Marissa Johnson (she/her)

ACT is particularly helpful for clients who have a difficult time navigating and managing their thoughts and feelings. Rather than trying to change a client’s thoughts or feelings, I encourage clients to move forward through the difficult thoughts and feelings towards their desired goals, values, and healing. Through ACT, I help clients focus on what is really important to them in life and build the necessary coping skills to handle challenging times.

I like to draw from Solution Focused Therapy to help clients identify and work towards goals. Instead of focusing on a client’s problem, I like to focus on their strengths, skills, resources, and abilities in order to reach future goals. I encourage clients to explore their goals and explore the resources available to experience their desired growth. I find this approach to be particularly helpful with interpersonal/relational problems, work/school-related stress, and self-esteem.

I believe that clients are the experts of their own experiences. Using a person-centered approach, I let clients take the lead and direct the conversation and their goals without judgment or interference. With this approach, my role is often an empathetic facilitator to acknowledge and validate clients’ experiences and to provide encouragement and support. I create an environment that encourages self-discovery and self-acceptance in order to help clients work towards their desired growth.