The ECG Blog
Meet Therapist Claire Johnson! Specializing in Body Image and Disordered Eating in Charleston, SC
Claire received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During her master’s program, she worked with college students and young adults on a variety of topics including body image, disordered eating, family and relationship challenges, trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Claire uses a person-centered approach to counseling and focuses on creating a genuine connection with clients, understanding their unique life experiences, and being a companion on their path to healing and finding peace. She believes that with adequate support, all people have the capacity to grow and become more fully themselves. Claire’s practice is trauma-informed and she attends to clients’ unique cultural identities in the counseling space. She lives in Charleston and enjoys music, reading, traveling, and quality time with loved ones.
About Me:
What's your professional background?
I worked in the corporate world for several years before changing careers and going back to school to pursue a counseling degree. I have mostly worked with young adults on a college campus, but I look forward to working with people of all ages and backgrounds as I continue in my career.
What do you love about your work?
I love understanding each client’s unique story. I greatly appreciate the strength and vulnerability it takes to come to counseling and do my best to honor that effort with compassion and commitment to the counselor-client relationship.
What drew you to becoming a therapist?
Going to counseling when I was younger was very impactful in my life. Since that experience, I have felt inspired to support others in the same way that I was supported, and to share the hope that things can get better.
What’s your specialty?
I work with clients experiencing many different challenges, but I have a special interest in working with clients with body image concerns, disordered eating habits, and relational challenges.
What’s your treatment style?
It is a collaborative approach based on empathic listening and building a genuine therapeutic relationship. I provide a nonjudgmental space and together my clients and I decide what would be most helpful for them during our time together.
Most likely to discuss during a treatment?
Interpersonal relationships. We are relational beings, and I believe that the relationships in our lives, both past and present, can impact how we see ourselves and how we cope with our life experiences.
Hobbies outside of work?
I love reading, going to concerts, exercising, and traveling.
What is your favorite self-care practice/coping skills?
Going on walks, pilates, breathwork, and intentional time spent with friends and family.