(360) 952-3070 [email protected]

About Kayla Johnson

Kayla Johnson | MS, LMHC

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Individual Counseling for Adults (age 18+)


Kayla prioritizes compassion, humor, and warmth in her work with clients. She believes each of us has an important story to tell and works to create an empathic space for clients to begin the journey inward. Her favorite part about being a therapist is accompanying her clients as they realize their inherent value.
 
Kayla implements trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches in her work with clients who are navigating post-traumatic stress, family of origin pain, codependent attachment patterns, body image/disordered eating difficulties, religious trauma, anxiety, and depression. She affirms and values inclusivity in the therapy space for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She takes a client-centered approach and places high importance in uplifting the voices of her clients, as they are the experts in the room. The language she uses with clients is rooted in de-pathologizing mental health symptoms; if we can practice curiosity about the function that accompanies emotion, the door to self-compassion opens.
 
Kayla is trained in various therapeutic approaches, including internal family systems-informed care (IFS), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-informed yoga/movement, and person-centered approaches. Kayla’s work is steeped in knowledge of the neurobiology of trauma and loves to incorporate this information into her work to help clients build empowerment and insight.
 
No matter your experience, Kayla believes in the power of the human spirit and our abilities to make meaning and re-establish a sense of safety in the world.
 
Outside of her role as a therapist, you’ll find Kayla outdoors hiking, landscaping, chasing new bird species for her life list, and sitting very still next to the bird feeder in hopes a chickadee might land in her hand. She also enjoys practicing yoga and spending time with her two kitties, Louie and Dexter.

 

Education and Credentials:

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (WA): LH60862713
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (OR): C8575
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (WI): 10029-125
  • M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Wisconsin – Stout
  • B.S. Psychology and Human Development, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay

Specialties:

  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
  • Codependency + adult children of alcoholics
  • Anxiety-related disorders

Star Meadow Counseling

Provides Therapy Services to:
Vancouver WA | Salmon Creek WA | Ridgefield WA | Woodland WA | Battle Ground WA