Amanda Johnson, APCC, NCC™
Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Registration Number APCC #18333
Supervised by: Courtney Brain, LMFT #114283​
Employed by: Courtney Brain, LMFT and Associates
Pause & Thrive
Psychotherapy and Counseling Services
Modalities Incorporated Into Our Work Together:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
CBT helps identify and change the unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that often accompany stress, anxiety, and perfectionism. For high achievers, this approach is particularly effective in breaking cycles of overthinking, self-criticism, and “all-or-nothing” thinking. By shifting negative thought patterns, CBT empowers you to make practical, realistic changes that improve both your mental and emotional well-being.
Solution Focused Therapy
High achievers are often future-oriented and goal-driven, making Solution-Focused Therapy particularly effective. Instead of dwelling on problems, we focus on finding actionable solutions to help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. This pragmatic approach ensures that therapy remains grounded in practical outcomes, allowing you to feel empowered and motivated to create change.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy helps reframe the stories you tell about yourself—especially those shaped by past trauma or limiting beliefs. Many high achievers are driven by perfectionistic narratives or past experiences that influence their present. By exploring and rewriting these narratives, we create space for new perspectives that align with your current aspirations and allow you to take ownership of your journey.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is designed to help you find and enhance your own motivation for change. For high performers who are often driven externally, MI taps into your intrinsic motivation and reinforces the internal drive necessary for meaningful, sustainable change. It’s about helping you reconnect with what truly matters to you and making lasting adjustments to reach your full potential—without sacrificing your well-being.
Strengths- Based
Focusing on your inherent strengths, this approach builds upon what you already do well, whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal life. For driven individuals, acknowledging your existing talents and resources is key to overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and burnout. By reinforcing your strengths, we build confidence and resilience that fuels sustainable success and personal growth.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness teaches you to stay grounded in the present moment and accept your thoughts and emotions without judgment. As a high performer, you may be accustomed to constantly thinking ahead or stressing about past mistakes. Mindfulness cultivates awareness and emotional regulation, allowing you to respond to challenges with greater clarity and less reactivity—ultimately leading to less stress and more mental resilience.