Paula Johnson is the owner of Encouraging Hand Trauma Counseling, PLLC. located in South Scottsdale on the border of Tempe and Phoenix in Arizona. Paula is certified and consultant in Brainspotting, Certified and consultant-in-trainging in EMDR, Emergency Responder and Public Safety Certified Clinician, IFS level 1 trained and Deep Brain Reorienting Level 3, also trained in structural dissociation, sand-tray, creative art therapy, DBT and CBT. Paula has several certifications in complex trauma and post-trauma stress disorder therapy.

Paula is neurodivergent and works with neurodivergent clients. Her primary goal is to help others grow in knowledge, move forward and heal from the past or to be the best version of yourself. She states “I am here to assist you. You are in the driver’s seat and now is the time to take the next step for yourself.  My current and past clients would say I am authentic, calming, accepting, easy to talk to, supportive, funny, and I am always open and eager to learn about new things.

As a survivor of childhood trauma and complex PTSD, I have transformed my experiences into a source of strength, resilience, and purpose. Today, I embrace life with gratitude and find joy in both the small and significant moments it offers. While healing is an ongoing journey, I no longer allow the challenges of my past to define or limit me. Instead, my experiences have deepened my passion for supporting others in their own healing and growth.

Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of self-care and maintaining balance. When I am not in the office, you can often find me hiking, paddleboarding along the Salt River, or spending time in nature. Being outdoors, especially among Arizona’s beautiful landscapes and wild horses, helps me stay grounded, connected, and renewed.

My journey has taught me the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and prioritizing my own well-being. By doing so, I have grown into a more confident and resilient version of myself. While I continue to face challenges, I have developed effective strategies to manage them and navigate life with greater ease and confidence. Thank you for reading and I wish you continued healing in your journey.