Melissa Johnson

With a decade of clinical experience and a deep commitment to fostering authentic therapeutic relationships, Dr. Melissa Johnson stands at the forefront of depth-oriented psychotherapy. As a licensed clinical psychologist and Co-Director at Groundwork Therapy, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice, specializing in a wide range of complex psychological issues.

Dr. Johnson's approach to therapy is characterized by its relational, collaborative, and active nature. She creates a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their innermost thoughts and feelings. Her practice is grounded in the belief that a trusting therapeutic relationship is key to facilitating healing, learning, and personal growth. This philosophy underpins her work with individuals, couples, and groups, allowing her to tailor her approach to each client's unique needs.

Specializing in treating depression, anxiety, and issues related to gender and sexual identity, Dr. Johnson has developed particular expertise in addressing loneliness, dysfunctional relationship patterns, and challenges associated with life transitions. Her practice extends to supporting clients through fertility concerns, pregnancy, and postpartum issues, as well as helping individuals navigate bi/multicultural identity issues. This diverse range of specialties allows her to provide comprehensive care across a broad spectrum of psychological needs.

Dr. Johnson's academic background is as impressive as her clinical experience. She earned her MA and PsyD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco, where her dissertation research focused on providing gender-affirmative psychotherapy to gender-diverse children. This specialized research informs her current practice, particularly in her work with clients exploring gender and sexuality issues. Her educational foundation also includes a BA in psychology with a minor in critical gender studies from the University of California, San Diego, further enriching her approach to therapy.

Adding to her versatility as a therapist, Dr. Johnson is fluent in both Spanish and English, enabling her to provide bilingual therapy services. This linguistic flexibility allows her to connect with a broader range of clients and address cultural nuances that may be crucial to the therapeutic process. Her commitment to transparency, flexibility, and open communication fosters a therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to provide direct feedback, ensuring that the therapy remains responsive to their evolving needs.