Iris Johnson
As an LCSW, a graduate of Ackerman Institute for the Family, and a substance abuse counselor with years of experience working with diverse populations and in different venues (i.e., foster care and adoption, domestic violence, education, substance abuse, etc.), I understand "resistance" is a necessary part of the therapeutic process and know client trust develops through ongoing interactions between the individual and therapist. In the therapeutic process, I use several different approaches, since one size doesn't fit all. I believe clients should be challenged, supported, and validated during sessions, leaving the session knowing their voices have been heard and acknowledged. Also, since most of the therapeutic work happens outside of the sessions, I tend to ask thought-provoking and reflective questions, helping individuals identify strengths, limitations, core beliefs, and values. As a non-conforming, "two-spirited" person of African-Caribbean descent, I recognize how race, culture, sexual orientation, etc., impact one's sense of self. I use interpersonal, systemic, and other approaches to help clients unpack, explore, and understand how many of their adult decisions are influenced by early family dynamics and the systems they engage with and within. During the first session, genograms are created and used to explore family history and current and past interactions.