Alyson Johnson , LCSW

Alyson Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Northern Illinois who brings a practical, strengths-focused approach to helping people navigate life’s challenges. She frames therapy as a collaborative process that honors each person’s knowledge of themselves while helping them access inner resources to move forward. Alyson emphasizes that everyone has both struggles and strengths, and she works with clients to build on existing abilities one step at a time to improve well-being and daily functioning.

Alyson combines formal training and long-standing hands-on experience. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and she has supported others’ resilience and growth since her first job at age 15. As an LCSW, she is trained in clinical social work and provides therapeutic care that draws on multiple evidence-informed methods.

Her practice focuses on addictions, self-esteem, depression, compassion fatigue, stress, anxiety, grief, anger, career concerns, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and coaching. Additional areas of focus include divorce and separation, drug and alcohol addiction, forgiveness, guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, life purpose, self-love, and workplace issues. Alyson aims to help clients make the most of each day by finding practical, personalized strategies that fit their goals and values.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Alyson uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where clients’ values and goals guide the work. This approach focuses on listening, empathy, and helping people tap their own strengths to build self-esteem, find purpose, and cope with life changes.

She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical method that helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT can be useful for managing anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching concrete strategies for problem solving and mood regulation.

Alyson draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills when emotional regulation, distress tolerance, or intense reactions are a focus. DBT offers tools for managing strong emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and increasing present-moment coping.

Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. Alyson works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats can make it easier to maintain consistency, fit sessions into busy lives, and access licensed professionals from where clients are located.