I'm Shanekka N. Brown-Johnson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I provide person-centered, culturally sensitive therapy to individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My approach blends evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, DBT, and motivational interviewing to help clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.
In our sessions, you can expect a safe, empathetic space where you can express yourself openly. I will listen closely to your concerns, validate your experiences, and work with you to uncover patterns that may be hindering your well-being. My goal is not just to offer a therapeutic intervention but to provide a collaborative environment where you can actively shape the direction of your therapy. We will work together using a range of techniques to help you explore your emotions, challenge negative thinking, develop new skills, and achieve your goals. Whether you're seeking to overcome anxiety, heal from trauma, navigate relationships, or make meaningful life changes, I will provide the tools and support to guide you along the way.
After more than a decade in child protective services, I transitioned into therapy to take a more proactive role in helping individuals heal and thrive. I offer a person-centered, culturally responsive space where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered. I draw from evidence-based approaches including CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, ACT, and Narrative Therapy to help clients navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My work is especially grounded in honoring the unique stories of those from underserved and overlooked communities.
I am best positioned to serve clients who are seeking a supportive, culturally affirming space to work through anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and identity-related challenges. I specialize in working with individuals from underserved, overlooked, and marginalized communities—including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those navigating co-occurring disorders or recovery maintenance. My ideal clients are ready to explore their experiences, build resilience, and take intentional steps toward healing and personal growth.
I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my work to help clients build psychological flexibility, stay present, and take meaningful action aligned with their values. ACT supports my person-centered approach by encouraging mindfulness, acceptance, and purposeful change—especially for those navigating anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and make meaningful behavioral changes. With a strong foundation in CBT, I support clients in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma by promoting practical, solution-focused tools that empower them to take control of their thoughts, emotions, and actions.
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and effective interpersonal communication. With experience using DBT in both individual and group settings, I help clients navigate intense emotions and improve relationships by fostering balance between acceptance and change.
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients identify strengths, build on past successes, and create actionable goals. With a forward-focused, empowering approach, I support clients in finding practical solutions and making meaningful progress—especially during times of transition or when addressing specific challenges.
I incorporate Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore ambivalence, strengthen motivation, and build confidence in their ability to change. With a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach, I use MI to support clients in making empowered, values-driven decisions—particularly in areas like substance use recovery, behavior change, and goal setting.