Got anxiety, depression, panic, or stress? We can help with that.
Paula Johnson, LCSW, CCTP, CFTP
Meet Paula
Hi, I'm Paula.
I believe therapy is a collaborative journey where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change. Before becoming a therapist, I spent more than 25 years leading and mentoring others in the corporate world. While I valued helping people grow professionally, I felt called to support individuals in a deeper, more personal way.
That calling became clear while volunteering at a crisis center, where I witnessed the profound impact compassionate mental health care can have during life's most difficult moments. It confirmed my passion for helping others heal.
As both a trauma survivor and a therapist, I understand the courage it takes to begin the healing process. My lived experience, combined with clinical training and professional expertise, allows me to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care grounded in empathy, respect, and hope.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel understood and empowered as you move toward healing and lasting change.
Professional Trainings
- Deep Brain Reorienting Level 3-Dr. Frank Corrigan.
- Brainspotting Consultant Training 9 month Program-Cherie Lindberg, PHD.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1
- Advanced EMDRIA EMDR training in relational & attachment EMDR.
- Advance BSP Training-Mindful Co-Regulation.
- Advanced BSP P.T.S.D. and Parts Work.
- Advanced Stress Studies - Bessel Van der Kolk.
- Deep Brain Reorienting Level 1 and 2- Dr. Jessica Christine-Sand
- Advance BSP Training-From Freeze to Thaw.
- Emergency Responder and Public Safety Certified Clinician.
- Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners Clinical Supervisor
- Advanced EMDRIA Consultant-in-Training Program-EMDR Consulting
- Advanced Training in Structural Dissociation- Healing the Whole Self- Part 1 and 2 Sarah Jenkins.
- Brainspotting Phase 1,2, 3 & 4.
- Advanced EMDR Sand Tray Therapy- Ana Gomez.
- Advanced Training EMDR and Grief.
- Neurobiology of Grief.
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
- Trauma Treatment Certification Training-Janina Fisher.
- Adult Attachment Relationships-Jana Pressley, PsyD.
- Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP).
- 2018 Certified Family Trauma Professional- Arizona Trauma Institute-Robert Rhoton, Psy. D. (CFTP).
- 2018 EMDRIA Approved EMDR Basic Training by Dr. Robbie Tapia, Tapia Counseling.
Professional Experience
Paula brings a wealth of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of behavioral health settings. Throughout her career, she has worked in community mental health, the Department of Child Safety, psychiatric hospitals, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and outpatient group settings. These diverse experiences have equipped her to meet clients where they are, providing compassionate, individualized care while supporting them through a wide range of life challenges and mental health concerns.
What Clients Can Expect
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, and my goal is to make the process feel safe, supportive, and approachable. From our first session, we will work together to understand your experiences, identify your goals, and create a path toward healing that feels right for you.
My therapeutic style is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to provide guidance, support, and evidence-based tools to help you better understand yourself, navigate challenges, and build on your existing strengths.
In our work together, you can expect a nonjudgmental and affirming environment where you feel heard, respected, and valued. I strive to create a space where you can be your authentic self, explore difficult experiences at your own pace, and develop greater resilience, self-awareness, and hope for the future.