Choosing a therapist can be a little confusing.
Here's some information about me to help you decide if I'm the right therapist for you.

Hello, I’m Amy Johnson a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and Washington, DC.

You’re reading this because you’re thinking about getting some help – or looking for the right therapist to help you – because you’re dealing with a major life transition, a moment of truth, maybe a time of agonizing grief.

All of those are part of being human, after all. I’ve been there, too.

Whether the changes and transitions you’re facing are good, bad, unexpected, necessary, unwelcome, amazing, or terrifying – they can be incredibly challenging to navigate without appropriate support.

What I’m deeply committed to – and love most about the work I do – is not only offering you real tools and useful support, and a place to think and feel and say what you might not be able to say elsewhere  – but also seeing you become more empowered, develop a better understanding of yourself, and get to where you are navigating and creating the life you want.

As a trained and experienced psychotherapist (I have a Master’s degree from Howard University, and am a DC and Maryland licensed psychotherapist), I know a lot about assisting people like you moving through trauma and growing from it, journeying through big changes and coming out with greater clarity, strength and joy, and developing new ways of moving through life creatively, authentically and with vitality.

I offer compassionate, clear, whole-person psychotherapy and coaching (for those outside the DMV) for all of the transitions life brings – including (but certainly not limited to):

  • Grief and loss

  • Difficult, toxic or abusive relationships

  • Pregnancy

  • Racial trauma and stress

  • Career stress and change

  • Addiction and substance use

  • Discernment counseling and sex therapy

 

APPROACH, EDUCATION, AND CREDENTIALS

I am:

• A trauma-informed therapist: I am attentive and sensitive to how a range of experiences over your life impacts your choices, behaviors, and coping mechanisms, from a whole-person, strengths-based perspective. As a trauma survivor and Black woman I am trained in and have experienced systemic inequality. This intersection of the personal and professional self has emboldened my advocacy and informs my practice on a daily basis.

• An LGBTQ-affirming therapist: I’m not just “LGBTQ-friendly”, which usually means “accepting” someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.  Being LGBTQ-affirming means that beyond acceptance, I work with gender, sexual, and relationship minorities from the perspective that your experiences, families, and identities are absolutely equal in value to those of heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.

• A culturally sensitive, and culturally competent therapist: I’m highly trained, skilled, and experienced in working in relational psychotherapy with a range of culturally diverse clients. Depending on your culture, beliefs, and experiences, it might be more helpful if we tailor therapy for a better, more congruent fit. I respect a wide variety of cultures and beliefs, because I believe that this leads to more effective and empowering therapy.

 

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

  • District of Columbia licensed psychotherapist (LICSW)

  • Maryland licensed psychotherapist (LCSW-C)

  • Master’s degree (MSW) – Howard University

  • Bachelor’s degree (BA) – Fayetteville State University, Sociology

  • Advanced certification in counseling for hospice and palliative care (Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker, or ACHP-SW)

  • Certification in grief counseling (Grief Counselor - Certified, or GC-C)

  • Fellow in Thanatology (FT)

  • Clinical supervisor for other therapists

  • Advanced training in Psychedelic Psychotherapy

  • Advanced training in Harm-reduction and Restorative Justice

 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

  • Association for Death Education and Counseling

  • PATH DC