As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Baltimore, Maryland, I am dedicated to providing compassionate support to my clients. My specialty lies in addressing the impacts of systemic racism and supporting individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities of color. I approach each session with deep empathy, recognizing the unique challenges and experiences of my clients. My goal is to offer a safe, understanding space where individuals can explore their feelings, find strength, and work toward healing and resilience.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
From the moment you step into our space, you'll feel the embrace of warmth, empathy, and a deep celebration of your Black identity. This isn’t just any therapy session—this is your sanctuary, where every detail is designed to honor your unique experiences and cultural heritage. The air is filled with a vibe that says, "You're seen, you're heard, and you belong here." We’ll kick things off with a laid-back yet intentional introduction, breaking down the walls and setting the stage for a journey that’s as safe as it is transformative. Confidentiality? Absolutely. We’ll have a clear and honest conversation about it, ensuring you know this space is yours to express, explore, and evolve without judgment. Next, we’ll dive into an initial assessment, but forget the sterile clipboard routine. This is about storytelling, about uncovering the layers of your personal history, cultural context, and the specific challenges you’re ready to tackle. It’s a deep dive into the richness of your experiences, with a keen focus on how systemic racism has shaped your journey. You’ll also have the floor to voice your hopes, dreams, and expectations for therapy. We’ll collaborate like two artists on a masterpiece, sketching out how we can best meet your needs and turn your vision for growth into reality. My mission? To build a connection that’s real, raw, and rooted in trust—a partnership where your voice is the compass guiding our path. Together, we’ll lay down the first stones on the path to a supportive, empowering, and culturally affirming experience. This isn’t just therapy; it’s a journey of self-discovery, healing, and celebration—where your story takes center stage and your growth is the spotlight.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC) lie in my deep empathy and compassion, creating a nurturing space where clients feel truly understood and supported. I bring profound cultural competence to my practice, with a deep understanding of systemic racism and extensive experience working with individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities of color. This enables me to offer culturally sensitive and empowering support, deeply honoring the resilience and strength within the Black community. I integrate therapeutic techniques with spiritual insights, providing a holistic approach that helps clients connect with their inner strength and navigate their healing journey with purpose. My commitment to a pro-Black perspective ensures that I advocate for and support the unique needs of the community, celebrating and uplifting their voices and experiences in every aspect of my practice.
About Raquel Johnson
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Address
111 Warren Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030, 14 B / 15BAppointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Feeling weighed down by the stress of Baltimore and the surrounding counties. Let’s shake things up with a splash of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), crafted just for the unique challenges faced by African Americans in this vibrant city. Think of CBT as your personal mental health toolkit, designed to help you tackle negative thought patterns and reclaim your inner strength with a dash of flair. We'll kick things off with an initial assessment to get to know your story and set goals that truly resonate with you. Together, we’ll dive into the interplay of your thoughts, feelings, and actions, especially how they intersect with the everyday stressors of city life. I’ll guide you in spotting and flipping those negative thoughts into something more positive and empowering. Expect engaging strategies and practical homework that’ll keep you on your toes and reinforce your newfound skills. We’ll also craft a relapse prevention plan to make sure your progress sticks. With CBT, you get more than just therapy—you get an eccentric, pro-Black ally who brings a creative and authentic approach to navigating the complexities of urban stress. Let’s turn the stress of Baltimore into a stepping stone for growth and resilience, all while celebrating your unique journey with a touch of eccentricity and empowerment.
Multicultural
I utilize culturally sensitive assessment techniques and interventions, adapting my approach to align with clients' cultural values and beliefs, with a deep commitment to Black pride. By actively listening, showing empathy, and validating their experiences, I help clients navigate cultural challenges and develop strategies that honor their cultural identity. My expertise lies in working with the African American community, allowing me to provide support that is not only respectful but also celebrates the rich heritage and strength within the community. Incorporating Black pride into my practice means acknowledging and honoring the historical and cultural significance of the Black experience. I aim to uplift and empower clients by embracing their cultural narratives, celebrating their achievements, and addressing the unique challenges they face with a focus on resilience and empowerment. This approach fosters a therapeutic environment where clients can connect with their heritage, draw strength from their cultural roots, and develop a positive and affirming self-identity.
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, 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 and collaborate with local experts to ensure that the content is not only accurate but also resonates with the lived experiences of individuals 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 the Black community, 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. Furthermore, I emphasize the resilience and strengths of the community, highlighting how these qualities can be leveraged to address and overcome the challenges posed by systemic and racial inequities. By empowering individuals 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 supports the community in building on its strengths to combat and navigate systemic and racial disparities.