Meet Désirée: Your Counseling Psychologist

Désirée Johnson’s life journey, like most others, has had many twists and turns, highways, by-ways, detours, delays, and dead ends. For Des, at times, the pathway seemed clear and direct, while at other moments it appeared confusing, endless, or impossible.  

Des reflects that it is fellow travelers, from all walks of life, who have often guided, directed, and even walked alongside her for a while. It is her hope to provide such counseling services to others during the challenging parts of their journey.  

It was only later in life that Des discovered her purpose and calling in psychology. Before this revelation, she had first studied procurement and logistics after leaving school and obtained a national diploma. However, that career path did not progress far. Considering her degenerative eye condition, Des applied for physiotherapy, making it to the final selection but ultimately not being accepted.  

Just when she thought she had hit another dead end, the road took an unexpected turn, leading Des onto a parallel path. This new direction introduced her to a world unknown to her, where she studied, trained, qualified, and developed a career in alternative therapy, including reflexology, aromatherapy, and shiatsu. While working in this field, the horizon began to expand, and Des developed an interest, curiosity, and fascination for the power of the mind, the influence of perception, and the importance of alternative perspectives.  

Eventually, Des made a conscious decision to change direction, take a different pathway, and pursue a different career in psychology. Aware that it had been some time since she had studied, and with her eyesight diminishing, she realized that much of the journey would be uphill, and adjusting, adapting, and navigating new terrains would also be part of this exciting experience.  

Obtaining her Master’s degree in counseling psychology was not the destination; it marked the beginning of another travel experience that now allows Des the privilege of walking alongside others in their life journey.  

In addition to providing counseling services to students and budding professionals at university, Des has chosen to offer online counseling on Saturdays to accommodate those who have no breaks in their weekly schedules.  

Her special interests in counseling focus on individual adults (18+) dealing with trauma, seeking support and recovery from abusive relationships, grief and bereavement counseling, addressing anxiety, and adjusting to a disability, whether new or long-term.