Kelly Johnson, LPC-A, DrPH

Q&A

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I worked for 15 years as a public health researcher, and spent a lot of time conducting in-depth interviews with individuals about sensitive health-related issues. For my doctoral research, I interviewed trans and non-binary adolescents about their experiences with stigma and discrimination. Many of the participants spoke about the impact of transphobia and invalidation on their mental health, and most of these young people did not have access to mental health services. I realized that I wanted to acquire clinical skills that would allow me to do more than just listen to people's stories as a researcher, so I decided to work part-time as a therapist.

‍What do you feel are your greatest strengths?

I'm warm, empathetic, straightforward, and direct.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I serve as a supportive "guide" to lead clients through the sessions. My role at first is to orient and educate clients to the process, but after the first few sessions, the clients are doing most of the work. I'm there to offer feedback, clarity, emotional support, and redirection. My style is laid-back, conversational, and collaborative. I also weave humor into my sessions when appropriate. 

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Background

• Certifications: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Graduate Education: UC Berkeley, The Wright Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health