Alyson Johnson

Alyson Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois who focuses on helping people navigate life changes and emotional challenges. She greets new steps toward change with warmth and practical support. Alyson emphasizes individual strengths and works with clients one step at a time to find what helps them feel more grounded and able to enjoy life. She brings 12 years of experience and a background that combines a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation with a Master’s degree in Social Work. That mix shapes her practical, hopeful style. She aims to help people notice small shifts that add up to bigger improvements in daily life. Alyson uses straightforward, collaborative sessions. She treats the person in front of her as the expert on their life and helps them build on what already works. Conversations often focus on clearer thinking, coping skills, and finding purpose after change. Her work addresses a wide range of concerns including addictions, depression, anxiety, grief, anger, stress, low self-esteem, and career issues. She also has a particular focus on divorce and separation and on drug and alcohol addiction when those topics are part of what a person brings. In sessions, clients can expect a mix of active listening and practical strategies. Alyson draws on Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to tailor each plan. She supports people as they make decisions and take steps toward the life they want.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Alyson commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where clients lead the pace and goals. CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect and helps people try practical exercises to change patterns that cause distress.

She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills when helpful, which teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better ways to handle intense moments. DBT-style tools can be useful for managing strong emotions and building steady routines.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Alyson will work with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences. She adapts techniques and checks in regularly so the plan stays useful and realistic.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the specific session options before booking since formats are not listed in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when that helps, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can use a mix of conversation and practical exercises adapted for remote work so progress stays focused on real-life changes.