Online in California
(Online Only)
“I would rather be whole than good.” – Carl Jung
If you’re ready to move beyond performing, pleasing, or simply surviving and step into a more whole, honest version of yourself, I’d be honored to work with you. My approach blends psychodynamic depth, relational therapy, Gestalt awareness, and certified sex therapy to support meaningful, lasting change. I specialize in working with Black and POC adults and couples who want deeper connection, authenticity, and fulfillment. When you’re ready to choose wholeness, I invite you to reach out.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior
Demographic Expertise: Black / African American, Buddhist, Hispanic / Latino, LGBTQ+, Men, Native American, Sikh, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
- Transpersonal Therapy Integrates spirituality and higher states of consciousness with psychology. It encourages growth beyond the individual self.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $175
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I am open to sliding scale clients who are motivated and in need - single mothers, Black folks, graduate students, teachers, nurses and social service providers to the front.
- Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Shirley Johnson, LMFT, CYT
- Female
- License # 114378
- Licensed in CA
- Practicing Since 2015
Education: BA - Brown University : Modern Culture & Media + Ethnic Studies, 2004
MA - California Institute of Integral Studies: Integral Counseling Psychology, 2015
Training - Women's Therapy Center Relational Therapy, 2014 - 2016
Certificate - California Institute of Integral Studies: Sex Therapy, 2021
Shirley Johnson, Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: Secure HIPPA Compliant Video
Therapy with me is a space for depth, honesty, and meaningful transformation. I work with Black and POC adults and couples who are navigating trauma, relationship challenges, communication struggles, codependency, caretaking fatigue, life transitions, and questions around intimacy and sexual fulfillment. Many of my clients are high-functioning and insightful — yet tired of repeating the same patterns in love, family, and work.
My training is psychodynamic and relational, which means we explore the deeper roots of your experiences — how early relationships, cultural narratives, and survival strategies continue to shape your present life. Influenced by Gestalt therapy, I bring attention to the here-and-now: your body, emotions, and the relational dynamics unfolding in real time. As a certified sex therapist, I offer a grounded, shame-free space to explore desire, pleasure, identity, and intimacy with clarity and care.
In addition to my clinical work, I have taught yoga for over 15 years and have studied herbalism and holistic healing modalities. This background deepens my respect for the mind-body connection and informs a therapy experience that is both insight-oriented and embodied. While our work is rooted in psychotherapy, I honor the wisdom of the body, breath, and nervous system as powerful allies in healing.
I am culturally attuned and affirming of all gender identities and relationship configurations. My work centers Black and POC experiences while welcoming all who value depth-oriented, relational healing. I believe therapy is not about becoming “good” — it is about becoming whole. Together, we build insight, emotional resilience, and practical tools that support authentic communication and deeper connection.
Whether you are coming as an individual or as a couple, our work will be collaborative, direct, and compassionate. If you are ready to move beyond survival and toward a more alive, embodied, and connected life, I invite you to reach out.