Emily Johnson is a dedicated mental health therapist at Beacon of Hope, specializing in working with children and families. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Iowa and is a licensed independent social worker (LISW) and a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Currently, Emily is pursuing certification as a registered play therapist, further enhancing her ability to support young clients.

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Emily has extensive experience working with children, particularly those facing challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, rigid thinking, and emotional dysregulation. She is committed to providing a nurturing therapeutic environment for children of all diagnoses. Additionally, Emily has specialized training in supporting domestic violence survivors and working with the LGBTQ+ community. Her primary therapeutic approach is experiential therapy, which emphasizes creating a warm and accepting space for children to navigate their feelings and experiences. Non-directive play therapy complements her work, allowing children to express themselves freely and promote positive growth.

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Emily's professional journey includes a long internship at Tanager Place PMIC, where she worked with children with significant behavioral concerns and serious mental health issues in a structured out-of-home setting. She has also provided behavior skills training and in-home therapy at Families Inc. Her work has taken her to an Amish community in Indiana, highlighting her commitment to reaching underserved populations with culturally sensitive services.

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Emily's passion for helping children stems from her recognition of the profound impact of emotional stability on their development. She aims to equip children with the skills to manage their thoughts and emotions, believing that every child deserves emotional safety and nurturing, and that all parents can learn to provide this essential support.

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Emily is known for her careful active listening, playfulness, and strong sense of empathy. She continually strives to enhance her therapeutic skills and approaches. She connects with her young clients through play and humor, while offering warmth and empathy to older clients. Emily values the importance of silence in therapy, allowing space for reflection and thought.

Emily aims to empower her clients to realize their potential and develop coping skills learned in therapy. For her child clients, she hopes to foster an understanding of a broader range of emotions and healthy ways to manage them. For adult clients, she strives to instill confidence in taking steps toward improving their lives.

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In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading a variety of genres, including history, religion, mysteries, and science fiction/fantasy. She also loves playing cozy games and cherishing moments with family.