The more you know about therapies like Brainspotting Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Deep Brain Reorienting, EMDR Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, the more you can move forward to heal.
About Encouraging Hand Trauma Counseling.
Our Expertise
Our Expertise
Our Expertise
At Encouraging Hand Trauma Counseling, we have years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and expertise. We specialize in supporting clients facing anxiety, attachment issues, depression, panic, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, and relationship concerns.
Our Services
Our Expertise
Our Expertise
We offer a range of evidence-based counseling services, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Our clinicians also have specialized training and experience supporting first responders, veterans, and medical and mental health professionals.
We offer a range of evidence-based counseling services, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Our clinicians also have specialized training and experience supporting first responders, veterans, and medical and mental health professionals. In addition, we provide affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals and compassionate support for those in recovery.
Our Approach
Our Expertise
Our Approach
Our approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, compassion, and a nonjudgmental perspective. We are committed to creating a calm, welcoming, and supportive environment where clients feel safe exploring their thoughts and emotions while building the skills and tools needed to thrive. Our therapy is brain-body based, emphasizing the powerfu
Our approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, compassion, and a nonjudgmental perspective. We are committed to creating a calm, welcoming, and supportive environment where clients feel safe exploring their thoughts and emotions while building the skills and tools needed to thrive. Our therapy is brain-body based, emphasizing the powerful connection between the mind and body in the healing process.
Meet Paula Johnson.
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I’m truly honored you’re here.
If you’ve felt stuck in traditional talk therapy without experiencing the progress you hoped for, you’re not alone. My approach goes beyond simply talking through problems—I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches designed to support meaningful healing and lasting change.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent 25 years in the corporate world leading teams through supervising, training, hiring, and mentoring employees. The most rewarding part of that work was always helping others recognize their strengths and reach their full potential. After years of demanding schedules and long workweeks, I felt called to pursue a more purpose-driven path focused on helping people in a deeper and more meaningful way.
I discovered my passion for therapy while volunteering at a crisis center, where I witnessed firsthand the profound impact compassionate mental health support can have during life’s most difficult moments. That experience confirmed this was the work I was meant to do.
As both a trauma survivor and someone who has done the work to heal and thrive, I understand the challenges, resilience, and hope involved in the healing journey.
My mission is to help others move beyond survival through trauma-informed counseling so they can create lives where they truly thrive.
I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I combine creativity, clinical knowledge, specialized training, and lived experience to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. I am a Christian; however, I do not impose my personal beliefs in the therapy room. In accordance with my professional ethics and licensure, my focus is always on the client’s values and goals. If faith or spirituality is an important part of your healing journey, I am happy to thoughtfully incorporate it into our work together.
If you are ready to begin a new path forward, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.
Professional Trainings.
- Deep Brain Reorienting Level 3-Dr. Frank Corrigan.
- Internal Family Systems Level 1.
- Advanced EMDR training in relational & attachment EMDR.
- Advance BSP Training-Mindful C0-Regulation.
- Advanced BSP P.T.S.D. and Parts Work.
- Deep Brain Reorienting Level 1 and 2- Dr. Jessica Christine-Sands.
- Advance BSP Training-From Freeze to Thaw.
- Emergency Responder and Public Safety Certified Clinician.
- Advanced Training in Structural Dissociation- Healing the Whole Self- Part 1 and 2 Sarah Jenkins.
- Advanced Stress Studies - Bessel Van der Kolk.
- 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.
- Trauma Treatment Certification Training-Janina Fisher.
- Adult Attachment Relationships-Jana Pressley, PsyD.
- Certified Family Trauma Professional.
- Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional.
- 2018 EMDRIA- Basic Training.
Professional Experience.
Professional Experience
I bring experience across multiple levels of care and diverse populations, including community mental health, the Department of Child Safety, psychiatric hospitals, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and outpatient group settings for adults and adolescents.
I have worked extensively with veterans, police, fire, and emergency response professionals, and have provided supervision to clinicians and other health professionals. My experience also includes supporting individuals in pregnancy crisis centers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, refugees, older adults, children, and adolescents.
This breadth of experience allows me to offer informed, compassionate, and culturally responsive care to individuals and families across the lifespan.