Rue Johnson, M.A.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Offering Telehealth and Hiking Therapy in Wilsonville and Sherwood, OR
My Philosophy
Our human spirit is geared toward resiliency, and we have an incredible amount of personal resources available to us that can help us to overcome hardships, we just need to discover them. It is my goal to help you discover these resources and to improve your quality of life as a result.
I seek to create a safe space for my clients, free from judgement where you are able to explore your deepest values and goals. Together we can help you determine what aspects of your life are working well for you and which areas in your life you would like to fine tune in order to bring an increased sense of well-being and peace.
Online or on the Trail
I connect with my clients via telehealth and beginning October 1, 2024, I will begin offering 50-minute Hiking Therapy sessions (also known as “Walk and Talk Therapy”) for individuals in Wilsonville and Sherwood, OR. This therapy is covered like a regular therapy session by most insurances.
My Approach
I don’t see therapy as a “one size fits all" endeavor. I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches to tailor to the specific needs of each client. I take an intuitive approach with my clients attuning to their individual needs and applying techniques that work for them in that moment.
While I have a wide array of therapy techniques to draw from, I have found EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to be a powerful tool in my practice. I have trained extensively in this approach and am currently working towards my EMDR certification. This therapy approach is particularly effective for individuals experiencing complex PTSD, developmental trauma, single-incident trauma, and PTSD but is also useful to treat anxiety and depression symptoms.
Another evidence-based therapy that I draw from is IFS (Internal Family Systems Therapy). This approach can help clients with issues like anxiety, depression, navigating life transitions, and coping with grief and loss. I may also draw from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness, Narrative and Somatic approaches.
Continually growing my knowledge base is important to me as practitioner so that I have the tools I need in any given moment to effectively help my client. However, my main goal is first and foremost, to build a strong alliance with my client and to create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your experiences, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of well-being.