Knigeria Johnson
Hi, I'm Knigeria! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), and I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up exactly as you are. You don't have to have everything figured out, know exactly what to say, or even understand what you're feeling to get started. Sometimes, you just know something doesn't feel right, and that's okay. We can work through it together. My goal is to create a welcoming, comfortable environment where you feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. I bring a down-to-earth, genuine, and collaborative approach to therapy because I believe meaningful connections are at the heart of meaningful change. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate life's ups and downs, whether that means managing anxiety or depression, working through family or relationship concerns, navigating life transitions, understanding big emotions, or simply feeling overwhelmed by everyday life. My approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play-based techniques, and practical strategies tailored to each client's individual needs. I believe in meeting clients where they are and recognizing that everyone's experiences and journey look different. Whether we spend time talking things through, getting creative, or finding practical ways to navigate everyday challenges, my hope is that therapy feels like a place where you can be yourself, feel supported, and grow at your own pace.
The beauty of a maze is that being lost doesn't mean you're failing. It means your'e still finding your way.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a foundation for our work together. We will spend some time talking about what brings you to therapy, your experiences, current challenges, and what you hope to gain from counseling. I'll ask questions to better understand your story, but there is no pressure to have all the answers or know exactly where to begin. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. My hope is that you leave your first session feeling welcomed, heard, and understood, with a better sense of what therapy with me can look like. I want you to feel hopeful about what's ahead and encouraged about the possibilities for growth and change. Therapy is a process, and we will work together to identify goals, build on your strengths, and find ways to help you navigate life's challenges. You don't have to figure everything out before you walk through the door. We'll take it one step at a time, together!
Strengths
One of the strengths I bring to therapy is my ability to meet people where they are while recognizing that everyone's needs are different. I believe there is a time to simply listen, hold space, and allow someone to feel what they need to feel, and there is also a time to gently challenge, encourage, and help someone look at things from a different perspective. I try to be intentional about recognizing what each person needs in the moment, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. I bring an open-minded, empathetic, and genuine presence to my sessions. I want clients to feel comfortable being themselves, knowing they don't have to filter their thoughts or feelings to be accepted. I also believe growth sometimes means having uncomfortable conversations, recognizing patterns, and being willing to try something different. My goal is to provide the right balance of support, encouragement, and gentle accountability while keeping each client's well-being at the center of the work we do together. Above all, I want clients to know they don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with individuals who are open to learning more about themselves, willing to explore their thoughts and feelings, and interested in making positive changes in their lives, no matter how big or small. You don't have to have everything figured out or even know where to begin. Maybe you've noticed something feels off, you're struggling to manage certain emotions, or you simply want to better understand yourself. Whatever brings you to therapy, what matters most is a willingness to show up and try. I value honesty, openness, and effort, even when the process feels uncomfortable or challenging. I encourage clients to be vulnerable at a pace that feels right for them, knowing that trust takes time and growth doesn't happen overnight. You don't have to be perfect, have all the answers, or get it right every time. I'm here to meet you where you are, support you through the difficult moments, and celebrate the little victories along the way. My hope is that we can work together to help you recognize your strengths, build confidence, and create meaningful changes that carry beyond the therapy room.
Origin story
My decision to become a therapist was shaped by both personal and professional experiences. Growing up around family members who struggled with mental health concerns that went unrecognized or undiagnosed opened my eyes to how deeply these challenges can affect individuals and families. It also strengthened my desire to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within underserved and marginalized communities, where seeking support can sometimes feel difficult or out of reach. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in social services with the Department of Human Resources (DHR). That experience reinforced my desire to work more directly with individuals and families by providing care and support during difficult times. I have always felt drawn to working with children, and I believe there is something especially meaningful about being able to support them as they grow, learn to understand and express themselves, and navigate life's challenges. Children deserve the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and empowered to live happy and fulfilling lives. I believe that addressing emotional and mental health needs early can make a meaningful difference, not only during childhood but well into adulthood. One of the most rewarding parts of this work is being someone a client can turn to, especially during moments when they may not know how to put their feelings into words or where to begin. If I can help someone feel less alone, recognize their strengths, or develop tools that positively shape their future, then I know the work we do together matters.
Ongoing work together
Our work together will be a collaborative process built around your individual needs, goals, and experiences. We will continue exploring what's coming up in your life, identifying patterns or challenges, and developing practical tools and strategies to help you navigate them. Depending on your needs, sessions may include talking things through, learning new coping skills, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, engaging in creative or play-based activities, and finding different ways to approach everyday situations. Progress looks different for everyone, and it doesn't always happen in a straight line. Sometimes it means feeling more comfortable expressing yourself, recognizing your emotions before they become overwhelming, responding differently to challenging situations, or becoming more confident in your abilities. Other times, progress may simply mean having a better understanding of yourself or realizing that something that once felt impossible is becoming a little easier. We will regularly check in on your goals, celebrate your progress (including the small victories!), and adjust our approach as your needs change. My goal is to help you build skills and confidence that extend beyond our sessions and support you in your everyday life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into my practice to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sometimes, the way we think about a situation can influence how we feel and respond to it. Together, we work to recognize unhelpful thought patterns, explore different perspectives, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. I believe therapy should be practical and tailored to each individual. Depending on the client's age and needs, this may include learning coping skills, practicing emotional regulation, working through challenging thoughts, or using creative and interactive activities to make concepts easier to understand. My goal is to help clients develop tools they can use outside of therapy, build confidence in their ability to navigate difficult situations, and feel more empowered in their everyday lives.
Play Therapy
I incorporate play-based techniques into my work with children because play is one of the ways children naturally communicate, express themselves, and make sense of the world around them. Sometimes, children may have difficulty putting their thoughts and feelings into words, and play can provide another way for them to express what they are experiencing. Through activities such as games, drawing, creative expression, and imaginative play, I help children explore emotions, build coping skills, develop confidence, and practice navigating everyday challenges. I tailor activities to each child's age, interests, and individual needs, creating opportunities for learning and growth in a way that feels comfortable, engaging, and meaningful to them.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- AlabamaLicense LPC05776