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From Victim to Victory
"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
From pain to purpose.
Therapy is hard but empowering.
What is therapy?
Therapy is a collaborative process between a person and a trained licensed professional. Therapy is not just for serious problems, anyone can benefit from therapy-whether you're overwhelmed, curious or wanting personal growth. The process helps build insight and skills. Therapy helps a person change or cope in healthier ways. The therapy
Therapy is a collaborative process between a person and a trained licensed professional. Therapy is not just for serious problems, anyone can benefit from therapy-whether you're overwhelmed, curious or wanting personal growth. The process helps build insight and skills. Therapy helps a person change or cope in healthier ways. The therapy process can help a person reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health conditions. It gives a person a place to process and heal from painful experiences, change unhelpful patterns, learn emotional regulation and coping skills, build self-esteem, self-awareness and self-confidence, set boundaries and navigate major life events or transitions.
What to expect as a client?
For a client, therapy should be a calm, safe, non-judgemental space to help a person and the professional to collaborate goal-setting. Therapy is not comfortable for everyone however, a person should feel comfortable in a space with the therapist to build trust. This comfort may take some time to build with the therapist, especially if th
For a client, therapy should be a calm, safe, non-judgemental space to help a person and the professional to collaborate goal-setting. Therapy is not comfortable for everyone however, a person should feel comfortable in a space with the therapist to build trust. This comfort may take some time to build with the therapist, especially if the client has a disruption or wounds in previous relationships. With building trust with the therapist, the client can overcome wounds or disruptions in their relationships.
What therapy is not?
What therapy is not?
Therapy is not to "fix", therapy is collaborative. Therapy is not instant-relief. Meaningful change takes time. Therapy is not a friendship, it's caring, but with professional boundaries. The process is not just advice-giving. Good therapists do not tell you what to do. It is a collaborative process. A client should not feel judged, criti
Therapy is not to "fix", therapy is collaborative. Therapy is not instant-relief. Meaningful change takes time. Therapy is not a friendship, it's caring, but with professional boundaries. The process is not just advice-giving. Good therapists do not tell you what to do. It is a collaborative process. A client should not feel judged, criticized or dismissed. A client should not feel like a burden or bothering the therapist. The time with the therapist is your time designated for the client. A client should not feel pressured to disclose things too quickly. This takes trust and time, if the therapist is pushy and you feel uncomfortable then the therapist may not be the right fit for you.
How to find a good therapist.
Core Interpersonal Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
- Empathy – They genuinely understand and validate your feelings without judgment.
- Warmth & compassion – You feel safe, respected, and cared about in their presence.
- Active listening – They listen attentively, remember details, and reflect your thoughts accurately.
- Non-judgmental stance – They accept you as you are, even when discussing diffic
- Empathy – They genuinely understand and validate your feelings without judgment.
- Warmth & compassion – You feel safe, respected, and cared about in their presence.
- Active listening – They listen attentively, remember details, and reflect your thoughts accurately.
- Non-judgmental stance – They accept you as you are, even when discussing difficult thoughts or behaviors.
- Genuine curiosity – They want to understand your inner world, not impose assumptions.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
- Strong clinical skills – They use evidence-based methods appropriate to your situation (e.g., CBT, DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy).
- Accurate assessment – They can identify underlying patterns, diagnose when appropriate, and track progress.
- Ethical boundaries – They maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a consistent therapeutic fr
- Strong clinical skills – They use evidence-based methods appropriate to your situation (e.g., CBT, DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy).
- Accurate assessment – They can identify underlying patterns, diagnose when appropriate, and track progress.
- Ethical boundaries – They maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a consistent therapeutic frame.
- Cultural competence – They respect and understand cultural, racial, gender, sexual, religious, and socioeconomic contexts.
- Trauma-informed approach – They avoid re-traumatization and emphasize safety, control, and empowerment.
Communication & Process Traits.
Professional & Clinical Traits.
Communication & Process Traits.
- Clear, honest communication – They explain what they’re doing and why.
- Collaborative style – Therapy is a shared process; your goals matter.
- Patience – They respect your pace and don’t rush progress.
- Adaptability – They adjust their techniques when something isn’t working.
- Consistency – They show up reliably and maintain a stable therapeutic environment..
Personal Qualities.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
- Self-awareness – They understand their own biases, triggers, and limitations.
- Humility – They don’t act as if they have all the answers.
- Emotional regulation – They stay grounded even with intense emotions in the room.
- Commitment to learning – They pursue ongoing training and supervision.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
- You feel heard, understood, and respected.
- You feel safe being honest—even with uncomfortable things.
- You notice growth over time, even if slowly.
- You trust their intentions and sense they genuinely care.
Advocate for a good therapist.
What it feels like when you have a good therapist.
Advocate for a good therapist.
- Therapy and therapists are not a one size fits all.
- Take time to choose your therapist, it is extremely important to your healing journey.
- Advocate for your self. Ask people you trust like family, coworkers or friends.
- It may take 2, 4, 6, etc. to find the right therapist for you.
- Do not sell yourself short in the healing process. Find someone you connect with and feel comfortable with.
Welcome to Paula Swats Johnson
The Vision
At Paula Swats Johnson, we are dedicated to supporting people on their healing journey, helping them move toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Our message is simple: you don’t have to remain trapped in the pain of your past. Healing is available to anyone willing to embrace it.
True healing takes time, patience, and self-compassion—but the rewards are life-changing. We imagine a world where everyone can transform from victim to victory, stepping confidently into their power and potential.
#TruthTeaWithPaula #GoFromVictimToVictory #GoFromVictimToThriver
Our Story
Founded in 2024, Paula Swats Johnson became a reality with the release of Paula’s book, From Victim to Victory. Paula’s goal was to create an informational website for those who may not have access to therapy or who have been hurt by the therapy system. She wanted to provide tools she uses in her own practice and share how her relationship with God has transformed her life.
With her education, experience, and over ten years of witnessing healing from anxiety, depression, grief, panic, PTSD, complex trauma, and other wounds from the past, Paula is dedicated to helping others move forward on their healing journey.
Start your journey today. You do not have to remain a victim of your past—or your present circumstances.
#TruthTeaPaula
This website
At this time, our website serves as an informational resource, offering ideas and guidance in the areas of mental health and faith. This website is not a substitute for professional mental health therapy.
All information is shared with the sincere intention of supporting your healing journey. If you need to speak with a mental health professional, please reach out:
- 1-800-631-1314 (toll-free)
- 1-800-327-9254 (TTY/TDD for hearing impaired)
- Or dial 988 from any cell phone