Nathaniel Johnston

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with master’s degrees in Professional Counseling and Addiction Counseling, and I am currently completing a PhD in Performance Psychology. I have more than a decade of experience providing clinical services to adolescents, adults, and athletes in outpatient, university, and community mental health settings. My background as a former professional athlete enhances my clinical work with individuals experiencing performance-related stress, identity transitions, and the psychological demands associated with high-achieving environments.

My clinical practice focuses on the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders, depressive symptoms, stress-related concerns, adjustment difficulties, emotional regulation challenges, and athlete-specific mental health needs. I utilize an integrative and evidence-based approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Therapy (CT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), solution-focused interventions, and person-centered principles. Treatment is informed by a holistic and culturally responsive framework that considers each client’s developmental history, personal values, and contextual factors.

Clients can expect a structured, goal-oriented, and collaborative therapeutic environment. I work to enhance insight, increase adaptive coping skills, and support measurable improvements in functioning, resilience, and overall psychological well-being.

My approach to therapy is integrative, evidence-based, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Therapy (CT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), solution-focused interventions, and person-centered principles. I also use a holistic lens that considers emotional, cognitive, cultural, and relational factors to support long-term growth and resilience.

My style is empathic, structured, and collaborative. I work with clients to identify patterns that impact their functioning, build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create practical strategies they can use outside of session. I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, and athletes navigating anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment challenges, identity concerns, emotional regulation, and performance-related issues.

My goal is to help clients feel understood while equipping them with evidence-based tools that promote meaningful change and improved well-being.

In our first session, clients can expect a supportive, calm, and structured environment focused on understanding their concerns, history, and goals for therapy. I begin by reviewing confidentiality, answering questions about the therapeutic process, and creating space for clients to share what led them to seek help. I use a combination of clinical assessment, holistic inquiry, and person-centered dialogue to identify symptoms, strengths, and areas of focus.

Together, we outline initial goals and discuss a treatment approach that feels both practical and collaborative. Clients typically leave the first session with a clearer understanding of their challenges, an initial plan for moving forward, and at least one strategy or insight they can begin applying right away. My priority is to ensure clients feel heard, supported, and confident in the direction of their care.