Chana Johnson, B.S., M.S..
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
I specialize in pregnancy-related mood and anxiety disorders; miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss; and couples. Most of my clients are pregnant women and new moms struggling with perinatal depression or anxiety, or who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss. I also work with couples who are having challenges in their relationship for various reasons, and I treat individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, or grief.
2. Tell us about yourself.
As a stillbirth survivor, I knew that when I started my practice I wanted to help other moms like me. When I experienced my loss, there weren't really any local resources specific to that area and I wanted to make sure that no other mom- or couple- had to go through that process alon. I wanted to create a truly safe space where these moms feel seen and understood on a deeper level, so they can get the healing they need. This is what motivates me.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I am most proud of helping a mom who experienced a traumatic preterm birth that resulted in the loss of her beautiful baby. I helped her process that loss and find strength to move forward. When she found herself unexpectedly pregnant again and having severe anxiety and panic attacks, I was able to work with her to manage her anxiety and gain confidence and peace during that pregnancy- helping her overcome the trauma of her loss and embrace her new baby with joy instead of trepidation and dread.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
One of the hardest parts for me is sometimes having to turn clients away. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and perinatal loss is such a specialized area and there are so few practitioners who do it, there's not always someone I can refer to if my schedule is full. It's also hard to take time away, because I see so many moms with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Perinatal psychosis can happen so quickly, so I always have to be reachable for those moms at risk- even on my off days.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
The top 3 tips I'd give.
- Niche down. It may sound counterintuitive, but specializing is the fastest way to build and fill your practice.
- Invest in supportive resources. You don't need them all in the beginning, but a good EHR, plan for managing your finances (I recommend Profir First for Therapists!!), *professional* website, and an admin will make so many things run smoother.
- Plan your vacations/ off days upfront for the year. You'll get busy fast, and it's so easy to look up and realize you can't take off.