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About Dr. Johnson

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Education

I hold a Master's Degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and a Doctoral Degree from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work.

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Career

My professional career in the mental health field spans over 20 years, having worked the areas of psychotherapy, social work research, clinical supervision, training and consultation, administration, program development, program evaluation, and public policy.

Expertise

I am a former Jehovah's Witness, having spent nearly 42 years in the group and having been raised in the group since the age of 10.

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Since 2016, I have worked with individuals who have exited large fundamentalist religious groups (Scientology, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormon, Unification Church, Philadelphia Church of God), obscure and private groups (religious and non-religious, including Sarah Lawrence, Soldiers of Christ, Self-Realization Fellowship Church, others with no names), secular and self-help groups (NXIVM), “troubled teen” industries (Enthusiastic Sobriety and the Meehan Institute), and abusive interpersonal relationships.

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Cult Recovery

I specialize in understanding religious trauma, systems of control, undue influence, cults, and coercive control. 

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I am the current Executive Director of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) and have been a regular presenter and group facilitator at ICSA Annual International Conferences.

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Forensic Social Work

I possess a certification in forensic social work from the National Organization of Forensic Social Workers (NOFSW) and have over 20 years experience working with victims and perpetrators of physical, sexual, relationship, and spiritual abuse.​ 

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