Dawn Johnston, BACP

Dawn Johnston helps people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and mood difficulties. She supports those dealing with relationship strain, anger, grief, trauma and parenting pressures. Dawn also works with career worries, sleep and eating concerns, and the challenges that come with major life changes.

Her style is warm and down-to-earth. She treats people with respect and sensitivity. Sessions focus on clear, practical steps alongside space to talk and be heard. Plans are tailored to each person's situation and goals.

Over two decades of experience inform her approach. Dawn draws on a mix of methods that suit different problems and personalities. She blends client-centred listening with cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness practices to help with mood and anxiety symptoms.

Dawn can also use psychodynamic ideas to look at patterns from the past, and hypnotherapy when it seems helpful for motivation or habits. She usually explains options and works with people to pick what fits best. The aim is to find straightforward tools people can use between sessions.

Sessions are conducted in English and may be arranged across borders for international clients. Dawn invites a collaborative process where goals are reviewed as progress is made. She encourages small, manageable steps and practical coping strategies to help people regain confidence and stability.

How Dawn’s Approaches Work Online

Dawn uses client-centred therapy to build a trusting working relationship. This means sessions start with time to listen and understand what matters most to the person. It is useful for people who need empathy and a space to make sense of their feelings.

She also draws on cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT to tackle anxious thoughts and unhelpful behaviours. CBT focuses on practical exercises and small changes that can reduce panic, low mood or sleep problems. Mindfulness techniques are used alongside CBT to help with stress and emotional regulation.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Dawn will discuss options, explain what each method involves, and agree a plan based on the person's goals and preferences. The work can shift over time as needs change, and she checks in regularly to make sure the chosen methods are helping.

Online sessions offer flexibility and accessibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation; phone sessions suit times with lower bandwidth or when being on camera is difficult. Live chat and text-based messaging provide brief check-ins, ongoing support between sessions, or a way to reflect in writing. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and travel commitments.