Counseling

Description of services & philosophy

Mark Johnson, LMFT

My Practice

My current practice consists of individual, couple, family and group therapy in a private setting. By training and inclination, my orientation toward treatment is systemic. I view individuals and couples in the context of their original family system, and the family in context to their larger community or collective. 

My therapeutic practices are eclectic and holistic with specific approaches designed around the goals and needs of the individuals involved. I utilize systemic constellation practices and principles as a framework throughout my counseling practice.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington State. I graduated from Bastyr University/ Leadership Institute of Seattle (LIOS), the School of Applied Behavioral Science at Bastyr University, with a Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavioral Science and a Systems Counseling concentration. I have been in private practice in Seattle since 1995. 

My Therapeutic Orientation

My foundational orientation toward therapy is trans-generational. Although I integrate a variety of models and methods in my practice, my primary theoretical orientation integrates systemic, family-of-origins, contextual, symbolic-experiential and the systemic constellation work of Bert Hellinger and his colleagues. Hellinger addresses the systemic role of conscience in closely bonded systems (what it is and how it works). He works experientially with the client and the client’s system to create contextually integrated symbolic, emotional, and hierarchical resolutions. I have also been influenced to varying degrees by solution-focused, structural and narrative approaches. I view behavioral difficulties as possible symptoms of unresolved systemic pressures multigenerational loyalties or unconscious systemic entanglements.

The multigenerational lens I look through includes a systemic role for the antecedents we might refer to as ancestors. I see the individual in context to their family-of-origins (or other closely bonded systems) while the extended family system is seen in context to their collective or tribal systems. I integrate contextual and symbolic-experiential applications that encourage individuals and family members to internally relate to their family systems as an emotionally, healthy whole.

I am strength-based and resource-focused versus pathology-focused. In my role as therapist, I model such trans-generational concepts as self awareness, differentiation while maintaining connection, de-triangulation, personal and self agency, setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries, relational inclusiveness and multidirectional partiality. Having previously traveled the U.S. and the world for twenty years, I have been exposed to different cultural norms and values regarding gender, sexual orientation and religious practices. I openly engage in diversity conversations with my clients

When working with groups, I integrate systemic constellations, family of origins theory, Erickson’s hypnagogic trance-work and ceremony within a trans-generational framework. (SEE: About Systemic Constellations and Frequently Asked Questions About Constellations)  

Contact Information

Email:  markj@seattleconstellations.org
Office Address & Phone:
6523 21st avenue NE
Suite 5B,
Seattle, WA 98115-6924
(206) 525-0525

Documents For Your Convenience:

Intake Form   |   Discloser Statement

Map & Directions

Northbound from I-5  Travelling northbound on I-5 take the N.E. 65th/Ravenna exit (exit 170). At the end of the exit proceed forward following the gentle curve left. At N.E. 65th Street turn right and travel east about 1 mile. Turn left at 21st Ave. N.E. (continued below)

Southbound From I-5  Travelling southbound on I-5 take the N. 85th/N.E. 80th Street exit (Exit 172). Get in the left lane following the signs to N.E. 80th. Travel up and over the freeway on N.E. 80th for about 1 mile. Turn right on 20th Ave. N.E. Turn left at 65th.  Turn left on 21st Ave. N.E.

On 21st Ave N.E, travel to the end of the street. It is the second office-house from the end. The entrance is under the arbor on the left side of the house. The waiting room is at the end of the hall.