March 6, 2026

Watch or Listen to Me on the “Therapist Conversations” Podcast, Hosted by Kealy Spring

March 6, 2026

Full Interview: https://youtu.be/wbl60Unn7YA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4fS8ZNs0XcekNpZMWFswxe?si=cFKYub51SVKTDw0FswTsVA

Therapist Conversations, Hosted by Clinician Kealy Spring

What is DBT and how does it actually help kids, teens and adults manage big emotions? In this episode of Therapeutically Aligned, I’m joined by San Francisco-based LMFT Carrie Johnson to break down Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in a way that’s clear, practical and accessible. Carrie shares how DBT skills like distress tolerance and self-compassion can transform emotional regulation for both children and adults. We also explore what it truly means to support neurodivergent kids including ADHD, autism, sensory differences and other non-typical developmental presentations. You’ll learn:

✅ What DBT really is

✅ How distress tolerance skills work in real life

✅ Why self-compassion is a foundational clinical tool ✅ What “neurodivergent” means

✅ How wraparound care supports kids (collaborating with schools, doctors, tutors, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, etc.)

Whether you’re a parent, therapist, educator or someone curious about DBT skills for yourself or treating neurodivergent presentations, this conversation offers insight, clarity and practical takeaways.

July 14, 2025

Justin Johnson

What Does it Mean to be a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist?

July 14, 2025

Justin Johnson

I believe neurological differences like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are natural variations that may lead to different support needs across settings.

In my work with children, adolescents, and their families, I believe in:

Celebrating Strengths: Nurturing strengths, talents and unique qualities, focusing beyond perceived deficits.
Respecting Identity: Honoring each person's authentic self, fostering self-esteem.
Challenging Pathologizing Language: Dismantling harmful narratives or biases, emphasizing support over "cures."
Collaborative Partnership: Working with families and resources to develop goals that promote well-being and help individuals thrive.
Tailored Support: Providing individualized interventions that respect and leverage each unique neurological profile.
Empowerment and Advocacy: Empowering individuals to understand their profile of neurodivergence, advocate for their needs, and navigate challenges with confidence.
Safety in Treatment: Recognition of my own place as a neurotypical therapist in a position of power and privilege and how that may impact treatment. Providing a safe space in a world that is not yet affirming for your child or your family and their needs.

June 3, 2020

Justin Johnson

Resources for White Parents to Raise Anti-Racist Children

June 3, 2020

Justin Johnson

While you take care of yourself and explore your own privilege and your own anti-racist work, it’s important to have conversations with your kids about race and racism. Please check out these resources!

Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News from the Child Mind Institute

Raising White Kids with Jennifer Harvey Podcast

31 Children's Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance

Raising Race Conscious Children

Saturday June 6: Coming Together: Standing up to Racism, Town Hall for Kids and Families with CNN and Sesame Street

March 16, 2020

Justin Johnson

Resources for Managing Mental Health During Coronavirus

March 16, 2020

Justin Johnson

I’m wishing everyone stable physical health and mental/emotional health during these times of significant measures to slow down the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). I’d like to share a few resources that have been helpful:

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus

https://www.nctsn.org/resources/parent-caregiver-guide-to-helping-families-cope-with-the-coronavirus-disease-2019

List of Remote Learning Resources, shared from Facebook’s “School Psyched, Your School Psychologist”

https://www.facebook.com/726935687352670/posts/2827099400669611/?d=n

Being Well Podcast: Fear in the time of Coronavirus by Rick Hanson

https://www.rickhanson.net/being-well-podcast-fear-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Information and Resources

https://www.nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US

February 23, 2020

Justin Johnson

Book Recommendation: Shut up and Parent by Vanessa Kahlon, MA

February 23, 2020

Justin Johnson

When I met Vanessa Kahlon at an open house for her school in the summer of 2017, I immediately connected to her mission of providing systemic, individualized support with a focus on social-emotional skills as well as academics. I also was drawn to her energy, drive, and playfulness with “her kids”! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have had the opportunity to provide clinical consultation and support to the amazing staff at KFS School, and have been the classroom therapist for children who could benefit from additional one-on-one clinical interventions.

This book is unique in its combination of behavioral intervention strategies, centrality of secure attachment, and focus on parents learning their own self-regulation to be most effective (and stay sane!) The theoretical and behavioral basis is evidence and research-based, of course, but I have had the privilege to see Vanessa in action at KFS School and to witness the transformation of multiple children.

I believe that parents will see themselves and their children in these pages and be able to learn and practice new skills. More importantly, however, parents will experience a shift in the way they see their children’s challenging behaviors, defiance, or power struggles, and feel more confident in their role as a parent and role model. Instead of getting stuck and feeling lost or angry, we will all hear Vanessa’s voice in our heads to “shut up and parent!”

September 3, 2019

Justin Johnson

New Location and Fall updates!

September 3, 2019

Justin Johnson

I’m excited to share my new office space, in the Castro at 4053 18th Street. Pictures to come!

I am currently scheduling consultation calls for a slot on my short waiting list! Please feel free to reach out by e-mail or on my contact page. Thank you!