Duane Johnson, Jr

Duane Johnson Jr. is a master's-level counseling intern at Walter's Walk under the supervision of Tresa Richardson. He earned his Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2023 and is currently pursuing his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Missouri Baptist University. Duane brings seven years of experience in the mental health field, including inpatient psychiatric care, community-based mental health services, and psychosocial rehabilitation, supporting individuals and families navigating emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.

Duane takes a person-centered approach to counseling, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and narrative and experiential approaches. He strives to create a supportive, collaborative environment where clients can explore their experiences, better understand their thoughts and emotions, and develop practical skills to navigate life's challenges.

His clinical interests include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress management, self-esteem, identity, and life transitions. With his background in sport psychology, Duane also has a strong interest in mental performance and athlete mental health, including confidence, motivation, performance anxiety, and navigating setbacks. He believes in supporting the whole person and recognizes how mental health, personal experiences, and performance intersect.