Ka’ra Johnson, LCSW-C

*Joining the team this Spring*

Healing Work

Therapy with me: 

Sessions are collaborative and client driven allowing clients to be empowered to create meaningful change in their lives. 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. My goal is to empower and enhance the social, emotional and psychological wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

My impacting identifies/roles that inform my work: 

I am a black woman, a daughter, a human rights activist, an advocate, counselor and social worker by training. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, schools, shelters, family court, homes, youth and adult corrections and community outpatient settings.

I hope to empower people through hope. My mission is to assist individuals, families and communities with the healing of the mind, body and soul through holistic, trauma informed, culturally sensitive and client centered services. 

I feel informed and knowledgeable about:

My areas of specialization focus on crisis intervention and management, trauma, advocacy, social skill development, attachment disorders, mood disorders,  grief, 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 specialize in working with individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, immigrants, those involved with the legal system (forensic), trauma survivors, neurodiversive, BIPOC, adolescents, adults up to age 65, 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 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.

Learning and Growing

Currently I am expanding my knowledge on forensic interviewing, DBT, nonprofit management, program development, community organization, and growing my therapy skills. 

Fun Facts/Resilience Building 

I enjoy reading, writing, the Arts, travel, K-dramas, international cuisine, cooking, photography, advocacy, philanthropy and social justice.

What resources me to build resilience:

Boundaries, ethics and seeking personal and professional growth have assisted me in building resilience. Seeing 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/What I’m Reading Currently 

Will pursue: Life Coaching, Advanced Forensic Social Work, Post Partum Doula 

• CAMS-care: Managing Suicidal Risk, A Collaborative Approach
• Master the Core Skills and Competencies of CBT
• Forensic Social Work Certificate
• CPI: Nonviolent Crisis Intervention