Addie Johnson MS, LPC - A Johnson Counseling Services
1. What's your practice focus and who are your typical patients?
I provide therapy for clients who struggle with a wide variety of mental health issues and challenges. Many of my clients struggle primarily with anxiety. I also work with clients who deal with depression and past trauma.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I have been in the mental health field and worked in a variety of settings since graduating from my undergraduate and graduate programs. I eventually landed in outpatient community based mental health. I enjoy working in this outpatient one on one setting which allowed the people I work with the time and space to explore and process their thoughts and feelings.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
In the spirit of confidentiality, I will speak in generalities. I enjoy working with people who struggle with anxiety. We work collaboratively to get them to a place where anxiety no longer has as much control over them but they are now more able to manage their anxiety. They are able to shift their perspective and see anxiety no longer as something they can not handle and want to get rid of, but as something that they have the skills and strategies to overcome and move through.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
I work and provide remote therapy and am a solo practitioner in private practice. As a result, the networking and social interaction of co-workers is reduced if not totally eliminated. Making sure that I am staying connected to those in the clinical and therapeutic community is paramount.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
I would make sure that you do your research and due diligence on the front end. Ensure that you are doing everything you need to do to stay compliant with your state's licensing board(s) as well as legally . Secondly, start slow and take it one step at a time. If possible, potentially staying employed and focusing on building you practice part time so that the pressure and expectations are not as intense. Lastly, be patient with your self and the process as it will take time.