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From Victim to Victory
Do you feel like a victim? There is hope to move forward!
Experience inner healing within yourself.
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Everyone should try therapy.
What is therapy?
Therapy is a collaborative process between a person and a trained licensed professional. Therapy is not just for serious problems, anyone can benefit from therapy-whether you're overwhelmed, curious or wanting personal growth. The process helps build insight and skills. Therapy helps a person change or cope in healthier ways. The therapy
Therapy is a collaborative process between a person and a trained licensed professional. Therapy is not just for serious problems, anyone can benefit from therapy-whether you're overwhelmed, curious or wanting personal growth. The process helps build insight and skills. Therapy helps a person change or cope in healthier ways. The therapy process can help a person reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health conditions. It gives a person a place to process and heal from painful experiences, change unhelpful patterns, learn emotional regulation and coping skills, build self-esteem, self-awareness and self-confidence, set boundaries and navigate major life events or transitions.
What to expect as a client?
For a client, therapy should be a calm, safe, non-judgemental space to help a person and the professional to collaborate goal-setting. Therapy is not comfortable for everyone however, a person should feel comfortable in a space with the therapist to build trust. This comfort may take some time to build with the therapist, especially if th
For a client, therapy should be a calm, safe, non-judgemental space to help a person and the professional to collaborate goal-setting. Therapy is not comfortable for everyone however, a person should feel comfortable in a space with the therapist to build trust. This comfort may take some time to build with the therapist, especially if the client has a disruption or wounds in previous relationships. With building trust with the therapist, the client can overcome wounds or disruptions in their relationships.
What therapy is not?
What therapy is not?
Therapy is not to "fix", therapy is collaborative. Therapy is not instant-relief. Meaningful change takes time. Therapy is not a friendship, it's caring, but with professional boundaries. The process is not just advice-giving. Good therapists do not tell you what to do. It is a collaborative process. A client should not feel judged, criti
Therapy is not to "fix", therapy is collaborative. Therapy is not instant-relief. Meaningful change takes time. Therapy is not a friendship, it's caring, but with professional boundaries. The process is not just advice-giving. Good therapists do not tell you what to do. It is a collaborative process. A client should not feel judged, criticized or dismissed. A client should not feel like a burden or bothering the therapist. The time with the therapist is your time designated for the client. A client should not feel pressured to disclose things too quickly. This takes trust and time, if the therapist is pushy and you feel uncomfortable then the therapist may not be the right fit for you.
How to find a good therapist.
Core Interpersonal Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
- Empathy – They genuinely understand and validate your feelings without judgment.
- Warmth & compassion – You feel safe, respected, and cared about in their presence.
- Active listening – They listen attentively, remember details, and reflect your thoughts accurately.
- Non-judgmental stance – They accept you as you are, even when discussing diffic
- Empathy – They genuinely understand and validate your feelings without judgment.
- Warmth & compassion – You feel safe, respected, and cared about in their presence.
- Active listening – They listen attentively, remember details, and reflect your thoughts accurately.
- Non-judgmental stance – They accept you as you are, even when discussing difficult thoughts or behaviors.
- Genuine curiosity – They want to understand your inner world, not impose assumptions.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
- Strong clinical skills – They use evidence-based methods appropriate to your situation (e.g., CBT, DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy).
- Accurate assessment – They can identify underlying patterns, diagnose when appropriate, and track progress.
- Ethical boundaries – They maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a consistent therapeutic fr
- Strong clinical skills – They use evidence-based methods appropriate to your situation (e.g., CBT, DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy).
- Accurate assessment – They can identify underlying patterns, diagnose when appropriate, and track progress.
- Ethical boundaries – They maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a consistent therapeutic frame.
- Cultural competence – They respect and understand cultural, racial, gender, sexual, religious, and socioeconomic contexts.
- Trauma-informed approach – They avoid re-traumatization and emphasize safety, control, and empowerment.
Communication & Process Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
Communication & Process Traits.
- Clear, honest communication – They explain what they’re doing and why.
- Collaborative style – Therapy is a shared process; your goals matter.
- Patience – They respect your pace and don’t rush progress.
- Adaptability – They adjust their techniques when something isn’t working.
- Consistency – They show up reliably and maintain a stable therapeutic environment..
Personal Qualities.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
- Self-awareness – They understand their own biases, triggers, and limitations.
- Humility – They don’t act as if they have all the answers.
- Emotional regulation – They stay grounded even with intense emotions in the room.
- Commitment to learning – They pursue ongoing training and supervision.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
- You feel heard, understood, and respected.
- You feel safe being honest—even with uncomfortable things.
- You notice growth over time, even if slowly.
- You trust their intentions and sense they genuinely care.
Advocate for a good therapist.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
Advocate for a good therapist.
- Therapy and therapists are not a one size fits all.
- Take time to choose your therapist, it is extremely important to your healing journey.
- Advocate for your self. Ask people you trust like family, coworkers or friends.
- It may take 2, 4, 6, etc. to find the right therapist for you.
- Do not sell yourself short in the healing process. Find someone you connect with and feel comfortable with.
Welcome to Paula Swats Johnson
The Vision
Here at Paula Swats Johnson, we are committed to helping others move forward in their healing journey which contributes to a happier life. We want to spread the word, "you do not have to be stuck in the pain from your past." There is healing available for all who would like to heal. Healing takes time and patience within yourself however, the rewards within are worth the effort and work. We envision a world where each person can move forward from victim to victory in their life. #truthteawithpaula #gofromVictimtoVictory #gofromvictimtothriver
Our Story
Founded in 2024, Paula Swats Johnson became a reality with the launch of Paula's book "From Victim to Victory."
Paula wanted to create an informational website for people who do not have access to therapy services or have been hurt from the therapy profession. She wanted others to have access to tools she utilizes in the therapy office. Furthermore, she wanted to share what her relationship with God did for her. Paula with her education, experience and over ten years of witnessing others heal from anxiety, depression, grief, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma and/or other inner wounds and hurts from their past. Our desire is to help others move forward in their journey of healing. Start yours today. You do not have to be a victim of your past or your present circumstances. #truthteapaula
This website
At this time, our website is an informational website only to share resources and best of kind ideas in the field of mental health and faith. This website is NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY. Information is shared with the best intentions to help others in their journey towards healing.
If you need to contact a professional, please contact 1-800-631-1314 (toll free) or 1-800-327-9254 hearing impaired (TTY/TDD). Or Type 988 from any cell phone.