
Staci Johnson
(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
I provide an affirming approach to help those navigating the complexities of life's challenges.
I work with individual adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief who are ready to work toward healing and self-growth. I also enjoy working with neurodiverse (ADHD, Autism - low support needs) and LGBTQ+ individuals and provide an affirming approach to therapy. I believe each client is the best expert on their own life and my goal within the therapeutic relationship is to foster attunement - deeply understanding and responding to the spoken and unspoken. I’m invested in creating a warm, compassionate, and supportive space for clients to navigate difficult emotions and experiences to work toward creating a more fulfilled, authentic self. As an EMDR-trained counselor, I approach my work from a trauma-informed lens, incorporating a variety of treatment techniques tailored to each client’s goals and needs. The process of healing and growing can be challenging, but I believe it can also be rewarding and empowering.
Practice hours (MDT)
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
- Aging
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- Conflict Resolution
- Depression
- Family Caregiving Stress
- Gender Identity
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions
- Loneliness/Isolation
- Panic
- Peer Difficulties
- Perfectionism
- Performance Anxiety
- Personal Growth
- Phobia
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship(s) with Friends/Roommates
- Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family
- Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife
- School Concerns
- Sleep Concerns
- Social Anxiety
- Trauma
- Work/Life Balance
Age groups
- Young adults (18-30)
- Adults (31-64)
- Seniors (65 or older)
Special groups
- Adult children of alcoholics
- Athletes
- Neurodivergent people
- People of color
- People who are bisexual
- People who identify as gay
- People who identify as lesbian
- People who identify as non-binary
- People who identify as queer
- People with disabilities
- Transgender
Treatment specialties
Therapeutic modalities
- Individual Therapy
Treatments
- Existential Psychotherapy
- Feminist Therapy
- Humanistic Therapy
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Counseling
- Motivational Interviewing
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Location
Optima Counseling
Clinic
4365 East Pecos Roadbldg 8 ste 120Gilbert, AZ 85295
Accommodations
Entering the practice
- Well-lit path to entrance
- Step-free entry
- Flat path to the front door
Getting around
- Wide hallways (36” or 90cm)
Settling in
- Storage for mobility aids (e.g. wheelchair, scooter)
Remote options
- Video
Payment options
Insurance
In-network coverage provided for the following insurance companies
- Aetna – Arizona
- Blue Cross Blue Shield – Arizona
- Out-of-pocket
- In-network insurance
- Documentation provided for patient filling
- I offer a free consultation
Payment methods
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
Credentials
Licenses
Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
State of Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
LAC-22673, Arizona
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Sarah Richardson
LPC-17687, Arizona
Certificates
EMDR Basic Training
EMDRIA
Education
University of Phoenix
MS (Master of Science in Counseling), 2013