helping others and found a path to do so in therapy.