Kathy Johnson officially opened Phoenix Counseling & Consulting Services at 4 West Dry Creek Circle, in Littleton, on Sept. 1. The counseling services address mental health concerns including women’s and adolescent issues, mood and anxiety disorders, substance-related concerns, sexual and gender identity issues, post-traumatic stress, and relationship issues including domestic abuse.
Counseling is with individuals, couples and families. The consulting services allow for consultation with other businesses in the areas of employee relations, business planning and grant writing. As a certified mediator, Kathy is trained to work with employees/employers who are having difficulty reaching agreement on any number of issues. Mediation is also utilized by attorneys in divorce and child custody cases - to help a couple come to mutually agreeable solutions.
Kathy has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a graduate degree in Counseling and Guidance, with a specialization in marriage and family therapy from the University of Wisconsin, and is a licensed professional counselor.
For 13 years she was a partner in a Wisconsin State certified mental health and outpatient alcohol and drug clinic. “We had contracts with the State for a criminal thinking program in a minimum security prison and for DUI programming, with Human Services for parenting and family reunification programs, offered employee assistance programs to local employers as well as private clients.
When asked how she got into this type of business, Kathy reported that she has always enjoyed talking with friends and family who came to her with concerns. “I enjoy psychology and how the mind works, so it just seemed to be a natural fit. No matter who we are, we all have issues at times, and I truly appreciate being a part of helping others to work through these. Although I’ve been given rather strange looks when I’ve admitted this, I have to say that I really enjoy working with adolescents. I find that age group energizing and it’s very rewarding to help a young person find their way. I also appreciate the challenge of working with adult clients who experience panic attacks, and have developed a program of systematic desensitization that works wonders.”
“I utilize an eclectic approach, which means I’m not limited to one theoretical background when working with clients. I use what a particular problem calls for - which I believe is a tremendously workable solution for varying issues. I further utilize a brief therapy approach, which is something the insurance companies like and ‘it gets the job done!’ Many people transition into a monthly ‘mental health’ session that helps them to keep heading forward.”
Potential clients should interview their potential therapist. When someone is going to discuss the most important things in their life they need to feel comfortable, a connection, with their counselor. It’s difficult for many people to reach out for help, and thus it is essential that there’s a connection. The office is specifically decorated to be comforting and peaceful. “It can provoke anxiety to open up to ones’ inner-most feelings, and I try to ensure that the setting is the most comfortable it can be.”
“I experienced great fulfillment from my business in Wisconsin, but I needed to leave the harsh and unrelenting climate. I am SO happy that my research on different geographic areas of the country lead me to Denver. This is a wonderful place and I’m extremely pleased to be able to offer my services in my new community.” Insurance, including Tricare, and private pay clients are welcome. The counseling center is open two evenings a week to accommodate client schedules, with 24-hour emergency contact capability. “And I’m pleased when I am given the opportunity to interview with a potential client. Please call at 303-798-1133 for interviews and appointments!”