About Emily Johnson, MSW, LICSW, PMH-C

Young people have been my favorite population to work with for a long time. But when I became a mother, I learned very quickly how challenging it is to give our love and energy to our babies and kids without losing ourselves along the way. The weight of it all, coupled with the lack of good support for parents has been striking to me.  If you think about it, both adolescence and perinatal life stages are times of huge transition, while our bodies and brains work against us a little bit. Hormones can be a big factor. We are also taking lots of information and new experiences as we grow in to the next version of ourselves.

I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming provider, and I believe the -isms are real.  I have extensive training in trauma, while also drawing from acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment theory/self-psychology, strengths-based, and empowerment perspectives. Sprinkle on some feminism and keeping eyes open to systems that make life harder for folks, and that's my therapeutic approach.  Most of all, I care deeply about meeting people where they are. I prioritize building a safe space where you can explore how trauma, stress, and other factors impact what you think about and how you feel, while celebrating what makes you light up too. 

I have been practicing clinical social work and psychotherapy since 2015, and have been working with young people long before that!  Prior to starting my own practice, I worked in community mental health for over 10 years.  I have experience working with elementary, middle, and high school aged youth, and adults.  I have worked in clinic, school, community, in-home, and treatment settings.  

I earned my Masters in Social Work from St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas School of Social Work.  I hold a perinatal mental health certification from Postpartum Support International, a certification in adoption competency from the Center for Adoption Support and Education, and I am trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy through Ambit Network at the University of Minnesota.  Finally, I am an experienced and board approved clinical supervisor and enjoy teaching and mentoring new clinicians who are learning the ropes!

Outside of work, I love being outside, going to see live music, chasing my kids around, and hanging out with my feisty (but cute!) calico cat, Mona.