Therapy Team

 While my specialty has always been trauma therapy for teenagers, it was shortly after my youngest brother committed suicide I decided to forever include Veterans and the prior military when considering new patients. With 2 Veterans in my family, my personal experiences help me better understand the psyche of those who have lived in a controlled environment, experienced personal trauma, or who have been in active combat. While I have experience using Talk Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and also Art Therapy, I know every situation is unique and I am ready to explore the many therapies available until we find what works for you.

I originally specialized in therapies for kids and teens diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which includes the whole spectrum from Non-verbal to High Functioning. Though it doesn't matter if you are a parent seeking therapy for an Autistic child or teen, or an emotionally wounded veteran, I am ready to guide you to your solution.

My desire to help people through their traumatic experiences or difficult emotions is both genuine and true. My dedication as a Therapist should never be taken lightly. My developed organic approach to the therapeutic processes requires participation and consistency to Improve complete mental health. 

 I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2017 working in various mental health therapy roles.
I encourage clients to act as kindly toward themselves as they tend to act toward others. I believe that you are perfect just the way you are. Once you accept your own perfection, you will find that your life becomes happier and more fulfilling. I am here to guide you toward that acceptance.
Not only do I consider your views valid, but you are the expert on what you need and what works for you. Therefore, I try not to give advice or lists of tricks and techniques or the latest advancements in popular psychology. Most of your session with me will likely be spent exploring and validating what you think and feel. The work of answering questions is similar to how a personal trainer's client lifts dumbbells for themselves.
I look forward to meeting you.  

I have always been interested in helping my community in the best way I can! Ever since I was young I wanted to be a therapist. Finally, I can proudly say that I have achieved my goal of becoming a fully registered mental health counselor! I love being able to help guide children and families into a positive and healthy mindset! I love learning new things and finding new ways to improve myself! I hope I can provide you with the guidance you need to better yourself in any way during your journey here at Catalyst! I am open to seeing all ages and all situations! In the session, we can do puzzles or do a simple painting or even just talk if you prefer I am here to help you be the best you!  Oh, by the way, smile. It looks good on you! 

 A long-time resident of Orlando, Corey “CJ” Johnson is a Florida native with many years of professional and community-based experience working within the human services field throughout Central Florida. Corey earned his Master of Science in Counseling Education, with a specialization in Play Therapy, from Palm Beach Atlantic University- Orlando campus. Corey is also a HBCU graduate from Florida A&M University, where he obtained his B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. In addition, Corey is an active member of both the American & Florida Counseling Associations.

Corey is compassionate about the healing process. Since the tender age of 12, working as a volunteer coordinator with Habitat for Humanity- Orlando, Corey had always placed a significant amount of attention and energy on community wellness. As he matriculated through life developing his professional identity, various training and coursework has centralized his focus and prepared him to work well with an array of individuals from all walks of life. Corey’s approach to counseling involves a client strength-based model that encourages the individual to incorporate their gifts and knowledge into developing a healthy, judgment-free therapeutic working relationship toward self-efficacy and transcendence. Furthermore, he utilizes an integrated lens to address client’s independent needs with mechanisms from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, and of course Play/Experiential Therapy.

Corey takes great pride in his work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and the foster population. He believes that his genuine desire to connect with his clients is what enables him to tailor an individualized treatment plan to appropriately combat issues of anxiety, personality, depression, trauma, behavior, grief, and family conflict.

“Life takes up one long, winding road to fulfill its seemingly endless journey, and when we find ourselves stumble upon forks in the road, we choose wisely.”

- Amani Abbas
 

 My academic journey began at the University of Central Florida, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology in 2020. Following that, I pursued and acquired my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University, empowering me to specialize in guiding individuals through challenging experiences.
With extensive clinical experience spanning various roles, I've dedicated myself to specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and autism. However, I don't merely see my clients as a cluster of symptoms; I approach each holistically, recognizing their unique experiences and strengths.
My therapeutic approach integrates trauma-informed methods and evidence-based practices such as ERP, CBT, ACT, DBT, narrative therapy, and somatic therapy. I also embrace nervous system regulation strategies and Polyvagal Theory—a foundational framework that explores the body's responses to stress and helps regulate emotions and behaviors, enhancing overall well-being. I tailor my approach to meet each client’s needs.
For children, I utilize child-led play therapy and sand tray therapy, creating a nurturing space where young minds can express and process emotions comfortably and creatively. This approach facilitates the exploration and resolution of emotional conflicts, fostering a safe environment for their development and healing.
I also specialize in assisting parents and caretakers, offering guidance and support to navigate the complexities of parenting. Well-versed in attachment theory, I work on helping parents and caretakers strengthen attachment.
Operating from a multicultural lens, I deeply value diversity and cultural sensitivity in therapy, nurturing an environment where all backgrounds are respected and cherished. I am also a neurodivergent affirming therapist, meaning I embrace and celebrate neurodiversity in all its forms and utilize a strengths-based approach.
In my free time, I cherish moments spent with my daughter and dog. I enjoy playing video games, playing the piano, hiking, and science fiction and fantasy novels. 

I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health counseling intern passionate about supporting individuals in their journey toward emotional well-being and personal growth. Currently pursuing licensure as a mental health counselor, I bring a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to my work.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have developed a keen understanding of various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can openly explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

With a focus on collaborative goal-setting and empowerment, I work closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. I believe in building a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust, empathy, and respect.

 In addition to my clinical work, I am dedicated to ongoing professional development and stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in mental health counseling. I am enthusiastic about making a positive difference in the lives of others and am honored to be part of each client's journey toward healing and self-discovery.

I am deeply committed to helping individuals navigate their emotional and psychological challenges in a safe and supportive environment. I am currently working by applying evidence-based therapeutic techniques to assist clients in overcoming struggles with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and personal growth. I hold a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pontificia University Javeriana (Colombia), and I am currently pursuing licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. My approach is integrative, drawing from therapeutic models such as the Systemic Holistic family approach, Person-Centered Therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies, all tailored to meet each client's unique needs. I also speak Spanish, and I am ready to help you meet your goals
I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and work to create an open, non-judgmental space where clients can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions. We focus on building coping skills, increasing self-awareness, and working toward long-term emotional well-being.

As I continue to grow in my practice, I am dedicated to providing compassionate care and assisting clients in developing the tools they need to achieve their goals and find inner peace.
If you are ready to take the first step toward healing or need someone to talk to, I am here to support you.