Marla Johnson, LMHC

Marla Johnson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Florida with 25 years of clinical experience. She uses a client-centered, solution-focused approach to help people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and other life challenges. Her style is warm and direct, aimed at creating a calm space where people can speak openly and feel heard.

Her recent focus has been depression and anxiety in teens and young adults. Marla listens for the strengths someone already has, and then helps build practical steps to reduce overwhelm and improve daily functioning. She favors short-term, goal-oriented work when that fits a person’s needs.

In session she combines Client-Centered Therapy with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. That means she pays attention to what matters most to the person, explores unhelpful thinking patterns, and practices present-focused skills to reduce distress. Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused techniques guide practical decision-making when needed.

Marla also brings experience with trauma, parenting struggles, addiction-related concerns, grief, intimacy issues, ADHD, and a wide range of mood and behavioral challenges. She works to validate feelings while helping people try different strategies that fit their lives.

To begin, people complete a short questionnaire and schedule a session. Marla aims to work collaboratively to set achievable goals and adjust the plan as progress is made.

How her approaches translate to online sessions

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and empathy. Marla creates space for people to speak and feel respected, then follows their lead to identify what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors. It uses simple exercises to test unhelpful thinking and build small changes that reduce anxiety and depression. Mindfulness Therapy teaches grounding and present-focused skills to manage distress and improve sleep and focus.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Marla will talk with a person about goals, preferences, and what has helped before. Together they try methods that fit the person’s life and adjust them over time based on what works.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people practice skills in the moments they matter most while still getting guidance from a licensed professional.