Shila Johnson is a licensed professional counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, and low self-esteem. She encourages clients to notice their strengths and to build confidence as they move through difficult changes. Shila acknowledges that beginning therapy takes courage and she aims to make that first step easier to take.
Shila uses a straightforward, people-centered style. She treats the person sitting across from her as the expert in their own life and works alongside them. Sessions focus on practical steps that address day-to-day problems and on noticing small changes that matter over time.
Her approach draws on several well-known methods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes respect, active listening, and the client’s own goals. Mindfulness techniques are used to help manage stress and ground attention in the present.
Over 16 years in the field, Shila has supported people through grief and life transitions as well as ongoing anxiety and relationship concerns. She combines listening with concrete tools so people can try new ways of coping between sessions.
Shila is licensed as an LPC and LCPC and practices in Montana. She communicates clearly about goals and next steps, and she encourages clients to move at a pace that feels right for them.
Approaches that translate well to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on respectful listening and supporting the client’s own goals. In practice this looks like open questions, attentive reflection, and collaborative goal setting to help people find their own solutions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people notice patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to anxiety or low self-esteem. Sessions often include short exercises and practical strategies to try between meetings, which can be reviewed in follow-up conversations.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people identify and name emotions, and then find new ways of responding to those feelings. It can be useful when relationships or repeated emotional reactions are a central concern.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what methods feel most helpful. Together they will adjust direction as needed rather than sticking to a single technique.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it possible to keep continuity during life changes. Licensed professionals can adapt listening, CBT exercises, and mindfulness practices to an online format so clients can practice skills between sessions.