Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Johnson.
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Texas Native with a love for humanity, culture, and service. I hold an Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work. I have 10 years of experience working within the Child Welfare System including mental health, addictions, family issues, Intimacy issues, trauma, etc. I am a dedicated professional in helping others find themselves, heal and grow.
Over time, I found myself becoming the person others continuously turned to when things felt overwhelming. I’ve always been deeply curious about why people behave/react the way they do, how pain gets passed down, and what actually helps people heal. I began my own “inner work” and started therapy in my 20s after noticing changes within myself. In therapy, I realized how powerful it was to sit with someone free from judgment and receiving the help I needed in making meaning of my experiences. From there and of course school, I became very interested in becoming an advocate or warm light for others.
I didn’t come to mental health therapy because it sounded interesting. I came to it because it truly was my calling. Since childhood, I’ve always desired to inspire and help guide others to be the best person they can be. Through personal experiences of trauma, abuse, and neglect I was determined to be better than my humble beginnings. I wanted to break down barriers and overcome the fear of the unknown. Now, my genuine goal is to help others overcome their fear and reach goals leading them to live in peace and balance. I like to remind others that this work isn’t just what I do. It’s truly who I am.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, this has not been a smooth road for me. My journey into mental health has been shaped by personal and professional challenges that required deep prayer, faith, resilience, self reflection, and growth. Along the way, I navigated my own experiences with trauma, abuse, and neglect while learning how to show up for others in emotionally demanding spaces.
Professionally, working within the child welfare system came with secondary trauma, burnout, and the emotional weight of advocating within systems that don’t always move as quickly or compassionately as I’d liked. I had alot of moments of exhaustion and self doubt.
Personally, I had to confront uncomfortable truths while continuing to work hard at breaking generational patterns. I was parentified as a child so I helped my grandmother (who raised me) with my younger siblings. I had became a mother younger and I was determined to not let her down. (My baby is now 18). But, therapy taught me how to sit with discomfort, regulate my emotions, and give myself the same compassion I offer to others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work with individuals and couples and assist them with navigating trauma, mental health concerns, addiction, family conflict, intimacy issues, and complex relational dynamics. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and collaborative using CBT, Trauma informed, Brainspotting, attachment based interventions, Emotional Focused and Mindfulness to name a few, all supporting healing. I carry a strong emphasis on accountability, emotional regulation, and breaking generational patterns.
I am known for creating a space that feels both safe and honest, where clients feel deeply seen while also being gently challenged. I balance warmth with directness, helping others build insight without shame and develop practical tools they can apply in real life. Many clients tell me they appreciate my ability to sit with difficult emotions, identify and name what’s happening beneath the surface, and guide them toward clarity and empowered choice.
I am most proud of the work I’ve done, both professionally and personally. I’m proud that I am blessed enough to turn my lived experience into purposeful service.
What sets me apart is the integration of experience, education, and authenticity. I don’t believe in quick fixes or one size fits all therapy. I believe in collaborative work, cultural humility, and walking alongside clients as they rewrite narratives that no longer serve them.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me in several meaningful ways. Individuals and couples can engage with me directly through therapy. I can found on psychology today, therapy den and social media at therapy.with.rae. (now I’m just getting started on social media so don’t mind the following count)
I welcome collaboration with other professionals, organizations, and community partners who share a commitment to ethical, culturally responsive, and client-centered care. This can include referrals, interdisciplinary coordination, consultation, trainings, speaking engagements, career fairs, psychoeducation, workshops, or community-based mental health initiatives.
Support can look like amplifying mental health awareness, advocating for accessible and compassionate care, and engaging in conversations that reduce stigma around therapy, trauma, and healing. Whether through partnership, referral, or shared advocacy, I value connection rooted in mutual respect and a shared goal of supporting human growth and well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweetgrassict.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy.with.rae/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-johnson-lmsw-b5754a2ba
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/rachel-johnson-atlanta-ga/1352787
Image Credits
Brooke Hanna
IG@brookeinthelook
