Hello!
My name is Erika Johnson, I am a licensed clinical mental health counseling associate.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, accepting, and genuine space to talk. Every person I see has unique vulnerabilities, experiences, hidden personal strengths and struggles. In a world full of constant change, it is easy to get overwhelmed and feel lost. I hope to help individuals rediscover who they are and live in the present without constant fear of the future and reliving their past. When coming to see me there will be no judgment. Counseling should be a place where you can be yourself without feeling judged.
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As a passionate and certified Mental Health Counselor Associate, my experience allows me to understand the best ways to address each client’s needs in an effective manner. I meet my clients where they're at and work with a person-centered approach, creating a unique and personalized experience in therapy. I am flexible in my approach, I understand that what works for one client doesn't work for all clients, and use collaboration as the basis of my therapy—ensuring a comfortable, safe environment where we can work together on your goal.
My Story
The subject of psychology got my attention from a young age. I was intrigued by the inner workings of the brain and how we are influenced by our environments, experiences, and various human interactions. I earned my nursing assistant certification while attending high school and worked at a near by nursing home and rehabilitation center. I found love and excitement in the work of helping others recover and connecting with people who have life stories to share. Upon graduating high school in 2013, I attended Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA to begin my bachelors degree in general Psychology and minoring in Social services. After completing this degree I returned home and I took a year off to pursue my path in the medical field. I began with working in a drug and alcohol treatment center back in my home town of Port Orchard, WA. I quickly found myself pursuing a drug and alcohol counseling certification, but discovered the barriers between a bachelors degree and a masters degree. This lead me to find employment that supported my goals to return to school. I ended up working at a hospital in Gig Harbor, WA. While here I took advantage of all the opportunities to become a medical assistant and learn skills that allowed me to float between units to find my calling. I enjoyed the experience that the PCU, ICU, ER, and Medical Observation floors gave me. However, I felt like I was still missing the goal of helping people on a more personal and vulnerable level. By 2019 I found myself attending Northwest University in Kirkland, WA. I was 1 out of 13 students accepted into the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters program. I continued working as a full time medical assistant while attending school full time. I saw my goals and passion in psychology take off as I began the coursework that lead me to leave the hospital and begin working at a Sexual Assault center in Kitsap county, WA. While in this position I took on two roles. I was both an advocate and therapist for sexual assault survivors. As much as I enjoyed being the support and voice for many clients, I saw myself becoming isolated in a field with little space to explore and expand my knowledge of clinical mental health counseling. I made the hard choice to leave this company and join a group practice for therapists. I was amazed at the opportunities that came with this. I was discovering new skills, techniques, modalities, and other therapeutic views that challenged my previous experiences. In 2023, I made the biggest decision in my career, and possibly in my own personal journey, to open my own clinic. I had no idea on where to start or how to begin finding my place in the private practice world. This is where Mindful Therapy Group (MTG) came to me and offered me a partnership I couldn't refuse. MTG is a company who partners with medical providers who will take on clients that reach out to MTG for help. MTG is a place that clients can reach out to to find providers who accept their insurance and offer services based on the care and support the client is seeking. This allowed me to become a private practice provider and offer services that are supportive to the people in the state of Washington. I was finally finding myself capable of bringing clients onto my caseload from all walks of life and all different back grounds. I was working with clients who had lived long lives and had stories to tell and feelings to work through, younger clients who were discovering the challenges life brought their way, clients in survival mode after assaults and life altering traumas, and clients who fell in between. I continue working as a private practice mental health counselor where I have continued education each year to fine tune my professional skills and abilities to meet clients where they are at.
New Therapy Perspectives
The name "New Therapy Perspectives" refers to innovative or forward-thinking approaches to therapy and counseling, emphasizing a broader range of therapeutic techniques and a focus on individual needs and goals. It suggests a movement beyond traditional therapeutic methods, incorporating newer insights and theories into practice. The name expresses the goals I hold as a therapist. Primarily a person centered approach. At New Therapy Perspectives, I recognize that what works for one individual does not always work for the whole population. Traditional approaches may need to be altered in ways that support an individuals need. In sessions, clients can expect to interact with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialect Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Self care, Mindfulness, and when appropriate homework or challenges for clients to engage in outside of session to continue building self trust and confidence by practicing skills from therapy sessions in real life and daily routines.
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How Does It Work?
With a respectful balance of authenticity and trust in a client and therapist relationship, all my clients are expected to be the driver of their own success. This means clear and open communication. What you are willing to explore or share in session means you give yourself permission to learn, process, grow, and find purpose in your actions towards growth. I work alongside my clients to identify emotional patterns, behavior traits, skill sets, and barriers. I work with my clients to identify what they want to achieve in their therapy goals. This is not my journey, it's YOUR journey. As a therapist, I'm just a resource and tool to use along the way. By committing to therapy you are committing to yourself. In therapy, it is essential for clients to actively engage in the process and practice the skills they learn. Taking responsibility for their own growth and development is crucial, as it empowers them to create meaningful change in their lives. The therapist is here to guide and support, but the journey depends on the client's commitment to take action and apply what they learn in sessions.
Education
2013-2017
Bachelors
Central Washington University
Ellensburg WA
At CWU I earned a bachelors degree in general psychology and minored in social services.
2018 - 2021
Masters
Northwest University
Kirkland WA
At NU I earned a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. I graduated with honors and was initiated into Psi Chi, an honors society in the field of psychology.
2021 - Present
Continued Education
APA and Counseling Board certified courses for mental health providers
Continued education is a requirement of clinical mental health counselors and medical providers in Washington state. As a provider I am required to continue growing and learning about the field of psychology and counseling. This means I am bringing new perspectives of research and therapy approaches to my practice and clients each year.
Contact
New Therapy Perspectives is ready to hear from you!
360-821-2640