About

I am not sure what has brought you here, but I am glad you have reached out to me because I believe I can help. I don't have all the answers, but I believe you do and I am available to help you in finding them and sorting out the obstacles to getting to where you want to be. I have a lot of years’ experience in working with people in need, including kids, teens, and adults, as well as couples and families of all kinds. I have helped addicts find freedom, and couples regain satisfaction in their relationships. Some people come to me with great sadness, or loss, whether through losing a loved one, or a career, or simply a situation or place that they still love deeply. They learn how to let go without leaving go. I help people find peace within themselves through calming their rage or hurt, and stop the internal violence that has disrupted their lives and relationships, and often their freedom. I want to help you find the stillness inside you that will help you regain clarity and focus of being that will guide you forward in your life. You have the power to make the change that you wish and want for yourself. I have confidence that you can and will do everything I can to help you find it!

My Name: Matthew D. Johnson, MS. Ed.LPCC-S, NCC (E.1000019 OHIO) with over forty years experience as a therapist and clinical supervisor.

NATURE OF MY COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY PRACTICE
Outpatient clinical and private practice with adults and children encompassing individuals, couples, and groups in office, in-home, and teleconference settings. Group therapy is also offered with adults and adolescents. Knowledge and experience teaching a variety of topics including Stress reduction; Use of Creativity, Humor and Play; Time Management; Identification and treatment of Gender Confusion; Treatment of Substance Misuse and Relapse Prevention; Motivational Interviewing and Enhancement.
DISORDERS, ISSUES, PRESENTING PROBLEMS I ACCEPT
Adults coping with mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, attention-deficit disorders, substance abuse and dependence, gambling and sexual addiction, relationship issues, social phobias, and family conflict. Also, job related issues in terms of career and vocational reassignment. Adolescents with substance abuse, relationship and family conflict, difficulties with attention and impulsive disorders, depression and anxiety disorders. Willing to work with adolescents presenting with Disruptive Behavior Disorders, i.e. Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Anti-Social Personality Disorder.
Children dealing with separation and loss; physical, emotional and sexual abuse; post-traumatic stress; attention-deficit disorders; anxiety and mood disorders.

THEORETICAL APPROACHES I USE
My counseling approach with adults is initially Person-Centered to establish positive rapport. Motivational Enhancement Therapy is utilized to facilitate change and to build a therapeutic alliance. Cognitive-Behavioral and Reality/Control Theory is applied in teasing out problem thoughts and behaviors, and Gestalt techniques are utilized in reaching deeper issues resulting from early childhood trauma or other traumatic experiences from the past. Psycho-educational approaches are utilized to teach alternative methods of communication and to teach life skills.
Adolescents are approached in much the same way, with more emphasis on Person-Centered and Motivational Enhancement techniques, and other core facilitative approaches to establish firm rapport. Gestalt approaches are also utilized, but more emphasis is placed on Reality and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques. Psycho-educational approaches are used both individually and in small group settings.
Children are approached utilizing Person-Centered, Behavioral, and Psycho-educational techniques. Some play and art therapy techniques are utilized to reach hidden or repressed feelings with less verbal and concrete children. Parent education and interviews are conducted and Family Therapy is utilized in most situations.

METHODS, TECHNIQUES I USE
Cognitive Behavioral: Reframing exercises, self-talk, self-analysis/self-evaluation/self-assessment, homework therapy, relaxation techniques, muscle relaxation, deep breathing, cognitive imagery, guided imagery, systematic desensitization, problem-solving skills training, self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring, role playing social problem-solving situations, self-reinforcement, self-instruction, modeling, positive incentives, behavioral rehearsal, monitoring negative thoughts, restructuring negative or maladaptive thoughts.
Person-Centered: Active listening, reflection of feelings, clarification, empathy, unconditional positive regard, congruence.
Motivational Interviewing: Collaborative approach that utilizes open-ended questions, affirmation, reflective listening, and summary statements, with the goal of developing discrepancy between the desire for change and sustaining principles that present as obstacles toward expressed goals in therapy.
Gestalt: Reliving /re-experiencing unfinished business, confronting discrepancy, staying with feelings, role playing, empty chair, creative expression (art, poetry, writing, movement), putting feelings or thoughts into action, body awareness (breathing awareness), guided imagery, focusing on the here and now.
Behavioral: Reinforcement techniques, Relaxation methods, Modeling, Assertion/social skills training, Self-management programs, Behavioral rehearsal, Coaching, Contracts, Homework assignments.
Reality/Control Theory: Evaluation of present behavior, Willingness to change, Development of specific plan to change, Awareness of how life would be different, Commitment to follow through with plan.
Existential: Confronting irresponsibility, Owning of feelings, statements and actions, Unblocking decision-making.
Family: Boundary making, Reframing, Behavioral parent training, Tracking and construction of
Therapeutic contracts.

POPULATION(S) I SERVE
Adults, Couples, Families, School-aged children and teens.