Staff
Hello. I’m Erik Johnson.
GRADUATE STUDENT INTERN
Erik Johnson is a graduate student intern, completing his clinical training at Becoming Free Counseling Services. Under the supervision of a licensed clinical therapist, Erik is expanding his clinical knowledge and skills through hands-on experience while providing compassionate, evidence-based care. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and has completed the coursework for his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Prior to his internship, Erik provided grief counseling in hospice care, where he had the privilege of supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult transitions. These experiences strengthened his passion for helping others find hope, healing, and resilience during life’s most challenging moments.
Erik provides individual and family counseling to adolescents ages 12 and older, adults, and families who are experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. He also facilitates groups and is excited to be launching a men’s group and grief group at Becoming Free.
Prior to his internship, Erik provided grief counseling in hospice care, where he had the privilege of supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult transitions. These experiences strengthened his passion for helping others find hope, healing, and resilience during life’s most challenging moments.
Erik provides individual and family counseling to adolescents ages 12 and older, adults, and families who are experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. He also facilitates groups and is excited to be launching a men’s group and grief group at Becoming Free.
Erik utilizes evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, to help clients identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and create meaningful, lasting change. He believes therapy is a collaborative process and strives to meet each person where they are, creating an individualized, compassionate, and goal-oriented approach to treatment.
Erik is also the creator of The MERK Method – Make Everyday Reflect Kindness. He is the author of The MERK Method and the host of The MERK Method podcast. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that healing begins with self-reflection, resilience, and extending kindness to ourselves and others.
Through both his clinical work and The MERK Method, Erik encourages individuals to discover strength through adversity and embrace opportunities for growth, purpose, and meaningful change.
Erik believes every person’s story has value and that healing is possible, regardless of where someone is in their journey. He is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward with confidence.
Through both his clinical work and The MERK Method, Erik encourages individuals to discover strength through adversity and embrace opportunities for growth, purpose, and meaningful change.
Erik believes every person’s story has value and that healing is possible, regardless of where someone is in their journey. He is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward with confidence.