Suzanne Johnson, LMFT

I hold a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.  For over 14 years I have been working with individuals, families and children who are struggling with emotional, psychological and or behavioral issues.

Special interests include: parent/child conflicts, disruptive behaviors, adjustment issues, individuals who have or going through grief and loss, adoptive families and adoptee issues, and play therapy.

I work collaboratively with parents and adult individuals to provide education and non-judgmental support to address the life stages that most families encounter.  I provide a fun, supportive and understanding environment with a no-nonsense, practical approach.

My experience is that when individuals have the right tools and knowledge they can build healthier relationships. It is my goal to help children, parents and individuals to feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

“Many adoptees go through phases of sadness or minor depression, feeling like an outsider looking in, questioning who they are or feel guilt or shame that they don’t feel more connected to or appreciative of their adoptive families. It’s a privilege to carve out a space for individuals to fully express their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

I too am an adoptee and have had conflicting thoughts and feelings about my different families and my identity. One reason I became a therapist was because of my struggles as an adoptee – which I have learned are ‘normal’ – both during childhood and as an adult in spite of a great family.

I am passionate and have a big spot in my heart in regards to working with and supporting the adoption triad: adoptees, adoptive families and birth parents. I understand the importance of therapy not only for the adoptee but their adoptive family as well….adoption impacts everyone in the family system. I have included many types of dyads in sessions: parent/child, parent/parent, parent(s)/children, sibling/sibling.”