Linda Johannisson, LCSW-C

About me

Welcome to Better Help Counseling! Please give yourself credit for taking this difficult and important step towards improving your health and your life. I most certainly give you credit. I know it is not always easy to open up to someone that you don't really know. So, Big Time Congratulations on having the courage to do something that will be both valuable and helpful for you and quite possibly those around you as well.

My name is Linda Johannisson. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (L.C.S.W.-C.) in the state of Maryland. I earned my Masters of Social Work degree in 1994 from the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland, with a subspecialty in Mental Health. For over 26 years I have practiced as a therapist in many settings, from the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Room to the more relaxed setting of Private Practice. I have had the honor of working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, veterans, the homeless and medically complex care patients.

These clients brought a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety (including PTSD), relationship issues, parenting problems, family conflict, alcohol, drug, food, and behavioral addictions, grief and loss, anger management, emotional abuse, career challenges and more.

Additionally, I have had two other careers which afford me a great broad perspective and ability to understand life from a non-therapist view. In 1978, I graduated from San Diego State University, CA with Bachelor’s of Art in Telecommunications & Film, with a Minor in Spanish. I worked as a producer and writer at the local ABC Television station in San Diego and learned many skills including video competence, the importance of knowing my audience and the impact of emotional connection.

In 1984 I graduated from Officer’s Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and worked on the beginnings of the Internet. I learned many skills including computer proficiency, the importance of being prompt and available. My second duty assignment was as the Admiral’s Aide at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Again I learned many skills such as the ability to work with people from different countries and cultures from all over the world and the importance of attention to detail.

Because your experiences are unique, I will do my best to meet you where you are. I want what is best for you just as much as you do!
As a therapist I strive to be supportive, empathetic, validating, and comfortable to talk with because when sharing private thoughts or fragile topics it is imperative that you feel at ease and safe. Additionally, I will help you set individual and realistic goals.

Adjectives that might describe my style are: engaged, respectful, down to earth, relaxed, practical, mindful, insight-oriented, and solution focused. I lean more towards a collaborative, engaging and interactive approach so that feel you are not doing all the talking. I do my best to go at your pace and have a youthful, somewhat playful demeanor. I honor your innate intelligence and know that when you look within, you gain confidence in yourself and your choices. At times I might recommend reading a short book, or give you a handout, or have your complete a creative assignment to deepen your process between sessions. If you believe in balancing mind, body, and spirit, then we might be a good fit for each other, as each is essential to the healing process.

Finally, it is important to me that you feel better after meeting with me. I offer my warm welcome and offer my help to get you on your path to health, happiness, self confidence and peace.

Professional experience

Additional areas of focus: Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy

License information

MD LCSW-C 09266

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Linda Johannisson. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.