Jennifer Johnston, MA, LCMHCA, NCC

You are not without imprints and influence. And yet, here you are, at the edge of (or moving deeper into) adulthood, trying to establish your own identity, pursue your individual goals, and turn toward your personal values. All the while, by the way, maintaining prior connectedness and finding new spaces of belonging. This is truly a time of transition and trial. It’s little wonder you can’t turn off your mind to sleep, and wake with a sense of dread - and that you find discerning what is from what is not within your control comes about as easy as knowing when to surrender perfection to “good enough.” I’m ready to help. None of us, at any age, escape the need to heal and grow - to face changes and choices - as anxiety, intense moods, and relationship conflict strain our coping. Søren Kierkegaard, 19th century Danish philosopher, told us: "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Wherever you are on the way to being you, I'm eager to learn more.

My clinical experience in the college setting affirmed my fondness for - and aptitude in - working with older adolescents and emerging adults. Continuing to provide mental health and career development support to this population is an intentional aim. Of course, I am just as honored to walk alongside clients nearing and navigating later stages of adulthood. Our discussions may get existential, we might explore acceptance and commitment, you could get a little cognitive-behavioral "homework." But at the heart will always be a person-centered approach that likely incorporates some healing and insightful narrative techniques. As a longtime writer, I'm drawn to the unique, nonjudgmental, collaborative conversation that takes place within this process. In addition to being trained in the modalities noted below, I've completed specialty training in Motivational Interviewing, DBT-Informed Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Neurodivergent Care. Central to all my work, across time and settings, is a sense of honor and humility as a fellow traveler of my clients' truest selves. From recalling early childhood experiences to naming a self-script that has recently emerged, you are truly seen and heard within your rich and meaningful context.