Exploring Online Therapy with Maya Johansson, LMFT
The work of being human is hard. It takes many forms for all of us, but no one escapes pain, loneliness, confusion, and chaos. There are seasons of these experiences, as well as fulfilling and joyful ones. Maya Johansson offers online therapy in the San Francisco Bay Area and California, bringing fierce curiosity to each person’s experience. She approaches therapy with authenticity and centers nervous system regulation as the starting point for healing. This approach creates a space where the relationship between therapist and client is central to the work done together.
Main Benefits of Maya Johansson’s Therapeutic Approach
Her practice focuses on several key areas that benefit clients deeply:
- Over a decade of leadership experience as a CEO, aligning closely with other leaders and addressing the loneliness often felt in these roles.
- Specialized training in couples therapy, applied not only to romantic relationships but also to cofounder and coworker dynamics.
- Expertise in working with pressure, anxiety, and impostor syndrome—common challenges for those in leadership and business roles.
- Extensive training in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), a method created by Dr. Diana Fosha that combines attachment theory, somatic body work, and cutting-edge neuroscientific research.
- Support for a wide range of clients including single individuals, parents, co-parenting partners, couples, and other relationship configurations.
- A commitment to anti-racism, justice, critical thinking, and fostering compassion for oneself and others.
Understanding the Emotional Landscape
Life’s emotional terrain is complex. Maya’s work acknowledges that no one escapes the tough stuff—pain, loneliness, confusion, chaos. But there are also seasons filled with joy and fulfillment. The therapy process invites clients to explore what these moments look like and what they mean, with a focus on nervous system regulation as a foundation for healing. This means tuning into the body and emotions, not just the mind, which can open new pathways to recovery and growth.
Leadership and Loneliness: A Unique Perspective
Having led a company as a CEO for over ten years, Maya understands the unique pressures faced by leaders. Loneliness in leadership roles is a common but often unspoken experience. Her therapy practice is deeply aligned with these realities, offering support that speaks directly to the challenges of leadership, including impostor syndrome and anxiety. This insight allows her to connect authentically with clients navigating high-responsibility roles.
Couples Therapy Beyond Romance
Couples therapy training is a significant part of Maya’s skill set, but it’s not limited to romantic relationships. She brings this expertise into the dynamics of cofounders and coworkers, recognizing that relationships in business and leadership contexts also require attention and care. This broad application helps clients improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger partnerships in various areas of life.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) – Promoting mental health and emotional healing.
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) – Supporting under-represented folks in leadership and business.
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) – Encouraging anti-racism, justice, and critical thinking.
- Quality Education (SDG 4) – Facilitating learning about emotional regulation and interpersonal dynamics.
Core Values and Therapeutic Philosophy
At the heart of this practice are compassion, safety, and curiosity. These values guide every session and interaction. Maya’s approach is grounded in the belief that healing comes through authentic connection and understanding. By fostering a safe space where clients can be their true selves, the therapy journey becomes a collaborative exploration of what it means to be human—messy, beautiful, challenging, and full of potential.
