I had the pleasure of being able to sit down with Kelly Johnson after she was nominated as a Mom Approved Therapist.
This interview was conducted by student therapist Beverly Wooden.
Q: How long have you been practicing?
A: I’ve been practicing since 2022.
Q: What populations do you specialize in?
A: I specifically work with adolescents ages 13 and older, women, and couples.
Q: What inspired you to become a therapist?
A: Ultimately, I feel this work is a calling God has placed on my life. My interest began in high school during a psychology class, and over the years I worked in mental health, education, and ministry-related areas before pursuing my master’s in Counseling in 2019. I love listening to people’s stories and sharing that sacred space with them. Seeing clients grow into all that God created them to be brings me joy. The counselor–client relationship is incredibly special, and the reward is watching people heal, grow, and find hope.
Q: What keeps you passionate about the work?
A: The change I see in people—big or small—drives my passion. I genuinely love people and enjoy helping them.
Q: What therapeutic approaches do you often use?
A: It depends on the client’s needs. I “cut my teeth” on CBT and my first trauma training was in Trauma-Focused CBT, so I often draw from cognitive behavioral techniques. I also incorporate aspects of DBT and EFT. In couples counseling, I use the Gottman Method, where I am Level 2 trained.
Q: If someone is nervous to meet you for the first time, what would you want them to know?
A: I’d want them to know they’re incredibly brave for taking the step to seek counseling. I’d tell them to trust the process and expect a space filled with warmth, acceptance, and gentleness. I’m confident I can connect with any client, because at the end of the day, we’re both human beings with shared ups and downs. I’ll always meet clients at their pace, right where they are.
Q: How would you describe your therapy style in three words?
A: Empowering, compassionate, collaborative.
Q: What do you hope clients feel when they walk out of a session with you?
A: I hope they feel seen, accepted, and a little more hopeful than when they walked in.
Q: What’s one common misconception about therapy you wish clients understood?
A: That therapy is only for people in crisis or those who’ve experienced trauma. The truth is counseling can help anyone—whether it’s improving parenting skills, strengthening relationships, learning communication, or building confidence. Therapy is a tool for everyone.
Q: How do you incorporate creativity or play into sessions?
A: Sometimes creativity helps clients access things that feel out of reach through traditional talk therapy. I might use play therapy, sand tray, or art therapy in session. I also encourage creativity outside the therapy room, assigning experiential homework that helps clients integrate coping strategies into daily life.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your clients that has stayed with you? A: I’ve learned that everyone desires to be known and understood. People are incredibly resilient and capable of change, no matter how long they’ve struggled. I’ve also seen that when people quiet themselves, nothing in life is too big to gain a new perspective on or begin healing from.
Q: How has being a therapist changed your view of relationships, family, or community?
A: It’s made me more compassionate, patient, and gentle in all of my relationships.
Q: What brings you joy or gives you energy on hard days?
A: Knowing my work matters and brings change sustains me. Having time alone to decompress also revives me.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of counseling?
A: My family is my favorite part of life—any time with them is my favorite activity. I also enjoy being outdoors, watching movies, spending time with friends, and listening to podcasts.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering therapy, what would it be?
A: Do it. Go for it. Just show up and trust the process.
Q: What separates Hope & Growth Counseling from other practices? A: Our therapists genuinely care. There are intentionality and prayer that goes into how we prepare and care for our clients. Every client who walks through the doors has been prayed for, and I believe that truly sets us apart.
Q: What is your favorite part about working with master’s-level interns and associates?
A: They bring fresh energy, the newest ideas, and techniques from their recent training. They’re hungry to help and offer perspectives that seasoned professionals may not always have. I believe they have so much to offer clients.
Interviewer’s (Beverly’s) Reflection
Kelly radiates warmth and compassion. I appreciated her emphasis on resilience, her willingness to meet clients exactly where they are, and her openness to using creative techniques alongside evidence-based practices. Her balance of professional training with a heartfelt calling to this work makes her stand out as a passionate therapist. After our interview I came away feeling that Kelly would be a deeply supportive and trustworthy counselor, particularly for adolescents, women, and couples seeking an integrative treatment approach.