About me
What if one of you transitioned ? Would you, could you, should you, stay together?
I am inclusive, secular - in that I do not have a "faith agenda" but, I have associated with an Open and Affirming congregation since 1994, competent, affirming and non-judgmental LMHC. I have worked with people in transition, people who are very much defined, “but things got complicated”, people in the communities of LGBTAQ, Polyamory, Kink, non-gendered. Each are safe and welcome here . Let's walk through it. sit with it in a respectful manner and work it out.
I am a LMHC therapist, public speaker community organizer, social and environmental activist and have been listening for 45 years. I received my formal education at University of North Florida as Master of Clinical Psychotherapy, 2013. I also took a 9-month internship under Ed Wilder, in Clinical Pastoral Education, in deep listening. I worked in the Talk program at Wounded Warrior for 8 months- the warriors talked; I listened.
As a couple or as an individual: Did you go through trauma? Are you right now, in a high stress situation? Do you keep losing your patience or your professionalism at the wrong moment and you don’t know why? Do you keep getting in your own way? Is this affecting your partnership/marriage? Are you defensive? Not able to listen? Afraid of even the most minor criticism, afraid every conversation is going to lead to them leaving you so you do your best to drive them away first and you can't figure out why they are still here? I use Trauma Supportive therapy to safely address, as slowly as need be the core issues in this dynamic. When the pain of the past that keeps coming to trip your defenses at all the wrong moments in your present , it needs addressed. I can be that supporting presence who will help sort it out by listening- really hearing you. Reflect your depth of feelings. Validate what is your unmet emotional need. I practice the therapy of defining personal meaning, so, together we will facilitate your thinking of your options, planning, purpose, and goals for living a meaningful life without being afraid of tripping over your past or yourself.
I practice person centered therapy by meeting you where you are as an individual and as a person in a partnership/marriage. I strive to be culturally sensitive, non-prejudicial and use strength-based therapy as a jump point, truly believing I am the guide for you, but you are the treasure/wisdom keeper. Of all the reasons people come to therapy anger, guilt, anxiety, depression, change, trauma, jealousy, and “it is just not working anymore”, the extra burden of race and racism is more than just a nuance to be nodded at in therapy. I will view race as central to all the other pieces, if it is central to you.
Specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma, Abuse
- Grief
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
LGBT , Relationship issues , Intimacy-related issues , Eating disorders , Self esteem , Bipolar disorder , ADHD , Abandonment , BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture , Blended Family Issues , Body image , Caregiver issues and stress , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Years of Experience: 10
Services offered
Messaging
Phone
Video
Licensing
FL LMHC MH15423
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Margaret Johnston. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Regain might be different.
We have only just begun therapy with Margaret but have found her to be extremely helpful and understanding, and with a great sense of humour to boot!
Margaret is a good listener and takes excellent notes. I feel respected and cared for by Margaret. I highly recommend her.
She is great at listening and understanding situations and gives great advise on techniques to try
Excelente
Margaret has been kind and patient, and open minded too, about the issues we have presented to her with. Our problems seemed gigantic and impossible to overcome, but with Margaret's help, I feel better equipped to overcome our contentions and move forward towards a healthier relationship.