Hi, I’m Mary Johnson, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina. I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and families as they navigate life’s challenges, helping them discover resilience, confidence, and a renewed sense of possibility.

My clinical experience spans a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, emotional and physical trauma, and the complex impact of serious or chronic illness. I completed my clinical training at Levine Children’s Hospital, where I worked closely with children and teens facing long-term and terminal illnesses, as well as significant medical trauma. That experience was both humbling and deeply meaningful, and it reinforced my commitment to walking alongside families during some of the most difficult chapters of their lives.

I draw from several evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I also integrate elements of mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Structural Family Therapy into my work, tailoring each session to the unique needs and strengths of my clients.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years as a journalist and later founded a small marketing consultancy. I hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. When I felt called toward mental health work, I returned to school and earned my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. Today, I’m grateful to be part of the clinical team at Restoration Counseling, where I have the privilege of supporting children, teens, and families in meaningful, transformative ways.

Outside the therapy room, I’m a mom of two young kids and one special-needs rescue pup – roles that continually remind me how challenging and joyful family life can be. I understand firsthand the complexities parents face, and I strive to involve them thoughtfully in the therapeutic process while honoring each child’s confidentiality and autonomy. Being a kid is hard. Being a parent is hard, too. My goal is to help families feel more connected, supported, and equipped to thrive together.

At its heart, therapy isn’t about “fixing” someone who is broken—it’s about empowering individuals and families to live fuller, healthier, more authentic lives. To make getting started as easy as possible, we offer a free initial consultation. To schedule an appointment, please call Restoration Counseling Center at 704-502-9397 or email admin@restorationcounselingclt.com.