Pamela Chesky Johnson, MAEd, NCC

I am a compassionate counselor and former school counselor who helps adults, couples, teens, and children navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and life transitions.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and it takes courage to reach out. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can share your story and begin to make meaningful change.

Who I Work With

I work with children (elementary age and up), adolescents, adults, and couples. My clients come to me with a wide range of concerns, including:
• Anxiety, stress, and overthinking
• Depression and low mood
• Trauma and difficult past experiences (including developmental/complex trauma)
• Relationship struggles and codependency
• Life transitions, parenting challenges, and school stress
• Self-esteem and confidence concerns
• Coping with chronic health conditions, such as celiac disease

My Approach

I believe that our past experiences shape us, but they don’t have to define us. When we begin to understand how old beliefs or patterns are keeping us stuck, we can create new ways of thinking and relating that lead to more fulfilling lives.

My approach is integrative and tailored to each client. I primarily use a Person-Centered and Psychodynamic foundation, incorporating somatic work and attachment theory. When helpful, I also integrate tools from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). For couples, I use the Gottman Method to help partners strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen connection. I am also completing advanced training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), and I occasionally draw on its focus on survival strategies and how they shape patterns in the present.

My Background

Before becoming a clinical counselor, I worked for ten years as a Professional School Counselor in Virginia. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the challenges children, teens, and families face in balancing academic, social, and emotional needs.

I hold:
• A B.S. in Psychology from Carroll University (WI)
• A Master’s in Education (School Counseling) from Virginia Tech
• A Post-Master’s Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mount Mary University

Licenses & Credentials
• Licensed Professional Counselor – In Training (LPC-IT), Wisconsin
• Licensed Professional School Counselor, Virginia (Pre-K–12)
• National Certified Counselor (NCC)

Training & Certifications
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1
• NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) Level 2 Training – in progress, expected completion November 2025

What You Can Expect

From our first session, my priority is helping you feel comfortable and supported. Together, we’ll identify your goals and work at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all — I’ll meet you where you are, whether you need practical coping tools, deeper exploration of your story, or support navigating a specific challenge.

You don’t have to face these struggles alone. If you’re ready to begin the process of healing, growth, and change, I would be honored to walk alongside you.