Today we’d like to introduce you to Natika Johnson.
Natika Johnson
Hi Natika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My introduction to the mental health profession began in 12th grade when I took my first psychology course. I became fascinated with the study of the human mind and human behavior, particularly because of my early exposure to traumatic experiences that occurred in and around my life growing up in the hood. I was really curious about why people choose to behave the way they do. You see… I’m a survivor of childhood trauma. I was exposed to a lot of dysfunction in my home, from unhealthy communication patterns to harmful disciplinary tactics and domestic violence. As a result, I became a very anxious child and developed a lot of maladaptive ways of coping. For me, I always knew that my way of escape was going to college. At the time, I saw pursuing a college education as my only way out.
I originally thought I wanted to become a Child Psychologist. I wanted to help children with backgrounds and stories similar to mine, so I earned my BA in Clinical & Counseling Psychology and double-minored in African American Studies and Child Development at San Jose State University. I ended up changing directions a bit and pursuing my first master’s in College and Career Counseling at San Francisco State University. I was more drawn to the wellness model vs. the medical model of helping people cope and heal. Fast forward 20 years, later in 2018, I pursued a second master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling so I could practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been doing so since 2020.
I have a wealth of clinical experience, including working with adolescent and adult populations in community mental health, the juvenile justice system, adult probation, residential treatment, a psychiatric hospital, non-profit, and private practice. The depth of my experience has helped shape me into a competent and well-rounded professional. I am currently the proud owner of my own private practice – Higher Vibrations Counseling Services.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely. My journey has been far from smooth! There were several challenges and pivotal moments of growth along the way. From embracing marriage and motherhood to relocating from California to Texas, there were a lot of adjustments to make. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years. This was such a wonderful and meaningful time in our lives; however, it came with levels of sacrifice that weren’t always easy to manage. In 2014, I struggled with unfulfillment and the realization that I could not practice clinically in Texas without a license, so I began to explore alternative paths. This led to different periods of time working as a substitute teacher, a paraprofessional, and eventually an elementary school teacher. I had hoped that my role as a teacher would be a seamless move to becoming a school counselor. Now, this was indeed doable; however, my experiences working in schools allowed me to discover that being a school counselor was not aligned with my vision. Clinical work is what I desired. In 2021, fueled by a desire to fulfill my ultimate goal, I committed to pursuing a PhD, beginning my journey in Counselor Education and Supervision at Capella University in 2022. I’m on track to finish by June 2025.
Let me tell you, life has been lifing! Through all of the ups and downs and changes I’ve endured, I have learned and am still learning that resilience runs deeper than what the human mind can conceptualize. I have also engaged in my own therapy and continue to do so. I firmly believe that every therapist needs a therapist! In order for me to hold space for my clients and facilitate their process of healing, it is imperative for me to work through my own stuff embracing my growth and healing.
I established Higher Vibrations Counseling Services in 2022. My practice is 100% online, and I am currently a solo practitioner providing therapy services to individuals and couples in Texas and Florida. I specialize in helping high-achieving Black women who struggle with anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. As a dedicated relationship expert, my passion extends to helping couples navigate through difficulties, transform their relationships, rebuild, and ultimately experience healing together.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Higher Vibrations Counseling Services, PLLC?
As a Black female therapist, I have navigated similar challenges and I engage in my own healing work. The depth of my academic, professional and life experience has helped shape me into a competent and well-rounded clinician. This isn’t just a career for me; it’s a calling. My approach to treatment is collaborative, holistic, and integrative. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Somatic practices into my work. Somatic practices I use include Brainspotting, breath work, grounding, and other mindfulness techniques.
I am an advocate for continuing the movement of destigmatizing mental healthcare within Black communities. I am also a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. I firmly believe that by helping Black women heal and thrive, I am contributing to the resilience and strength of Black families as a whole. My practice includes couples counseling in response to the interconnected nature of personal and familial dynamics. My goal is to facilitate healthy communication, understanding, and mutual growth within relationships, fostering a foundation for healing that extends to both individuals and the broader family unit.
I value authenticity at Higher Vibrations Counseling Services while co-creating a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental space. My clients’ healing, personal growth, and wellness are top priorities to help them achieve their desired outcomes. My unique way of connecting empathically and intuitively with my clients and their presenting issues sets me apart. My down-to-earth approach helps fuel the process of change. Last, but certainly not least, I also offer consultation services for graduate students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the mental health space.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories was catching the bus by myself or with a friend or two (shout out to the Golden Gate Transit system!) from Marin City to Downtown San Francisco to play video games at the arcade, get a slice of pizza from Blondies, and catch a cable car to Chinatown to explore! Fun times!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.highervibrationscounseling.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natikatjohnson
Rates
- $200 per 50-minute session (Individual therapy)
- $250 per 50-minute session (Couples therapy)
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