Meet Alicia Johnson | Therapist and Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Honestly, hiring a coach. I thought I had to do it all on my own and I was nervous spending a large amount of money when my income wasn’t huge. I could have spent hours combing through free resources online but I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for my coach. I was able to get hands on, relevant advice that worked for me and my business. It didn’t mean I was a failure that I had to hire someone. I really believed I was investing in myself because my vision mattered and I have been able to see my business grow ever since. It was a hard decision but I am so glad I did it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a burnout therapist and coach! I create a lot of content such as workbooks and courses that are all geared to empower people and prevent burnout or to help them get out of the burnout hole. What is unique about my approach is that I am very systemic meaning I don’t blame people for their burnout. When people work with me, we examine the roles our jobs play, the hustle culture we are in, and the internalized messages we hear about success and work. While I include self-care work into my courses, it is not the cure like many employers suggest with their self-care webinars each quarter.

I am really proud of this work because many people who come across it say they feel seen and validated. They often blamed themselves for burnout and felt like they weren’t good enough. When my courses and workbooks can help them realize it isn’t their fault, it is a great feeling!

I got to where I am professionally because of my own burnout. It was not an easy journey. I thought I wasn’t a good enough therapist when I couldn’t meet the demands and productivity hours of community mental health. I saw larger systemic issues within the mental health field and I felt defeated. I almost left the field. Thankfully, I was able to make some difficult decisions and start my own business and I have never regretted it. I now believe in myself, my business, and have the energy to tackle the larger things that impact mental health.

I want people to know that they don’t have to do it alone. It isn’t weak to ask for help. I am a recovering perfectionist and I thought if I admitted defeat or asked for help that I wasn’t good enough. I was wrong. Asking for help is not a character flaw when our society has systems that are built against us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Ann Arbor and I love this area! First we would check out some of my favorite parks like Gallup Park and Bird Hill! We would walk the trails, checkout the river, and just take in the beautiful trees and wildlife!
Then we would need some fuel so we would head downtown Ann Arbor to grab some Jolly Pumpkin pizza and sour beer!
While downtown, we would check out Rocket Fizz, a fun candy and pop shop!
Then we would need some coffee from Bigby to keep exporing!

We are right next to Ypsilanti which is where we would go for our next part of the adventure. We would go to Bobcat Bonnies and the arcade that is in the lower level. We would also go to dinner at Maiz, an incredible Mexican restaurant!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My own business coach, Amber Lyda! I am very thankful for her and my circle of theraprenuers (therapists who are also entrepreneurs) and the way we lift each other up and encourage each other’s growth is amazing. It is a small circle and it would be very easy to have competitive mindsets or scarcity mindsets but we all hype each other up, share each other’s resources, and collaborate. It is my favorite way of networking and connecting. So here is to my amazing, empowering, fellow theraprenuers!

Website: www.aliciarjohnson.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciajohnsonlmft

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciarjohnson/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliciarjohnsononline

Other: www.aliciajohnsononlinetherapy.com