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CJ Portrait of Catherine Johnston
Online therapist

Catherine Johnston

Practical support for stress, addiction, and relationship strain

Credentials
LPC
Experience
21 years
Licensed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Catherine

Catherine Johnston is a licensed professional counselor with more than 21 years of hands-on experience. She uses straightforward, practical methods to help people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, and relationship concerns. Catherine writes and talks plainly in sessions so clients can make steady progress without getting lost in jargon.

Her style focuses on building understanding and strength. She helps clients identify patterns that cause pain and then practices small, concrete changes together.

Background and approach

The work often includes learning new coping tools and practicing them between meetings. Catherine draws from several evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. These tools are used to address challenges like low self-esteem, intimacy-related issues, eating concerns, anger, career stress, and compassion fatigue.

Clients also bring complex histories such as trauma, domestic violence, substance use, caregiver strain, blended family questions, or feelings of emptiness and shame. Catherine aims to create a steady space where people can talk through those issues and make choices aligned with their values. She practices in Michigan and conducts sessions in English.

Catherine describes therapy as a collaborative process that combines listening, practical skill-building, and clear goals to help people move forward from difficult moments.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then identifies values to guide real-life choices. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking and testing small behavioral changes to reduce anxiety or depression. Motivational Interviewing is a conversational style that increases a person’s own motivation for change through empathy and focused questions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Catherine collaborates with each person to choose and adapt methods based on their goals, preferences, and the problems they bring to sessions. That means trying techniques together and adjusting the plan if something isn’t helpful.

Online therapy lets people fit support into busy lives. Video calls recreate a face-to-face talk, phone sessions give easy access when screens aren’t convenient, and live chat or text messaging offer brief check-ins and ongoing support between meetings. These options provide flexibility and make it easier to practice new skills in real time and in everyday settings.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Catherine commonly address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related problems, parenting stress, grief, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and career or life changes.
What is her general therapy style?
Her approach is collaborative and practical, using clear conversation and skill practice to help clients change patterns and cope better in daily life.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 21 years of experience working with adults through a range of emotional and behavioral challenges.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, credential MI LPC 6401008984, and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How are fees handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Next step

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