Denise Johnson Counseling

Welcome to my practice. My name is Denise and I work with adults and adolescents aged 13+, helping clients move toward more rewarding lives and relationships. Life presents many challenges and yet through therapy we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and connect with feelings of belonging, safety, and hope. Currently, I am seeing clients via telehealth and in-person in West Seattle. I provide a collaborative, warm, and safe space for individuals, couples, and families, to foster greater awareness, develop tools for resilience and find more effective ways of relating. I utilize a humanistic and strength-based approach, upholding a fundamental belief in the human capacity for healing and growth. My approach is eclectic, drawing upon multiple modalities to address clients' needs. No matter the difficulty, therapy can help interrupt unhelpful patterns and support desired changes. It is so important to feel comfortable with your therapist. I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation to explore the possibility of working together. You may schedule this online or use the contact form at the top of the page. Please note if you are trying to schedule on-line, and you do not see a time that fits your schedule, please call or use the contact form, and we will arrange another time for a consultation. COUPLES THERAPY: Our relationships have the potential to bring so much joy and satisfaction to our lives, but they can also cause incredible distress. Whether you are stuck in a negative cycle or would like to simply improve communication, I am here to help you accomplish your relationship goals. I specialize in high-conflict couples, those that have lost connection or are experiencing infidelity, and couples seeking premarital counseling. I will help you understand your underlying emotions, untangle your issues, and discover more effective ways of relating. I have advanced training in the Gottman method, as well as Sue Johnson's Emotional Focus Therapy. My knowledge of attachment theory also informs my understanding of how early relationships and trauma impact our current relationships. Relationships take work, but no matter how difficult or messy it may feel, I am here with evidence-based tools and unwavering support. I will meet you with compassion, care, openness and the skills necessary to help you transform your relationship. INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: I specialize in treating the whole person, addressing mental health from multiple aspects. Before becoming a therapist, I have worked in a healing profession the majority of my adult life. In addition to counseling, I have extensive experience as a massage therapist, coach and hypnotherapist. My background has led me to create a holistic psychotherapy practice that is a safe space for clients to explore challenges and achieve meaningful change. My approach is somatic based and integrative. I blend multiple trauma-informed modalities, such as, Internal Family Systems, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The most important aspect of therapy is our alliance. I am here to listen and understand your unique needs. When desired, I can help you balance your nervous systems, reframe your thoughts, uncover and change your subconscious beliefs, and heal your inner child. I know from my own healing journey, and others', therapy has the power to help us move through painful experiences, release unhelpful conditioning and connect more deeply to ourselves. Reach out for a free consultation. Together we will create a collaborative, client centered, alliance and uncover new possibilities. FAMILY THERAPY: As a family therapist I work with all different family systems. My goal is to help family members understand one another, improve their communication and interactions, and deepen connection. Family dynamics can be challenging, but I am here to be your families' ally, making sure all voices are heard. I enjoy facilitating reconciliations between adult siblings, as well as between parents and their adult children. I also have a special interest in working with parents of adolescents aged 13+. During the adolescent years parenting can become increasingly difficult, as parents are tasked to help adolescent navigate their identities, peer relations, and increasing demands and pressures. You will find my approach is collaborative, informed by Attachment-based Family Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Emotional Focused Therapy. Attachment-based Family Therapy, used in the context of parent and adolescent child, is a structured approach that aims to heal ruptures and strengthen the parent-child alliance. I will also utilize Solution-Focused therapy to access your families' strengths and identify solutions to difficulties. I would be happy to discuss your goals during a complimentary consultation and ensure I am a good fit for your situation. "When we have the courage to walk into our story and own it, we get to write the ending."-Brene Brown ABOUT ME: I graduated from Antioch University in Seattle and hold a master's degree in Couple and Family Therapy. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate and a Certified Hypnotherapist and Life Coach. I have been married for 20 years and have a teenager daughter. My self-care consists of spending time with family, being in nature, and practicing yoga and meditation. I also love to travel, dance, and paint. Therapy has been transformative in my life, and I am passionate and committed to helping others.