Teva Johnstone
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #103826
Owner, Therapist
About Teva
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor, and Psychotherapist in Ventura, California. I have received advanced trainings in Developmental Trauma, Internet Addiction and Gaming Disorder, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I work predominantly with adults with compulsive technology use, attentional issues, depression and maternal mental health challenges like anxiety, self-criticism, and burnout. In addition to supporting mothers, I work with many fathers with ADHD who want to feel more present and emotionally regulated.
My Healing Philosophy
As a therapist for adults and families, my approach to healing is holistic. I integrate interventions that focus on the mind, body, relationships, social and physical environments, and spiritual elements of meaning and purpose. I am influenced by the schools of Positive Psychology, Modern Attachment Theory, Existential, and Cognitive Behavioral (e.g. Acceptance and Commitment). My overall theoretical and practical approach to therapy is best described as bio-psych-social-spiritual.
Family-Centered Approach to Children’s Mental Health
The work I do with children and adolescents is holistic and lies within the ecosystem of their family system. In my experience as a psychotherapist, the most effective way to help children and teens thrive and overcome issues like anxiety, depression, school refusal or video game addiction, is by partnering with their parents. Parents are the most influential people in their children’s lives and the most potent source to facilitate change. As a mother myself, I have the upmost respect for the parent child relationship and strive to empower parents towards confident leadership. I understand the concerns of modern parents and love helping families in my community thrive.
Parent Consulting
I have extensive knowledge and experience consulting with parents of children with Level 1 Autism, ADHD, and children with “spirited” or “highly sensitive” temperaments. One area of focus in my work is assisting parents interested in homeschool create a plan that fosters social & emotional development and executive functioning. I teach parents to be intentional about a learning environment that promotes agency, responsibility, and overall healthy, well adjusted children and teens.
Therapy Modalities
I integrate methods relevant to the needs of my clients:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Internet Addiction
Existential Logotherapy
Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART)
CBT for Adult ADHD
Attachment-based Family Therapy
SPACE Program (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)
Therapeutic Use of Art/Expressive Therapies
Walk & Talk, Nature-Assisted Therapy
Seeking Safety
Therapist Training & Education
University Education
Master's of Social Work | Azusa Pacific University, 2013
Bachelor’s of Arts | University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), 2005
California License
Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Board of Behavioral Sciences No. 103826
Adult Therapy & Maternal Mental Health
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk on How the Body Keeps the Score: Intensive Trauma Treatment Course | PESI
Technology Addiction and Digital Health Certification | Dr. Nicholas Kardaras with PESI
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | Steven Hayes & Daniel Moran
Internet Addiction: Evaluation and Treatment | Kimberly Young & Cristiano Nabuco de Abreu (In-progress)
ADHD in Adults: Diagnosis, Impairments, Long-Term Management | Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., ABPP
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders | Postpartum Support International
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Level 1 | University of Iowa
Autistic Mental Health | Judy Endow with Autism Society
2021 Autism Symposium: What's New & What's Next in Treating Clients on the Spectrum | PESI
Seeking Safety | Treatment Innovations
Child & Adolescent Therapy and Mental Health
Advanced Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents: A Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional Training Course | PESI
Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment | SMART Moves LLC
Master Clinician Series: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study | PESI
Certified DIR Floortime Practitioner Level 1 | ICDL
Trauma-focused CBT | Medical University of South Carolina
High-functioning Autism, Proven & Practical Interventions for Challenging Behaviors in Children, Adolescents & Young Adults | PESI
Attachment-base Family Therapy | In-progress
SPACE Treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxiety Childhood Emotions) | In-progress
Clinical and Social Work Experience
Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor
Owner of Private Practice in Ventura, CA
BBS Clinical Supervisor for Associate Therapists in Ventura, Santa Barbara & LA Counties, CA
Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Group Therapist with Community Memorial Hospital’s New Parent Resource Center for Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center, Ojai
Advocate for At-Risk Children & Teens with National Association of Social Workers Child, Adolescent & Young Adult Committee (NASW)
Perinatal Parent Educator
Facilitator of perinatal psychoeducation groups for Nan-Tolbert Nurturing Center, Ojai
Counselor for parenting support group with hospital’s New Parent Resource Center, Ventura
Co-leader of developmental play groups for 0-3 children & parents for Nan-Tolbert Nurturing Center, Ojai
Designer of sensorimotor play spaces for 0-3 children & parents for Nan-Tolbert Nurturing Center, Ojai
School-based Therapist for Social & Emotional Development
Therapist on IEP teams responsible for social emotional goals in Ventura County School Districts
Advocate for students with autism and learning disabilities with NASW and online
Social Worker in underserved districts in Santa Paula and Oxnard, CA
Fostercare Social Worker
Parent Trainer on emotional regulation and attachment for abused, neglected & traumatized LA & Ventura County youth
Supervisor of visits with biological parents working towards parent child reunification in Ventura County
Social Worker for foster families during adoption planning & finalization in Ventura County
Home Study Writer for County of Ventura Child Welfare & Camarillo-based non-profit
