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Hi I am Derrick Johnson, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor #10034 as well as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist #3188 practicing in Charlotte, NC. I go by Derrick or Dr. d. and I love helping people grow and fulfill a life of happiness and contentment. Approaching each client with a person-centered approach I let you be the guide to how you best learn and feel safe creating the change you are seeking through therapy. Of total transparency, I tend to blunt in my delivery, but that is not without full empathy, understanding and support. In other words, I will lovingly let you know… “this is gonna hurt a little” as I help challenge you in those steps that help to create change.
My approach
I customize my approach for each client, recognizing that everyone is unique, therefore my approach for each client will be unique. There is no one size fits all for therapy. With experience in various modalities, I select the methods that best suit your individual needs. Therapy is about growth and I am dedicated to helping you develop in a way that resonates with you.
My focus
Over the years, I have assisted diverse populations with a wide range of topics. My expertise and passion includes substance abuse disorders, grief and loss, LGBTQIA+ and coming out concerns, as well as divorce, family and life transitions.
My communication style
I am a careful listener and value open, honest communication with my clients. I strive to ensure you understand our conversations and will be straightforward/direct when necessary. My goal is to support your growth, even if it means telling you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear from time to time. I will always do this with love and empathy as I want you to work on being the best version of you possible.
My journey to mental healthcare
As a man with two grown children, two grandchildren, two incredible cats, and aging parents’ life has exposed me to “a couple of things” along the road. In my first career, the travel industry, I worked for both an airline and major cruise line and have visited, worked in, or spent time in 133 countries, thus learning differences do not mean inferiorities was a first-hand personal life experience. However, personal life journeys with identity development, addiction, divorce, single parenting, ADHD, as well as formal study have informed and prepared me best in my work as a psychotherapist. Helping people obtain an authentic existence is my foremost practice goal and why I chose to leave an incredible career and pursue graduate study and become a mental health psychotherapist and I am honored to work with you.
My goals for you
Each session with me will be centered around a goal. Whether concrete or abstract in nature, our time together will be productive, and you will know you have gained something during our time together. In other words, my “SOS” approach will parallel what you highlight as priority during our time together.
My first session with you
In the first session, I want to learn all I can about you, the client. You are your best SME or subject matter expert and I want to learn from the pro and that is you! I will explore belief systems, past trauma, and other lived life realities that have brought you to sit with me in therapy.
