As a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical addiction specialist, I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy to individuals facing addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. I specialize in helping individuals by using approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-focused interventions. My goal is to support clients in overcoming life’s obstacles, fostering resilience, and building healthier, more fulfilling lives.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, clients can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where they can openly share their concerns and goals. I will begin by getting to know them—asking about their background, current struggles, and what they hope to achieve in therapy. We'll discuss their history with mental health, addiction, and any past or ongoing trauma. I’ll also explain my approach to therapy, the different methods I use, and answer any questions they may have. Together, we’ll establish a collaborative plan tailored to their needs, ensuring they feel supported and empowered from the very start.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my deep empathy, lived experience, and ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients. My background allows me to connect with clients on a personal level, fostering a sense of understanding and authenticity. I also bring extensive knowledge in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-focused therapies. My ability to create a nonjudgmental, empowering environment helps clients feel safe and supported as they work through their challenges, promoting long-term healing and growth.
About Ronnie Johnson
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
As a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist, I have extensive experience utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in my practice. ACT focuses on helping individuals accept their emotions and thoughts rather than avoiding or fighting them, which aligns well with the challenges faced by my clients dealing with addiction, trauma, and other mental health struggles. I use ACT to guide clients in identifying their values and committing to action that aligns with those values, even in the presence of difficult emotions or urges. This approach is particularly effective as it empowers individuals to move forward despite the adversity they face, promoting resilience and psychological flexibility. Through mindfulness and acceptance strategies, I help clients live a more values-driven life, which is essential in long-term recovery and mental health stability.
Brainspotting
In my practice as a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist, I incorporate Brainspotting therapy to address deep-seated trauma, particularly for clients with a history of complex emotional pain. Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that uses a person’s visual field to identify "brainspots," or areas where trauma is stored in the brain. I use this approach to help clients access and process these unresolved traumas on a neurological level, facilitating healing that might not be reached through talk therapy alone. This technique is especially beneficial for my clients with a history of combat-related trauma or childhood adversity, as it allows them to process difficult emotions in a safe, controlled manner, promoting recovery and emotional resilience. By integrating Brainspotting, I’ve been able to help clients move past emotional blocks and regain a sense of stability and empowerment in their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist, I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is particularly effective in treating clients struggling with addiction, trauma, and anxiety, as it teaches them how to challenge and reframe negative thinking patterns that contribute to unhealthy behaviors. In my work, I guide clients in identifying irrational beliefs and replacing them with more constructive, realistic thoughts, which leads to healthier emotional responses and actions. This structured, goal-oriented approach is valuable for clients in marginalized communities, helping them build practical coping skills, reduce relapses, and improve their overall mental health and well-being. By using CBT, I empower clients to take control of their thought processes, leading to long-term behavioral change and recovery.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
In my practice as a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist, I utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients work through trauma, particularly those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from combat, abuse, or other significant trauma. CPT focuses on helping clients identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to their trauma, such as feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame. I guide clients through this process by helping them re-evaluate distorted thoughts and develop healthier, more balanced perspectives. This approach is highly effective for my clients, particularly veterans and individuals with complex trauma histories, as it reduces trauma-related symptoms and empowers them to regain control over their lives. By incorporating CPT, I support clients in processing their traumatic experiences and rebuilding a sense of safety, trust, and emotional resilience.
Narrative
In my practice as a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist, I use Narrative Therapy to help clients reframe their personal stories. Narrative Therapy encourages individuals to externalize their problems, viewing them as separate from their identity, which is particularly empowering for those with a history of substance use or criminal justice involvement. I work with clients to explore alternative, strength-based narratives that highlight their resilience and capacity for change. This approach allows clients to reclaim their life stories, focusing on their values and personal growth rather than being defined by past mistakes or trauma. By reshaping their narratives, clients gain a renewed sense of agency, helping them to break free from limiting beliefs and build a future aligned with their goals and strengths.