Paula A Johnson, LCSW, CCTP, CFTP, CATP
(she, her)
Preferred Name: Paula
About Me
Hello, I'm Paula. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change. Before becoming a therapist, I spent more than 25 years leading and mentoring others in the corporate world. While I valued helping people grow professionally, I felt called to support individuals in a deeper, more personal way. That calling became clear while volunteering at a crisis center, where I witnessed the profound impact compassionate mental health care can have during life's most difficult moments. It confirmed my passion for helping others heal.
Education & Experience
As both a trauma survivor and a therapist, I understand the courage it takes to begin the healing process. My lived experience, combined with clinical training and professional expertise, allows me to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care grounded in empathy, respect, and hope. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel understood and empowered as you move toward healing and lasting change.
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
As a social worker, I began my career on the front lines, working in the Department of Child Safety, community mental health, and inpatient hospital settings. Throughout these roles, I facilitated community-based mental health and substance use groups, provided EMDR therapy in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and worked closely with veterans, first responders, and emergency personnel.
I later transitioned into private practice, where I specialize in treating anxiety, complex trauma, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My diverse clinical background allows me to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to individuals navigating the effects of trauma and other mental health challenges.
Specialty Area
- ADHD/Neurodiversity
- Abuse/Neglect
- Alcohol/Substance Abuse
- Anger Management
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Bipolar Disorder
- Birth Trauma/Pregnancy Loss
- Brain Injury
- Chronic Illness/Medical Issues
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Domestic Violence
- Family Issues
- Gender Identity
- Grief/Loss/Mourning
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Sexual Abuse
- Somatic Issues
- Spirituality
- Stress Management
- Survivor's Guilt
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adults
- BIPOC
- Community Mental Health Center
- Correctional Facility
- First Responders
- Group
- Immigrants
- Juvenile Correctional Facility
- LGBTQ+
- Residential Treatment Facility
- Seniors
- Underserved
- Veterans/Military
Language
- English
Insurance
- Aetna
I can provide an invoice for out of network benefits..
