Karena Johnson-Blackwell, FL LMHC MH28727

I believe that every person deserves a space where they feel heard, respected, and understood without judgment. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Certified Life Coach, and Family Advocate with experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. Throughout my career, I have worked in schools, community mental health, private practice, and behavioral health settings, giving me a broad understanding of the challenges people face across different stages of life. I have experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, emotional regulation, self-esteem, ADHD, autism, and family conflict.

My counseling style is warm, collaborative, and direct. I believe therapy should be a partnership where you feel safe enough to be honest while also feeling supported and challenged to grow. I strive to create an environment where you can explore difficult emotions without shame and celebrate progress, even when it comes in small steps.

My treatment approach is individualized because no two people have the same story. I primarily integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, and psychoeducation. Together, we'll identify unhelpful thought patterns, build healthier coping strategies, improve communication and emotional regulation, and focus on practical skills you can use in everyday life.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, struggling with relationships, or simply trying to understand yourself better, I want therapy to be a place where you feel empowered rather than judged. My hope is that you'll leave each session with greater insight, practical tools, and confidence in your ability to navigate life's challenges.

Reaching out for support takes courage, and I'm honored to walk alongside you in that journey. I look forward to helping you build resilience, discover your strengths, and create the life you want to live.