Dr. Delsa Johnson-Waddell, LCMHC

Dr. Delsa Johnson-Waddell is a licensed clinical mental health counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, addictions, and relationship or parenting struggles. She writes plainly and works collaboratively so parents can say what is on their mind and get practical steps they can use at home. Her approach centers on real-life problem solving, not jargon. Dr. Johnson-Waddell brings 13 years of counseling experience and an ongoing background in life coaching that began in 2002. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centered methods, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and trauma-focused strategies such as EMDR. Sessions focus on identifying patterns, building coping skills, and setting achievable goals. She has worked with people coping with mood disorders, grief and loss, anger, obsessive-compulsive concerns, autism spectrum challenges, and trauma-related difficulties. She also supports clients addressing intimacy, self-esteem, parenting and LGBTQ+ concerns. Her work often includes behavioral strategies parents can use to manage difficult child behaviors. In sessions she emphasizes openness and honesty. The therapist offers practical tools and teaches strategies people can practice between meetings. She blends talk-based techniques with expressive and body-based methods when those fit the person's needs. Change is framed as a step-by-step process. Dr. Johnson-Waddell helps clients use their strengths to face hard emotions and make choices that improve daily life. She encourages realistic goals and follows the pace each person needs.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact. Online CBT focuses on practical exercises, tracking thoughts, and testing new behaviors between sessions to reduce anxiety and depression. Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening and empathy; online sessions provide space for the client to guide conversation while the therapist reflects and helps clarify values and goals. EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a trauma-focused method that helps process distressing memories through bilateral stimulation and guided recall; some trauma work can be adapted for video sessions with careful planning and pacing.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with each person about symptoms, goals, and what methods feel comfortable. Together they decide which techniques to try and adjust them as needed over time, blending CBT tools, mindfulness, EMDR, or hypnotherapy when appropriate.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which make therapy more flexible. Video sessions let people use worksheets and screen sharing. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and messaging suit quick check-ins, homework review, or when a shorter written check-in fits a busy day. These options help people fit therapy into work, school, or family routines.