To inquire about appointments with Don Johnson, call:
512-443-8100, ext. 2 Additional location in Wimberley, TX:
282 Old Kyle Rd. (The Dobie House) Wimberley, TX 78676 |
Don Johnson, Ph.D.Psychologist, Adolescents, Gifted & Talented
Although I was born in Michigan, I was educated in Texas. After graduating from Richardson High School in 1967, I attended Austin College in Sherman. It was at AC that I decided to study Psychology which keeping a youthful exuberance for basketball, student government and an active social life. This life experience, guided by my mentor and coach, Dr. Bob Mason, formed the foundation for my belief in striving to maintain balance in our lives while working with diligence and intentionality toward our goals. Following completion of my Bachelor of Arts in 1971, I moved to San Antonio and began the Clinical Psychology graduate program at Trinity University. While working on my masters, I managed a half-way house for Marbridge Foundation. Next, I worked briefly in the psychology department at the San Antonio State Hospital before joining the psychology staff at San Antonio Children's Center. During my five years at SACC, I received wonderful training from numerous talented psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and educators. Following the advice and encouragement of these colleagues, I returned to graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin, School of Education. I began the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology but I complete my coursework in the Department of Special Education, graduating in 1984.
While working on my doctorate, I was employed at various mental health agencies. Initially I worked at UT's Counseling Center's Crisis Hotline. I then worked as Director of Child Care at the Settlement Home and this was followed by working as a Children's Caseworker at Rosewood Zaragosa/Austin-Travis Country MHMR.
I began working in private practice as a Psychological Associate with Michael Horwitz, Ph.D., a Licensed Psychologist, until I was licensed as a Psychologist in January, 1987. Along with several other clinicians, these early '80's served as the formative years for Austin Psychotherapy Associates (APA). I, along with Gary Glass, M.D., Sue Hoffman, LMSW-ACP, Karolyn Tybor, LPC, and numerous other talented clinicians guided Austin Psychotherapy Associates through decades and made the practice one of the largest, longest lasting private practices in the Great Austin Community. Through the years more than 60 clinicians honed their skills and developed their private practices while working with APA.
During my years in private practice, I have provided consultation and services for numerous community programs including the following: Settlement Home of Austin; Travis County Services for the Deaf; Child Protective Services; Lutheran Social Services; Casey Family Program; Austin Child Guidance Center; and, Helping Hand Home. Throughout the years I have worked with many public and private schools in the area, and I have worked with psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers. I served for three years as the President of the Board of The Child Assault Prevention Project. I also taught for several years as Adjust Faculty at St. Edward's University, Masters Program in Counseling Psychology.
In the fall of 2011, after my youngest child was well established in "University Life," my wife and colleague, Karolyn Tybor, decided to "simplify and slow down." We left APA at the same time that our long-time colleague Sue Hoffman retired and we moved our practice to South Austin. We established a small office that allows us to continue working as therapists, but leaving the management of a large group practice in the able hands of the remaining clinicans at APA. Karolyn and I also have an office in Wimberley, where we now live full time.
My practice continues to focus on the treatment of adolescents, college students and adults. Many of my clients are gifted and talented individuals such as musicians, athletes, writers, entrepreneurs, physicians and professors. I specialize in the treatment of ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, and PTSD. I am certified as a Level II EMDR Therapist and I have utilized this technique for almost 20 years as part of my therapeutic work with clients.
When working with my clients, I take a holistic approach, evaluating and treating all aspects of the individual’s identity, looking to develop balance in their lives. These areas of focus frequently include many facets of identity: health, emotional, spiritual, intimacy, social, recreation, education/career, financial, and family. My clients work with me to establish goals and strategies to treat areas of concern while increasing areas of strength. Many of my clients are long term, seeking in-depth development of mindfulness and awareness that allows them to lead a more satisfying life.
I personally continuously strive to maintain balance in my life. I make sure I have time alone as well as time with my family and friends. As an athlete, I still enjoy a wide range of exercise and recreation, including walking/hiking, camping, weight lifting, swimming and Tai Chi. I enjoy reading, creative writing and photography (and, watching the SPURS! with my favorite Spurs fan, my wife). Karolyn and I have a creek-side home in the hill country and we both love landscape gardening.
I believe it is essential that my clients see that I love my work and that I practice what I teach.
Thank You, Don Jonson, Ph.D. |