- Addictions
- Life purpose
- CBT and DBT methods
About Alyson
Alyson Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with 12 years of experience. She works with adults facing addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and challenges around self-esteem and anger. Alyson also supports people coping with major life changes and those thinking about career direction and life purpose.
She uses straightforward conversation to help people notice their strengths. Sessions focus on practical steps rather than abstract theory. Alyson encourages people to try small changes and then see what helps in daily life.
Alyson blends client-centered work with cognitive behavioral strategies and solution-focused techniques. That means she listens for what matters most, helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns, and sets short-term goals to test new approaches. Motivational interviewing and dialectical behavior strategies are also part of her approach when appropriate.
Her background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and a Master’s degree in Social Work. Alyson draws on both fields to suggest activities and routines that can lift day-to-day mood and structure. She describes therapy as a practical collaboration where the client’s views guide which ideas are tried first.
People who contact her can expect clear talk about what is bothering them and direct, manageable steps to try between sessions. She frames setbacks as information, not failure, and reviews progress together. The focus is on what can be changed now to make the next days a bit easier.
How her therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters most to the client. Online sessions using this approach concentrate on the client’s priorities and personal goals, with the therapist offering questions and reflections to clarify next steps.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Online CBT sessions often include brief exercises and homework that the client can try between meetings to test new ways of thinking and behaving.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) contributes practical skills for managing strong emotions and improving coping. When used online, DBT techniques are taught in short, actionable steps that can be practiced in daily situations to reduce overwhelm.
Deciding which approach to use is part of the work together. The therapist will talk through goals, preferences, and what has helped or not helped before. That collaboration helps pick methods and set realistic, short-term steps to try.
Confirm the session formats offered before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a workday, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Those practical benefits help therapy fit into everyday life without promising a particular service.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Illinois, Utah
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, self-esteem, anger, bipolar issues, and life purpose concerns among others.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
She uses client-centered conversation with practical cognitive behavioral and solution-focused exercises to set short-term goals and test changes.
How much experience does she have?
She has 12 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices from Illinois.
Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
She does accept international clients.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.