Karinna Johnstone, AASW

Karinna Johnstone is a social worker with 18 years of experience supporting people across the lifespan through complex life challenges. She has worked with individuals and families affected by disability, mental health conditions, homelessness, addiction, relationship struggles and parental conflict, bringing practical skills to situations that often involve multiple, overlapping needs.

Her clinical experience includes helping people manage various forms of trauma and abuse, cope with grief and loss, and address symptoms of depression and anxiety. She also focuses on strengthening motivation, self-esteem and confidence so people can take meaningful steps toward their goals. Karinna holds AASW, a credential from the Australian Association of Social Workers that reflects professional standing in the field.

Karinna practices from the belief that each person knows their own story best and that a therapist’s role is to guide and support change. With appropriate skills, mindset and supports in place she aims to help clients discover strengths they may not have recognised and build practical strategies to overcome challenges. She acknowledges the courage it takes to ask for help and offers collaborative support and empowerment to people seeking a more satisfying and resilient life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Karinna uses a blend of evidence-informed approaches tailored to each person. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on understanding how early relationships shape current patterns and helps people build more secure ways of relating, which can be useful for relationship difficulties, abandonment concerns and attachment issues. Client-Centered Therapy places the person at the centre of the work, offering a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client’s priorities and supports self-directed growth - this approach often helps with self-esteem, motivation and navigating life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and learning practical strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.

Deciding on the best approach is a collaborative process. Karinna works with clients to explore which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences and adapts the plan as therapy progresses so it remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how people meet with licensed professionals. Sessions can take place by video call or phone, and brief conversations can happen via live chat or text-based messaging, which makes it easier to fit support around work, family and other commitments. These options aim to increase accessibility and make it simpler to maintain continuity of care while working toward personal goals.