Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Virginia. I started in School Counseling and later began working with juvenile offenders and families to reduce recividism. After obtaining my license, I worked with clients experiencing a mental health crisis and in need of inpatient care. My most recent position allows me to provide assessments and individual counseling for underserved populations.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we will do brief introductions and we will explore your goals for therapy. I will answer any questions you may have to help determine if I am the right therapist for you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have over 15 years of experience in Mental Health. I have worked in the school system, hospital, and a correctional facility. I desire to help my clients improve their relationships and connect with their purpose in life. I consider myself to be well rounded and a life long learner. I believe in a holistic approach to healing which includes self discipline in our physical and mental practices. One of my favorite sayings is "Guard your peace and protect your energy."
About Toni Johnson
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Strength-Based
A strength-based approach is founded in seeing the client as resourceful and resilient when they are in adverse conditions. This approach is mainly client led and will identify any constraints that might be limiting an individual’s growth. These constraints are present when the individual has to deal with social, personal, and/or cultural issues. The client will be asked to identify what is working well, what makes them feel useful or satisfied. The client will explore how they have they have been able to overcome past obstacles.
Trauma Informed Care
As a certified clinicial trauma professional, I provide trauma informed interventions for clients with a history sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. I also specialize with clients who have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clients' treatment plans will be individualized based on their specific trauma needs.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution Focused Brief Treatment has been my preferred method when working in school and correctional settings. However, SFBT has valuable tools that can be applicable for a variety of needs. While SFBT respects each person’s past and what brought the person to this point, it places the focus on what the person wants to be different; allowing clients to construct a clear vision of a preferred future for themselves. In working toward this future, the problem(s) and past become more manageable.
The client will be asked what this desired future looks like in as much detail as possible, and most importantly, what the client will be doing in this future place to create and maintain that preferred future. This helps clients to sort out what is within their control or influence vs. things beyond their control. This empowers the client to see themselves as successful despite elements that may be unchangeable. Lastly, it also invites them to challenge previously perceived limitations.
Eclectic
Eclectic Therapy is an approach that combines the most relevant techniques from other modalities for an effective, individualized treatment plan. Understanding that each client has unique needs in therapy, we can create a treatment plan that is flexible, accommodating, and comfortable. We won’t be stuck in one therapy modality and can instead switch between multiple approaches as appropriate. For example, in treating anxiety, I might combine elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment based therapy, and narrative therapy. This way, clients learn a wide range of mental health skills to add to their toolkit.
