Steven Johnston CPC LPCC-S has been a clinical counselor for over twenty years, with special training in the areas of Pastoral Counseling , having additonal experience in treating victims of Domestic Violence ; Child Sexual Abuse; Trauma, workplace issues and Marital counseling. A graduate from Ashland Theological Seminary in 1988. Because Mr. Johnston did not want to exclude religious commitment issues from the therapeutic setting, he chose to pursue his Counseling degree from Ashland Seminary after graduating with ministerial degree from the Foursquare Church of the Gospel’s, Life Bible College East. He has continued to extend his Clinical Pastoral Studies through membership and training in the American Association of Christian Counselors. To avoid excluding an aspect of life that has shown to be of central importance to nearly two-thirds of the US population, Mr. Johnston has sought to integrate spiritual issues from a Biblical point of view in a way compatible with Biblical doctrine and Pastoral Counseling. This integration as it applies to marital, family and individual issues has been found to promote inner healing as it supports the client’s own religious coping skills.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Usually, sharing your story is a way to determine your connection to your family and other support systems. It's also important to reflect on your spiritual state and any insights or beliefs you bring with you. Often scoring diagnostic measures prior to the session may be something that can help get to the areas that need attention more quickly.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach shifts behavior by altering how an individual perceives a situation, focusing on the outcomes of chosen behaviors. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Aims to enhance relationships, communication skills, and social interactions. Marriage Assessment: A thorough evaluation starting from the early bonding stages of marriage, identifying significant patterns of disruption. May include a behavioral inventory to compare marital adjustments (additional cost for scoring may apply).
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Mr. Johnston believes in keeping the door open to address potentially significant factors that clients might need to consider in their personal decisions and faith practices discussed in therapy. Holding a Seminary degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling, he focuses on spiritual issues from a Biblical perspective, guided by training in Biblical doctrine and Pastoral Counseling.