Ka’ra Johnson, LCSW-C

HEALING WORK

Therapy with me: I strive to create an affirming, safe space for exploration, restoration and positive change. Life is challenging and sometimes we get off track so we have to take a step back and just breathe. Show up as your authentic self and allow me to assist you in navigating your journey through life’s difficult challenges. Therapy with me is reflective and collaborative. I am an eclectic therapist that uses trauma informed modalities as well as elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness, Attachment-Based Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, to name a few. My approach is tailored to the clients needs and if you have questions about whether or not I am a good fit for you, please ask in your intake request!

My impacting identifies/roles that inform my work: I am a Black cis-gender woman, a daughter, a human rights activist, an advocate, psychotherapist and social worker by trade. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, schools, shelters, family court, homes, youth and adult corrections and community outpatient settings. My personal and work experience have allowed me to develop compassion and understanding for my clients and myself. I learn as much from clients as they learn from me.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: My areas of specialization focus on crisis intervention and management, complex trauma, advocacy, social skill development, attachment-based disorders, Imposter Syndrome, Mother Wounds, mood disorders, gender affirming care, racial and gender identity, life transitions, stress and many other issues. I am committed to serving historically marginalized populations especially LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

I work best with clients who: I work best with clients who are wholly invested in their healing. I specialize in working with individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, complex trauma survivors, neurodiverse, BIPOC, adolescents, adults, and those with severe and persistent mental illness.

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: Are resistant to change, are mandated or forced into therapy, have addiction or eating disorders, have personality disorders, or children under the age of 12.

What makes me unique: I have been advocating for and empowering people since a very young age; I was known to befriend the outcasts and to be a resource for those in need. I have an innate ability to read people and tap into their emotions. I connect with people and seek to understand them on a deeper level.

LEARNING AND GROWING

I’m currently learning how to treat trauma through an integrative IFS and Attachment -Based lens and I love exploring parts and relationships with my clients. I’m very empowerment based so I focus a lot on how to create and maintain personal boundaries as well as assisting clients in “Becoming”. Many of my clients lack a sense of who they are as individuals before they got into relationships, became adults or became parents because of their complex trauma and attachment based wounds.

FUN FACTS/RESILIENCE BUILDING

I enjoy reading, writing, the Arts, travel, K-dramas, international cuisine, cooking, photography, advocacy, philanthropy and social justice. I build resilience with boundaries, ethics and seeking personal and professional growth. I see failures as opportunities for learning. Self-care is my way of balancing work and home life.

EDUCATION

• Capella University- Masters of Social Work
• Capella University – Masters in Mental Health Counseling
• The University of Akron- Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
• The University of Akron- Undergrad Certificate in Pan African Studies
• The University of Akron- Associates in Art in Community Services Technology

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAININGS

• CAMS-care: Managing Suicidal Risk, A Collaborative Approach
• Master the Core Skills and Competencies of CBT
• Forensic Social Work Certificate
• CPI: Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
• Mindfulness Certification
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II)- Level 2
• Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP)
• Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT)