passion

I love the meaningful connection that develops in counseling between counselor and client which fosters profound growth. Connection fosters growth.

The work of counseling can be difficult when there is pain to face, hopelessness to overcome, or deep loss to grieve, but restoration is worth it.

I have a passion for offering scared space where you can be seen and heard in ways that don’t always happen in our relationships or in the midst of a busy life. When your soul has space for this kind of reflection, you have the potential for courageous flourishing. Counseling is holding sacred space for that transformative possibility.

background

Lisa Johnson, LMHCA

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Cedarville University

Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary 

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of Washington; supervised by Patty Swanson, LMFT-LMHC

My background in the field of counseling has offered me a bounty of rich experience not only in family and individual counseling, but in the halls of mental health facilities, helping families become foster licensed, and administering psychometric testing.  

I think it’s important to highlight another season of my life and that is one of a stay at home parent. My husband and I had years of struggle with infertility, so after much waiting, when we were blessed with children- the first time through adoption and the second through in vitro-fertilization- I happily set my work aside, knowing I would one day pick it up again. 

So there have been years without working professionally, but there have also been years of experiencing the joys and challenges of being a SAHM, which I now see as an asset of relatability and connection with other parents who do the same. In fact, one of my areas of expertise is helping clients build a strong sense of self in the midst of family life. 

interests

When I seek out counseling for myself, I always check to see if the therapist includes information about their personal interests. I find that it helps to get a sense of what kind of person they are and if we have any points of connection. There really should be a manual for how to find the right therapist as the process can be bewildering. My hope is to make your search easier. 

I love running or any kind of physical movement connected with adventure- like swimming in the ocean or jumping into the glacial waters of Mt. Rainer. I’m drawn to beauty which I love to capture through photography and writing, all the while exploring my beautiful city and state, Tacoma, Washington, with my husband and two kids.

Cooking is another creative outlet and I love gathering with friends around a table. My inner food compass points to Italian fare.  

If given more time, I would choose to know more about expressive dance, philosophy, playing the piano, Italy, milling my own flour, and bread-making.