My name is Ann Kimbrough Johnson (otherwise known as Kim) and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 24 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, families and individuals of diverse backgrounds. My treatment approach utilizes my diverse skill set and is based on a thorough assessment of my client’s goals and related needs. This individualized approach enables me to understand and meet my clients where they are and get them to where they need/want to be.
I graduated with my Masters’ Degree in Social Work at the University of Houston, Texas. Since that time, I have devoted myself to the field of mental health by empowering clients to develop the inner strength and related skills they need to endure and overcome life’s many challenges. Life frequently can seem unfair and confusing. I understand that this can leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and wondering why. I recognize that despite the different experiences we encounter on our journey, the goals are virtually the same. We are all looking for our own kind of understanding, inner-peace, self-love, happiness and healing. I know how to get you there and would be honored to help. Finally, my shout out to you about considering and possibly embarking on this journey. Seeking mental health care makes you stronger. When you allow yourself to be open and share yourself with all your strengths and vulnerabilities you can find the part of you that you thought you lost or would never have. Anything is possible. Congratulations for getting this far! The decision about what path to take is yours but, always, remember to thine own self be true.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, get acquainted, ask and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding privacy and the therapy process,etc., and then with time remaining begin to dive into the specific challenges you are facing. This will help us establish a connection to build from and help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. It is my goal in the first session to put you at ease, to demystify therapy, offer hope for resolving your problems and for healing old hurts, traumas and other debilitating emotions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Easy to talk to, you will feel heard and accepted for who you truly are, you will learn important stuff about yourself and life and that it was not a waste of time or money!
About Ann Kimbrough Johnson
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This form of treatment is a standard tool of mine because it addresses many areas impacting clients functioning. This treatment method focuses on 3 different domains which includes: Think (Cognitive) , Act (Behavioral) and Be (Mindfulness). Specifically Cognitive techniques are utilized to facilitate the examination of our thoughts as well as to identify problematic/faulty thinking patterns while learning how to reframe those thoughts in ways that serve you well. Secondly, Behavioral interventions are identified and used to practice actions that match your goals. Finally, this technique also focuses on Mindfulness skills which includes learning how to become open and accepting of the present moment exactly as it is. I often give homework between sessions to help further the psychoeducation for my clients increasing their self-awareness and self-mastery of new insights and skills acquired.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a proven therapy that helps people mange distress, soothe intense emotions, improve relationships, and live mindfully in the moment. It provides tools to cope with the ups and downs of life. The primary focus of this treatment method is on helping you understand the relationship between your emotions and behaviors. People often try to cope with intense emotions by engaging in ineffective behaviors. Although, these behaviors provde temporary distraction or relief, yet they always result in more pain and creating a vicious cycle. I often give homework between sessions to help further the psychoeducation for my clients increasing their self-awareness and self-mastery of new insights and skills acquired through the use of specific tools designed to address the intense emotions and replace ineffective behaviors thus breaking the cycle. DBT works when you "work" the skills. To be successful with DBT you must commit to practicing the skills.
Trauma Informed Care
Individuals who have experienced trauma, PTSD and C-PTSD struggle with feelings of worthlessness, shame and guilt. Because they feel distrustful of others and the world. they have difficulty controlling their emotions and connecting with others. Therefore, when these individuals are subjected to gaslighting in their current relationships they can experience re-traumatization, leading to increased depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal ideation. Additionally, if they experienced abuse or neglect as a child they are also likely to have difficulties with attachment and lack positive social support to help to decrease their feelings of lonliness and isolation. I have been treating these issues for multiple years and I have also participated in several trainings related to treating persons struggling with trauma related disorders. The five guiding principles of this form of psychotherapy are: safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is a research-based way to train the mind and change unhelpful habits in thoughts and feelings. At its simplest, to be mindful is to be fully present in the moment which involves present focus and open-hearted acceptance. There are two main ways to practice mindfulness which include formal practices like meditation, yoga, and tai chi as well as informal practices like being in our lives more fully bringing presence and acceptance to anything we are doing. Mindful awareness counteracts unhelpful habits such as ruminating about the past, worrying about the future and missing life and open-hearted acceptance counteracts fighting against reality, judging ourselves harshly and avoiding discomfort. Therefore, mindfulness provides skills and activities which can increase awareness, being more receptive to whatever is happening without labeling it as good or bad, increasing patience and enhancing one’s ability for letting go by learning to keep an open mind.
