Online and In-Person
![Laura Johnson](https://serengetiwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/lJ-Headshot-767x1024.jpg)
Laura Johnson
Clinical Psychotherapist
LSW, MSW, MDiv
A Note From Laura
“Starting therapy can be intimidating as it involves stepping into the unknown. You may recognize a sense of being stuck or out of alignment in your life, yet struggle to articulate the specifics or the path toward change.
I believe that within you already lies the power to heal, transform, and flourish. As a psychotherapist, my role is to walk alongside you on this journey of self-discovery and meaningful change. Together we explore your emotional and relational landscape, and bring awareness, understanding, and clarity to the intricate and complex connections between your past experiences and present reality, in order to move towards a more fulfilling future.
I work with younger adults to older adults, both individuals and couples, who are
navigating life transitions and relationship challenges, and I specialize in grief and loss,
substance use, religious trauma, spirituality, identity development, as well as supporting
and affirming those exploring gender and sexuality. My approach is centered within an
anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and liberatory lens, and I draw from psychodynamic,
relational-cultural, and existential therapies.
I am committed to cultivating a compassionate, nurturing, and safe space that both honors your lived experiences while also encouraging deeper honesty, authenticity, and curiosity in your life and relationships.”
Experience
Laura is a Licensed Social Worker and a University of Chicago graduate with a Master’s degree in Social Work as well as a Master’s in Divinity. Over the past four years, she has worked in substance use intervention and recovery, hospice care, and community mental health, where she has accompanied clients across the life-span on their unique journeys of self-examination and transformation.
Client Focus
- Laura excels at working with young adults to older adults.
- She also welcomes working with both individuals and couples.
Types of Therapy
Laura utilizes evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions that draw from psychodynamic therapy, relational-cultural therapy, narrative therapy, family systems therapy, attachment-based therapy, culturally sensitive therapy, and existential therapy.
Areas of Focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions
- Relationship Issues
- Codependency
- Religious Trauma
- Substance Use
- Family Conflict
- Self-Harm
- Self-Esteem
Get to Know Laura
“To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to forget.” – Arundhati Roy
Spending time outside, swimming in the lake, and sharing meals with people I love!
I love live music, particularly music I can dance to!
![](https://serengetiwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/flower-icon-300x274.png)
Mental health is not a destination but a journey and we would love to be a part of yours.
Not sure where to get started? Reach out to us and we’ll discuss your needs and figure out a plan that works your you.