Question 1

Why did you decide to become a counselor?

Accepted Answer

I am encouraged to be a catalyst for the kind of change I have found personally by recognizing how the quality of my own life has been enhanced by self-reflection, learning how to make meaning and grow from suffering, and coming to a deeper understanding of who I am.

Question 2

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

Accepted Answer

I have unique experience dealing with clients who are completely new to therapy and enjoy the challenge of winning people over to the benefits of counseling. I am excited to work with anyone who is willing to participate in the therapeutic process and challenge themselves to work toward their goals.

Question 3

What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?

Accepted Answer

Vulnerability is not a weakness, it is courageous. In a post-pandemic world, we hear a lot about vulnerability in television ads and speeches, but it is rare that this mindset translates to employers, family, and significant others making space and time for you to be yourself and embrace your humanity, flaws and all. It is easy to focus on taking, but what does this mean when we take a step backwards? I hope my clients can learn to embrace change as a process that isn’t a straight line, but a more up and down journey that rewards those who can stop and appreciate the moment.

Question 4

What inspires you?

Accepted Answer

I went back to school later in my career and have felt the pressure of traditions and expectations while finding my own path into counseling. Throughout that process I have seen people navigate the roughest of waters – the death of a loved one, witnessing a violent crime, or having the courage to talk about trauma out loud for the first time. I am most inspired by everyday resilience in the face of a world that doesn’t often reward it – getting out of bed after a difficult day, letting someone know how you feel, and finding ways to forgive yourself and others even when it does not seem just or fair.

Question 5

What can clients expect in their first session with you?

Accepted Answer

Clients may come in having never been to therapy before or with many years of experience and diagnoses. I want to hear about their lives, but most importantly I want to understand the concerns that brought them in and the things they wish to accomplish during our time together.

Question 6

What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?

Accepted Answer

A client’s first session is vitally important to starting a successful therapeutic relationship. I want my clients to leave their first session with a clear idea of whether we would work well together in the future. I also want them to leave with a positive trajectory – whether that be a sense of relief, renewed hope for the future, or new insight into themselves. Above all, I want them to feel that change is possible and that we can achieve it together.

Question 7

What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?

Accepted Answer

I want clients to know that above all, I value flexibility. There are many wonderful, evidenced-based protocols that have changed lives of thousands of people. Sometimes, however, those protocols do not work for a certain client. If we get to our fourth session and you feel things have stalled, I want clients to feel comfortable telling me that so we can change gears and find what does work.

Question 8

What do you do for fun/on your time off?

Accepted Answer

Most of my free time lately has been happily taken up by my 8-month-old dog Millie who waddled into our lives in January and keeps us on our toes 24/7. When she blesses us with some free time, I enjoy the never ending variety of new restaurants and activities in Charleston with my partner and try to keep up with my three younger brothers.

David Johnsen