Samantha Johnson

I have helped clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, disordered eating, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, self-harm, bereavement, and other forms of loss.

I have been counselling young people and adults since 2011. I trained at the University of Edinburgh and am an integrative practitioner. I have worked in a variety of organisational settings, including The Junction, The Listening Centre, Oxford Brookes University, Cherwell School, and Cheney School.

Having originally trained in anthropology (Swarthmore College/University of Chicago), I am keenly aware of the larger social and environmental context in which we operate as individuals. I enjoy reflecting with clients on how their place in the larger scheme of things has shaped them and, in turn, the ways in which they can transform the world around them.

In spite of the heaviness of such issues, I aim to provide my clients with a space that is playful and imaginative, fun as well as serious.

I support clients to address life's remorseless challenges with wisdom and compassion.  Some are coping with a major loss - be it a person or a way of life. Others face serious illness, or a seemingly impossible situation at home, school or work. Some of them have found themselves doing things they cannot understand, such as harming themselves or lashing out.  Still others find themselves living with a heaviness and dread, which they simply cannot expain.

I support these clients to gain the insight and strength they need to move forward. This involves addressing both their current sitation - with more honesty than they may have allowed themselves before - and also their personal history. It is creative, sometimes frightening, and deeply rewarding work.

I offer appoitments based at Restore in East Oxford. I also offer walk-and-talk outdoor sessions in some of Oxford's most idyllic settings.

I work with young people as well as adults.

I am happy to have an informal conversation about working together over the phone.  After that, I charge £15 for an inital consultation meeting, which lasts half an hour. I will explain more about the way I work, answer any questions you might have and learn more about your situation and what draws you to therapy. If we agree that there is a good fit between your needs and what I have to offer, then we can schedule our next meeting.