Proudly serving Washington State.

Client Portal

Schedule Appointment

Johanna Penttila

MHC Intern

Accepting New Clients

In-Person & Telehealth
Adolescents (13-18), Young Adults, Adults, Parents

Philosophy of Care

I am here to meet you exactly as you are, wherever life finds you right now and whatever struggles you may be facing. My approach to therapy is person-centered, multicultural, and depth-oriented while remaining solution-focused. Drawing from my experiences living across three continents, I bring an open-minded, caring, and culturally sensitive perspective to our sessions. I deeply value understanding your unique background and collaborating closely with you on your path toward healing and growth.

In our sessions, you can expect genuine dialogue in an atmosphere that feels safe, supportive, and unrushed. My goal is to provide compassionate listening, thoughtful reflection, and gentle guidance, empowering you to take ownership of your own story and experiences. Together, we'll create a space of acceptance, authenticity, and trust, where your voice is truly heard.

My ideal client might be feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or wounded by life's challenges, yet they have found the courage and hope to seek support. They come ready to explore their experiences and identity in therapy, driven by empathy, accountability, and the genuine desire for positive change.

I look forward to walking alongside you on this journey.

Education and Licensure

Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Northwest University, expected April 2026
Certified Solution-Focused Brief Counselor, December 2019
Masters in Adult Education, University of Helsinki, October 2006

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping skills
Depression
Panic
Relationship issues

Mental Disorders

Anxiety Disorders
Depressive Disorders
Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Treatments

Multicultural
Narrative
Person-Centered
Solution-Focused
Strength-Based

Clientele

Adolescents (13-18)
Young Adults
Adults
Parents

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
GAD often co-occurs with major depression.

Panic Disorder(PD)

PD affects 6 million adults, or 2.7% of the U.S. population.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

SAD affects 15 million adults, or 6.8% of the U.S. population.
SAD is equally common among men and women and typically begins around age 13.
According to a 2007 ADAA survey, 36% of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.

Specific Phobias

Specific phobias affect 19 million adults, or 8.7% of the U.S. population.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
Symptoms typically begin in childhood; the average age-of-onset is 7 years old.

Treatment For Anxiety

Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” can help people with anxiety disorders. To be effective, psychotherapy must be directed at the person’s specific anxieties and tailored to his or her needs.