Dr. Johns specializes in family therapy. Her approach is informed by systems theories, structural family therapy, narrative therapy, behavioral strategies, and up-to-date research about positive youth development and parenting techniques. In addition to working as a family therapist, Dr. Johns has worked as a national consultant providing guidance to substance abuse prevention programs, parenting programs, and mentoring programs.

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Dr. Johns often receives phone calls from parents seeking a therapist for their child. Because of the research suggesting family therapy is often the best approach, Dr. Johns usually suggests that at least some portion of sessions include the parent(s) and siblings who may be living in the home. However, if a teen is seeking therapy and not willing to participate with family members, Dr. Johns will meet with the teen until increased comfort is achieved.

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Dr. Johns works collaboratively with families and believes families have innate strengths that, when respected and tapped into, can guide a family to quickly resolve difficulties.

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Why go to family counseling?
We know from research that for most child and teenage difficulties, parent involvement and/or family counseling are evidenced-based treatment approaches. Unfortunately, so often children and teens are treated exclusively in individual counseling. Not only does family therapy work, but it is the recommended treatment technique for many of the most common concerns in children and families. For example, family therapy is a proven approach for children with:

• Alcohol or drug problems

• School refusal

• Eating problems

• Sibling rivalry

• Life transitions

• Mood difficulties

• Behavioral problems

• Risk taking behaviors

Why does Family Therapy work?
Family therapy works because:

• Family members learn new ways to communicate.

• Problem behaviors come up in the session and are dealt with directly.

• Often children/teens are reacting to issues within the family, and family therapy allows these issues to be addressed.

• Family members learn how their responses may unintentionally make problems worse.

• Conflicts can be resolved.

• Relationships between family members are strengthened.

• Teens can apply what they learn in family counseling to other relationships and situations.

Common Outcomes

• Reduced stress

• Increased cohesion

• Reduced risk for alcohol or substance abuse

• Greater ease at communicating around difficult issues

• Less anger and aggression

• For children and teens, better behavior at school and better grades

• Increased trust

• Reduced isolation

• Reduced suicide risk

• Increased feeling of being understood

• Improved capacity for positive and healthy relationships with others outside the family

What should we expect from Dr. Johns?
Prior to the first session, Dr. Johns will talk by phone with one or both parents to determine who should attend the first session. Dr. Johns will often suggest that she meet first with just the parent(s) to gather background information.
 

If I/we am considering therapy, what are the first steps?
 

1. Call or text Dr. Johns to ask questions and schedule an initial appointment. During this telephone call, Dr. Johns will ask for some information about why you are considering therapy. In some situations, Dr. Johns may suggest that your family or child’s needs would be better served by a different provider with a different type of expertise. In these situations, Dr. Johns will do her best to provide referral options.
    

2. Schedule an appointment.
    

3. Read the information provided on the website under Practice Info.
    

4. Read and complete the forms shared via the Client Portal. This saves time during the first appointment, protecting time to ask questions and cover other important aspects of orientation to therapy.  
    

5. Attend a first session and determine whether Dr. Johns seems like a good match.