About David
About David Johnson, Ed.D., LMHC
Fifty years of sitting with people through some of the hardest chapters of their lives, and helping them find their way into the next one.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington, working with adults, couples and families in Seattle and by telehealth across the state.
Resilience is something I learned before I ever taught it.
I survived several traumas as a child, and that led me to my life's mission of helping others be resilient and transcend adversities and instead thrive.
My work has always been a partnership with people experiencing depression, anxiety, confusion, loss, trauma and deep disappointment. I especially value helping people who need to set new life goals, or who want more optimism and energy for their lives.
Warm, encouraging, and honest.
I am comfortable with people of widely differing life experiences and aspirations. I try to meet you where you are, help you discern what you want, and decide with you on an approach that will get you there.
How my experience shapes our partnership
My focus is on quelling anxiety, depression and interpersonal conflict, while encouraging positive self-esteem, optimism and attention to your own aspirations.
I partner with my clients to build on their strengths and practice new ways of calming themselves. Decades of listening help me stay calm in hard moments, and keep some good humor in the room when it helps.
How I Work
I led large organizations, and I never stopped seeing clients.
For 33 of my fifty years as a psychotherapist, I was also a CEO of psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health centers. I stayed clinically active the entire time.
- Early career
- Family crisis intervention counselor, then director of an adolescent day treatment program, then program director of a community mental health center.
- 1986 to 1998
- CEO of Transitional Resources, with a private practice and teaching in the graduate Masters in Counseling program at Seattle University.
- 1999 to 2020
- CEO of Navos, with behavioral health centers and psychiatric hospitals.
- Today
- A full-time private practice with individuals, couples and families.
Training, Education and Recognition
Methods I Use Most
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Trauma-informed care
- Insight-oriented psychotherapy
- Practical skills for managing symptoms
- Grief and loss work
- Communication skills for couples and families
Education and License
I hold a doctorate in education (Ed.D.), with a dissertation on leadership in community mental health. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington.
Public Work
I have been a guest lecturer, public speaker and media interviewee, and served on task forces to refine treatment approaches and systems of care. Today my focus is clinical work.
Awards I have been grateful to receive
- Health Care Executive of the YearPuget Sound Business Journal · 2019
- Honoring LGBTQ Business Leaders: Outstanding VoicesPuget Sound Business Journal · 2018
- Alumni Award for Professional AchievementSeattle University · 2014
- Visionary LeaderNational Council of Community Behavioral Healthcare · 2013
- Evergreen Leadership AwardWashington Nonprofits
- Recognition of Leadership 2007-2009Washington Community Mental Health Council · 2009
- Recognition of Outstanding LeadershipKing County Mental Health Providers’ Association · 2001
- Award for Leadership and Exceptional DedicationTransitional Resources · 1999
- Warren Featherstone Reid Award for Excellence in Health CareWashington State Governor Mike Lowry · 1996
Adults from their twenties into their nineties.
I work with men and women who have lived through difficult experiences and want to heal from losses, wounds and even trauma. We can question old self-judgments, consider your own aspirations, and make room for a fairer view of your strengths.
You do not need to feel confident about doing that before we begin. A free 20 to 30 minute consultation is the simplest first step.
Individual TherapyUnderstand old wounds, question self-judgments, and build on the strengths you bring.
Couples TherapyUnderstand how each partner wants to relate and practice conversations with less blame.
Family TherapyMake room for each voice when changing roles or conflict strain family relationships.