Aniya Johnson, Intern

Hello everyone!

My name is Aniya Johnson, and I am a Social Work Intern at First Choice Counseling Center. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work degree from Morgan State University, where I graduated with honors. I am currently completing my Master of Social Work degree with a clinical focus at The Catholic University of America.

I understand that everyone’s background and experiences are different, and we all navigate challenges in our own ways. Because of this, I believe in meeting people where they are and creating a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment. I value compassion, empathy, cultural humility, and taking the time to understand each person’s individual experiences. I want clients to feel heard, respected, and supported while working toward goals that are meaningful to them.

My passion for social work was inspired by my grandmother and the impact she had on my life. She showed me the importance of compassion, caring for others, and being there for people when they need support. Her influence played an important role in my decision to pursue social work, and her example continues to inspire me throughout my education and career.

Clinical Experience:

During my time with Year Up United, I worked with students from diverse backgrounds and supported them throughout their program experience. This experience strengthened my skills in active listening, communication, advocacy, rapport building, problem-solving, and identifying individuals’ needs. I also gained experience providing support and collaborating with supervisors to ensure students received appropriate assistance and resources.

Areas of Focus:

• Mental health and emotional well-being

• Anxiety and stress management

• Depression and mood-related concerns

• Self-care and coping skills

• Life transitions

• Substance use and recovery

• Personal growth and self-esteem

• Healthy relationships and boundaries

Populations of Focus:

You are always welcome, even if you do not identify with these categories!

• Young adults

• Individuals experiencing mental health challenges

• Individuals navigating life transitions

• Individuals affected by substance use

• Individuals seeking support with personal growth and emotional well-being

My Approach:

I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. I approach my work with compassion, empathy, active listening, and an open mind. I recognize that each person has their own story, strengths, challenges, and goals. My goal is to create a space where clients feel comfortable being themselves, expressing their thoughts and feelings, and working toward positive change.

Personal Details:

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, trying new foods, and exploring new places. I also love watching movies and television shows, especially Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds. Most importantly, I enjoy spending quality time with the people I love.

Family is very important to me, and my grandmother’s influence continues to be a meaningful part of who I am and why I chose this profession.