Change Your Mental Health Narrative: Dr. Charryse Johnson, LCMHC, NCC

Mental health issues are not new, but the pandemic, which brought seismic shifts to everyday life, has rapidly accelerated the need for strengthening these systems. Having said that, the “new normal” has also increased the positive momentum in our communities to raise awareness about these challenges and the need for crucial support and services for those affected. Across diverse communities and industries, we are witnessing more open, frequent, and inclusive conversations about mental health with softening public perceptions. It might look like we are handling our situation well, but our blind spots might say otherwise. What you need is a good mental health counselor, who will not tell you what to do or how to live your life, instead, give you an experienced outside perspective and help you dive deep within yourself to make better choices. Dr. Charryse Johnson, author, speaker, and veteran psychotherapist, is on a mission to create an intersection of integrative wellness, neuroscience, and mental health.

Passion Fueled by Desire to Help Others

Dr. Johnson’s early years were full of change and uncertainty as she attended a different school every year till she joined high school. Stability came to her when she started college and went on to hold a B.A. in both Vocal Music and Human Development and Family Studies, an M.A. in Professional Counselling, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, with a focus on crisis and trauma. During this time, Dr. Johnson found mentors in her teachers who gave her opportunities where she could work towards impacting the lives of others. This proved to be a turning point in her life and fueled her passion for helping others. She encountered individuals who lived far beneath their potential and blamed everything other than themselves and their effort for their situation.

As a psychotherapist, she stresses both intention and personal responsibility for growth. As a clinician, she has worked with individuals, couples, and families and guided them in navigating challenging life transitions and past traumas. Her specialization is in the area of marriage and family, eating disorders, trauma, and attachment, besides providing support to those seeking identity development. She has specialized training in trauma through the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP) and is an integrative practitioner highly skilled and trained in Embodied Recovery and Brainspotting. Further, she has also been extensively trained in the Unified Treatment Protocol, which uses evidence-based approaches and transdiagnostic modalities in the treatment of disordered eating, besides being a Prepare/Enrich Marriage facilitator for over ten years.

Jade Integrative Counseling and Wellness

As a psychotherapist and mental health consultant, Dr. Johnson is a promoter of holistic wellness, and her passion is rooted in the belief that we should only use our past as a reference and not live in it if we want to grow in life. She founded “Jade Integrative Counseling and Wellness” in 2019 to offer individuals and families comprehensive and collaborative support to learn and unlearn. She helps clients to step out of their comfort zone, put in the effort, and experience exponential growth and sustainable change in their lives.

Dr. Johnson is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) and Level 1 Embodied practitioner, the wisdom of which she often integrates into her mindfulness and somatic work to help clients. She carries this out through private yoga sessions or in-session experiential techniques centered around Mindfulness–Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). She helps clients explore the unique intersection between the past and the present while designing a more accurate and authentic picture of what they desire for the future.

Love for the Written Word

As an executive wellness consultant, Dr. Johnson supports non-profits, educational institutions, and corporations looking to develop strategic initiatives that center on leadership, inclusivity, and emotional well-being. The unique combination of her education and lived experiences allows her to tailor and customize her approach while maintaining effectiveness. In addition, her past clinical work provided experience in partial hospitalization day treatment, intensive outpatient, and group therapy settings. In August 2021, she released her first book, “Expired Mindsets: Releasing Patterns that no Longer Serve You Well” and was later identified as “10 Authors to Watch in 2022” by The American Reporter.

She also serves as a keynote speaker and panelist at summits around the world, presenting on topics such as corporate wellness, mental health, and interpersonal effectiveness. As a mental health expert, Dr. Johnson is a frequent advocate and advisor for news stations in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas. She is also an Executive Contributor for BRAINZ Magazine, a global digital magazine that invites entrepreneurs, coaches, and business experts to share their knowledge with the world. Her monthly articles integrate principles of mental health that can be used for lifestyle, leadership, and personal development.

Dr. Johnson assists her clients in navigating the process of Identity Development, which spans from birth to death. This encompasses understanding one’s beliefs about their identity, exploring feelings of peace or conflict, and examining the different aspects that make up their identity. The journey begins with self-discovery and the ability to envision oneself beyond societal expectations.

Crafting Your Life’s Path

According to Dr. Johnson, a foundational component of well-being is finding hope in the midst of uncertainty. Combining her personal insights with her rigorous education and years of experience, she helps others step into a new field of vision. She starts her coaching with whatever area requires the least effort but can have the maximum impact when worked upon.

According to Dr. Johnson, setting boundaries and disregarding others’ expectations has been crucial to her success as a businesswoman. She advises other women to keep this in mind as they strive towards their goals. “Always know you’re WHY, something that will keep you motivated when you’re feeling overwhelmed or doubting yourself,” she said. “Also, be aware of the impact you want to make. Learn from other successful entrepreneurs and plan a solid foundation for your own business.”