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Alicia Johnson Counseling Services

Supporting Your Journey to Healing and Growth

Specializing in overcoming Generational Trauma, Relationship Challenges, and Parenting Support

About Me
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About Me

Hi, I'm Alicia.

I’m so glad you’re here. Choosing a therapist can be an incredibly overwhelming experience these days, and if you’re reading this you are taking the first, and arguably the hardest step in seeking support. Let’s find out if I’m a good fit for you. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker out of Grand Valley State University, and I have several years of experience working with adults in inpatient and outpatient settings struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, and mood disorders.

I believe therapy is a collaborative relationship between therapist and client, and it is important to create a dynamic where we both show up authentically. To help support this relationship, I believe meeting face-to-face allows for the opportunity to prioritize you by minimizing distractions and stepping away from this busy world.

My mission is simple: to meet wherever you are in this mental wellness journey by encouraging the identification of your strengths and providing the skills and support required to live the life you want and rediscover the favorite parts of yourself.

 

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Counseling

My Approach

I utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT-informed), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-informed, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques to help untangle the complex interplay between thoughts, emotions, past experiences, and overall well-being. Whether it’s carrying the weight of generational trauma, navigating complex relationships, or facing parenting challenges, my goal is to create a feeling of empowerment from gaining a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Step 1

Discovery and Understanding

Together, we’ll explore your unique experiences, identifying the core issues that have shaped your current challenges. This step is all about gaining insight into how your past influences your present, laying the foundation for healing

Step 2

Building Awareness and Resilience

We’ll work on developing awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By understanding these patterns, you’ll learn how to respond to life’s challenges with greater resilience and confidence

Step 3

Healing and Transformation

Using evidence-based techniques, we’ll address and heal the traumas and difficulties that have held you back. This stage is focused on processing past pain and replacing it with healthier, more empowering ways of thinking and feeling.

Step 4

Empowerment and Growth

"As you move forward, we’ll focus on strengthening your new skills and strategies. This step ensures that you’re equipped to maintain your progress, empowering you to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.

LGBTQ+ Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Single Parent Allied
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PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing something deeply distressing—like an accident, abuse, or ongoing emotional harm from caregivers or partners. PTSD can affect how you think, feel, and relate to the world. You might feel constantly on edge, have trouble sleeping, or relive painful memories. Avoidance, difficulty concentrating, and disconnection from others are also common. A safe and supportive space can allow you the courage to reduce symptoms, build coping skills, and restore a sense of safety and connection—both with yourself, others and the world around you.
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Generational Trauma

Generational trauma refers to the emotional and psychological wounds passed down through families, often rooted in experiences like war, displacement, oppression, or abuse. Even if you haven’t experienced the original trauma yourself, its effects can show up in daily life—through anxiety, trust issues, low self-worth, or repeating patterns that feel hard to break. Sometimes it’s subtle, like unspoken family rules or learned coping mechanisms that no longer help. The impact often lingers in the background until you notice recurring struggles. By gaining insight and introspection, these patterns can be explored, understood, and redirected, breaking the cycle for you and your personal family dynamics.
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Depression

Depression is more than sadness—it’s a persistent heaviness that can affect your mood, energy, and daily life. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, working, or connecting with others can feel overwhelming. It might show up as numbness, hopelessness, loss of interest, sleep issues, or a harsh inner critic. For some, it’s quiet and internal; for others, it appears as irritability or exhaustion. Depression looks different for everyone, but it is real—and treatable. By exploring what you're feeling, you can uncover the root causes and develop tools to manage symptoms and help you feel like yourself again.
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Relationships

Our relationships—whether with partners, family, friends, or coworkers—play a big role in our emotional well-being. Healthy connections can bring comfort, confidence, and stability. But when relationships are strained or unhealthy, they can lead to stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. We may repeat patterns from the past, struggle to set boundaries, or find it hard to trust or express our needs. Reflecting on these dynamics and building more fulfilling, balanced relationships are the stepping stones to help you build trust with others and with yourself.
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Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it can interfere with daily life. It might show up as racing thoughts, tension, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or a sense of dread—even when nothing seems “wrong.” Whether tied to specific situations or always lingering in the background, anxiety can make it hard to focus, connect, or feel at ease. Learning to manage it can help you feel more grounded and in control through challenging unhelpful thinking patterns and reshaping behaviors to ease the stress you have been carrying.
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Men's Issues

Men often feel like the therapy space has left them behind and men’s issues often involve societal expectations around masculinity that can make it difficult for men to express emotions, seek help, or discuss mental health openly. Common challenges include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, identity concerns, and pressures to meet traditional roles as providers or protectors. Therapy provides a confidential, non-judgmental space where men can explore these challenges safely. It helps break down harmful stereotypes about masculinity by encouraging emotional awareness and vulnerability. Through therapy, men can develop healthier coping strategies, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and gain greater self-understanding for personal growth in a way that respects their unique experiences.

The Process of Therapy

Taking the first step to begin therapy is often one of the most courageous and brave
decisions you can make. It means facing vulnerability, uncertainty, and the difficulty of
opening up about personal struggles. Even scheduling that initial appointment can be
scary while also highlighting your hope for change.

In our first session together, my priority is to create a safe and supportive space for you.
I will explain confidentiality and what you can expect throughout the therapeutic
process. You’ll have the opportunity to share your story, your current struggles, and
what brought you here. I understand this can sometimes feel overwhelming or
uncomfortable, as it requires us to face feelings and experiences you may have avoided
or suppressed.


It’s important to know that many clients experience a natural increase in emotional
discomfort at the start of therapy. As you begin to explore difficult thoughts and feelings,
it can sometimes feel like therapy is making things harder before they get better. This is
a normal part of healing — uncovering unresolved pain or inner conflict can bring strong
emotions and uncertainty to the surface.


My role is to support you through these challenging moments, helping you build trust,
resilience, and effective coping skills. Over time, the work we do together will create a
foundation for growth, insight, and lasting healing.


If you ever feel uneasy or challenged during therapy, please remember that this often
means important progress is happening beneath the surface. Choosing to embark on
this journey is a powerful testament to your strength and dedication to your well-being.
I’m here to sit in the mess with you and walk alongside you every step of the way.

Mon - Fri: 9AM - 5PM

3501 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE Suite 220
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

(616) 205-9448
aj@aliciajcounseling.com

Do you have

Any Questions

We provide a range of therapy services, including individual, couples, and group therapy sessions tailored to your needs.
Yes, we offer virtual therapy sessions for your convenience and comfort, ensuring you can access support from anywhere.
You can easily schedule an appointment by contacting our office via phone or email, or by filling out our online appointment request form.
We accept a variety of insurance plans, and our team can help you navigate the process to ensure you receive the coverage you are entitled to.
Our psychologists have expertise in various areas, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and more, offering specialized therapy tailored to your unique needs.