Paula Johnson

Hello! I truly love the work I do and feel honored to support individuals as they discover their capacity for healing, growth, and recovery.

As a second-career therapist, I bring not only professional education and training, but also valuable life experience and a deep understanding of the many challenges we can encounter throughout our lives. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside each person on their journey toward healing, self-understanding, and empowerment.

My approach is trauma-informed, neuroscience- and nervous-system-informed, attachment-focused, and attentive to relationship wounds. I am certified in Stress, Trauma, and PTSD and serve as a consultant and certified practitioner in Brainspotting. I am also an EMDR consultant-in-training and certified in EMDR. In addition, I have completed Level 3 training in Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Level 1 training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), and training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Polyvagal Theory.

Originally from the East Coast, I relocated to Arizona several years ago and have truly enjoyed making it home. In my therapeutic work, I draw from a variety of approaches because I believe there is no single therapy or technique that is right for everyone. Each person is unique, and I strive to meet clients where they are, tailoring the therapeutic process to their individual needs, experiences, and goals.

I often think of people as being a little like onions—we all have layers. Borrowing this lighthearted idea from Shrek, I see those layers as being shaped by our experiences, wounds, relationships, upbringing, and family of origin. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where those layers can be explored with curiosity and care. Together, we can work toward greater self-understanding, healing, resilience, and meaningful growth.

My approach to therapy is grounded in attunement, calmness, curiosity, empowerment, and compassion. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout their journey toward healing and growth.

Together, we explore the challenges and experiences that may be affecting your life, relationships, and overall well-being. I work collaboratively with each person to better understand their unique experiences, identify patterns that may be contributing to distress, and develop meaningful approaches that align with their individual goals.

I value authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. I strive to be genuine and “real” in my work, while offering honest, thoughtful feedback when it is welcomed. My goal is to provide a space where you can be open and vulnerable without fear of judgment, while feeling supported as you navigate meaningful change.

I also incorporate approaches that support nervous system regulation and strengthen the connection between the brain and body. By developing greater awareness of bodily experiences and cultivating a deeper sense of safety within the body, we can work toward greater calm, balance, resilience, and overall well-being.

Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, vulnerable, and even scary. My goal is to provide a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel safe being your authentic self. If you are unsure of who that is or feel disconnected from yourself, we can explore and discover that together.

During our first session, you can expect to begin building practical tools for grounding, coping, and emotional regulation that you can use in everyday life. My hope is that you leave our first session with something meaningful to take with you—a new perspective, a helpful tool, a sense of relief, or perhaps a renewed sense of hope.

Over the years, clients have shared that they experience a greater sense of calm and hope after meeting with me. I believe this comes from being genuinely present, attuned to each person’s individual needs, and deeply invested in understanding what they are experiencing.

Healing happens through connection. When we feel truly seen, heard, understood, and cared for, we can begin to feel safe enough to explore the experiences that have shaped us. I believe that a strong therapeutic connection, combined with attunement, compassion, and evidence-informed approaches, can be a powerful foundation for healing, recovery, and empowerment.