Joy Johnson, LCSW Clinical Director, Trauma Therapist

Joy Johnson, LCSW is the Clinical Director and Trauma Therapist at Premiere Counseling Services. While she has treated a variety of mental health issues over the years, she specializes in working with trauma, dissociation and abuse. Here are some symptoms that tend to cluster together when people have experienced trauma: depression/lack of energy trouble concentrating, changes in sleeping or eating habits isolating/loss of sense of who you are Hyper-vigilant/anxious or shutting down Feeling out of body or that your environment seems unreal/dissociating Self-blame or feeling shame Lack of trust in others headaches and chronic pain grief and loss We often think of these symptoms as "hard patches" we have gotten through in the past or are going through in the present, rather than trauma. Trauma leaves our brains and nervous system in a different place after the initial experience(s). Many people don't realize that they have been abused, neglected or have trauma. We tend to believe that the "rough patches" were in the past, long ago and part of life, and that time heals all things. However, the passing of time does not heal trauma, trauma heals when processed. Coping skills help you to take back control and rewire your anxious nervous system. The feelings and symptoms listed above are common for trauma survivors. Joy has worked with survivors of trauma of all types, including sexual abuse, ritualistic abuse, victims of crime and human trafficking. Many times the aftermath of trauma is PTSD, chronic pain and autoimmune disorders, to name a few, that result over time. The body DOES keep the score but you can heal from the trauma that keeps you stuck and in pain. It is possible to heal and do so safely. Joy is a Therapist who believes people can reclaim their lives as self-empowerment increases over the course of treatment. If you have mental health issues that you are trying to cope with and need assistance, please don't hesitate to call today! You can attend sessions from the comfort and security of your own location or in person. We look forward to supporting you on your recovery journey. We see clients in Utah, Idaho & Colorado.