About Life Steps
Meet your Therapist
Ashley Johnson
LCSW-S, CDBT, LCDC-I, MSW
I am originally from San Antonio, Texas, and received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. During my undergraduate work I had the opportunity to study abroad in Accra, Ghana. After my ungraduate studies, I stayed in Austin for a while to continue working overnight at a shelter for survivors of sexual and domestic violence for women, children, and transgendered women while answering a 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
I went on to attain my master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston. I spent two additional years in clinical supervision working in hospitals, crisis mobile mental health, and facilitating groups to attain my independent clinical license. Thereafter, I spent time in clinical practice to build expertise to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor providing individual, family, and group therapy. Most recently I have broadened my scope of practice to include my Chemical Dependency Counseling license and Certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, singing, spending time with family and friends, cooking, and traveling.
Practice Pillars
Philosophy
We often feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in cycles of dysfunction in our lives. We allow emotions to choose our day and give away our power to unhelpful thinking. Therapy offers us a safe place of refuge, validation, and hope apart from our uncertain circumstances. The therapist and client develop a mutually respectful and healthy relationship built from developed trust and compassion. Within this domain, my goal is to deepen your insight, self-awareness, and help you practice kindness accepting that which is truly you and achieve a life worth living. Together we will consider healthy perspectives and identify patterns that perpetuate unhelpful cycles that aren’t helpful.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, in that I will work alongside you to help you practice kindness, acceptance, and find your unique fulfillment. My modalities utilized include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Approach, Solutions-Focused Techniques, Strengths-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based Practices. We will work together to understand your thoughts, feelings, and behavior within the context of your relationships and your life. I am open to being flexible and creative in terms of helping you express yourself in a way that feels meaningful and productive for you, as I believe our bond will be a therapeutic relationship where you also teach me how to treat you.
I look forward to helping you work through this moment in your life, rediscover your essence, and connect with your purpose
Mission
Life Steps’ mission is to accompany individuals on their unique path to better mental health with commitment to healing them on their journey.
Vision
Healing for a Better Life
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
