Get To Know Your Therapist

Ashley Johnson, MSW

Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected is a universal experience. It’s in these moments that children and families can find themselves stuck in challenging behaviors and patterns that cause distress. For a child, this might look like the social pain of bullying, withdrawing from friends, or battling a harsh inner critic that fuels low self-esteem. For parents, it can be a frustrating and heartbreaking challenge to know how best to connect with and support a child through their big emotions. You are not alone in this.

Through a compassionate and collaborative partnership, we will build on your family’s existing strengths to create a path toward healing, growth, and lasting change. My goal is to help you and your child develop the tools to understand your feelings and navigate challenges, and build a more confident and resilient future together.

I became a therapist out of a deep desire to understand people, their emotions, experiences, and the stories that shape who they are. I aim to inspire hope, because I truly believe that change is always possible. Life can be hard, but by identifying and using our inner strengths, we can move forward, even in the most difficult times. My own journey overcoming childhood adversity has taught me the power of resilience and support, and it fuels my commitment to help others do the same.

A cornerstone of my approach is psychoeducation understanding the “why” behind our thoughts and behaviors. This knowledge is empowering because it allows us to shift from being controlled by our feelings to working with them. For example, when a parent learns that a child’s tantrum means their “thinking brain” is temporarily offline, their response can change from frustration to connection. Instead of trying to reason with an overwhelmed child, they know the first step is to help them feel safe and calm. This single insight can fundamentally change the dynamic in a family, preventing conflict and building trust. This is how psychoeducation creates lasting change. By understanding the “why,” you can implement new, more effective strategies. In our work together, we’ll use these insights to build on your family’s unique strengths, creating practical tools to face life’s challenges with confidence and perseverance.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and have spent the past five years as a school social worker, supporting students from Pre-K through 12th grade. I provide school-based counseling focused on mental health, emotional regulation, behavior management, social skills, and anti-bullying strategies.

Originally from Chicago, I moved to Florida three years ago. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my quirky orange cat. I stay active through yoga, running, and strength training, and I find comfort in music and cozy simulation video games (especially farming games!).

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