Raquel Johnson is fully booked.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Baltimore, Maryland, I am committed to providing compassionate support to my clients, with a focus on addressing the impacts of systemic racism and supporting individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods, communities of color, and law enforcement. My specialty involves working with both the Black community and police officers, recognizing the unique challenges each group faces. I approach each session with deep empathy, acknowledging the specific historical, societal, and occupational experiences that shape my clients’ lives. My goal is to offer a safe and understanding space where individuals can explore their feelings, build resilience, and work toward healing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session with me, clients can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where they can feel comfortable and open to share their experiences. I understand that taking the first step toward therapy can feel vulnerable, so I prioritize creating an environment that fosters trust and safety from the very beginning. We’ll start by discussing what brings you to therapy, what your goals are, and any challenges you're facing, whether related to mental health, systemic issues, or personal struggles. I’ll listen actively and attentively, asking questions to better understand your unique life story and what led you to seek support. For clients from the Black community or law enforcement, I’ll take extra care to acknowledge the specific challenges you may be facing, such as racial trauma, policing stress, or the impacts of systemic oppression. Together, we’ll begin to establish the foundation for our work, and I’ll explain my therapeutic approach, ensuring that it aligns with your needs, goals, and cultural background. This initial session is all about laying the groundwork for a collaborative relationship, where your voice and perspective guide our work together. By the end of the session, we’ll have a clearer sense of the direction of therapy and the first steps you’d like to take on your journey toward healing and growth.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a safe, culturally competent, and empathetic environment for my clients. I deeply understand the unique challenges faced by individuals from marginalized communities, including the Black community and law enforcement. This understanding allows me to approach each client with compassion, respect, and a commitment to acknowledging the impact of systemic factors on their mental health. My ability to build trust quickly is another key strength. I take the time to listen actively and validate my clients' experiences, making sure they feel heard and understood. This foundational trust is essential in the therapeutic process, especially when working with clients who may have experienced trauma or are navigating complex issues like racial discrimination or the emotional toll of law enforcement work. I also bring a holistic approach to therapy, blending evidence-based practices with a deep respect for cultural and spiritual factors. Whether it’s integrating mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or resilience-building strategies, I tailor my approach to the specific needs of each client, ensuring it resonates with their life experiences and values. Lastly, I am deeply committed to promoting systemic change, both in the therapeutic process and within the communities I serve. By addressing the intersection of personal struggles and societal systems, I empower my clients to not only heal but also to navigate and challenge the larger systems impacting their well-being.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My dream client? Picture someone who's ready to dive into the depths of their soul, unafraid to face the personal challenges that life has thrown their way. This person walks into the therapeutic space with a heart full of hope and a mind hungry for growth and healing. They know that the journey won’t always be easy, but they’re eager to explore, learn, and transform. This individual may have felt the sting of systemic racism or knows all too well the struggles of living in a disadvantaged neighborhood. They might also be a police officer, navigating the unique challenges of their profession while managing the pressures of trauma, societal judgment, and the emotional toll that comes with law enforcement. Whether they are part of the Black community or in law enforcement, they’re looking for more than just a clinical approach—they crave a therapeutic experience that resonates with their spirit, honors their culture, and speaks to their unique life story. They value cultural competence and seek a space where their experiences are not just acknowledged but deeply understood. Together, we’ll blend the therapeutic with the spiritual, weaving culturally sensitive practices into our sessions. Whether they’re grappling with the weight of racial trauma, the emotional impact of policing, or both, we’ll embark on a journey of resilience-building, self-discovery, and meaningful change. My dream client knows that healing is as much about the soul as it is about the mind—and they’re ready to embrace every step of that journey with open arms. I’m here to help you unlock your most authentic self, stand tall in your truth, and elevate your presence in the world of cultural competency and systemic change. Let’s conn
About Raquel Johnson
Identifies as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts cash
Appointments
Fully bookedMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals manage a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders. CBT is a core treatment method in my practice because it effectively addresses the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empowering individuals to change unhelpful patterns and build healthier coping strategies. My work with both the Black community and law enforcement allows me to tailor CBT to the unique needs and experiences of these groups, addressing cultural, systemic, and occupational stressors. How I Use CBT in Practice 1. Identifying and Challenging Negative Thought Patterns For clients in the Black community, I focus on challenging negative thought patterns that may arise from systemic racism, societal stigma, and intergenerational trauma. This includes working on reframing distorted thoughts related to self-worth, identity, and societal perceptions. With law enforcement officers, I address cognitive distortions stemming from high stress, exposure to trauma, and the complexities of their profession. By identifying and challenging these negative thoughts, I help officers reframe their thinking about their roles, their mental health, and their ability to cope with the demands of their job.
Multicultural
Growing up in West Baltimore, I have firsthand experience with the impact of systemic disparities, racial trauma, and community violence on mental health. This background shapes my multicultural counseling approach, ensuring it is authentic, culturally relevant, and trauma-informed. I provide psychoeducation tailored to the unique experiences of marginalized communities, challenge mental health stigma, and incorporate culturally inclusive coping strategies such as storytelling, spirituality, and community support. By integrating professional expertise with lived experience, I foster healing, empowerment, and resilience for individuals, particularly within the Black community and law enforcement.
Motivational Interviewing
Using open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, I help clients articulate their goals and recognize discrepancies between their current behavior and their values or aspirations. By eliciting and reinforcing "change talk," I guide clients toward expressing their desire, ability, reasons, and need for change. This client-centered approach empowers individuals to find their own motivation and commitment to making positive changes in their lives.
Psychoeducation
To effectively use psychoeducation for the Black community and law enforcement, I prioritize cultural relevance and sensitivity by incorporating information that acknowledges the community’s unique historical and social experiences, including the impact of systemic and racial disparities. I engage with community leaders, police departments, and local experts to ensure that the content is not only accurate but also resonates with the lived experiences of individuals—both civilians and officers—facing these disparities. This collaboration helps build trust and credibility, making the educational materials more impactful and relatable. Addressing stigma is a central component of my approach. I provide education that directly challenges misconceptions about mental health within both the Black community and law enforcement, particularly those that arise from systemic and racial disparities. By debunking myths and promoting a more accurate understanding of mental health, I work to reduce barriers to seeking help that are often exacerbated by these disparities. Additionally, I address the unique mental health challenges faced by police officers, including the stress of the job, trauma exposure, and the stigma around seeking support within law enforcement. Furthermore, I emphasize the resilience and strengths of both communities, highlighting how these qualities can be leveraged to address and overcome the challenges posed by systemic and racial inequities. By empowering individuals—whether civilians or police officers—with practical tools and strategies tailored to their specific needs and cultural context, I aim to foster a sense of agency and confidence in managing their mental health. This approach not only enhances the relevance and effectiveness of the psychoeducation provided but also promotes mutual understanding and collaboration between the Black community and law enforcement, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health awareness and reform.