Hi! I’m Johanna. (It’s pronounced like the name Hannah…just put a Jo in front.) You can also call me Jo, for short.
I wonder if our stories have something in common...
I spent years of my life striving to know all the answers and keep everyone happy.
I watched people for cues about who they expected me to be, afraid they might realize I wasn’t good enough.
I chased after achievements in an attempt to prove my worth and then wondered why I didn’t find them satisfying. I avoided trying anything new because I might make a mistake.
I hid my opinions unless I was sure they matched those of the people around me. I worried my relationships couldn’t handle the strain of conflict or disagreement.
I shoved down my emotions because I didn’t think I had a right to feel them. I didn’t let anyone see that I was lonely, hurting, and afraid because I thought I was the only one facing those struggles. I didn’t want to seem weak or needy.
No matter how hard I tried to fit in and make everyone like me, I never felt like I belonged. The harder I tried to be someone else, someone better, the less I liked myself.
Any of this sound familiar?
I still do these things sometimes because…well, I’m still human. But I’m not alone. We’re not alone.
Here's the thing, you don’t need to become someone different or better before you can navigate challenges and stretch toward what you want. I believe that cultivating a kind and supportive relationship with ourselves is foundational to everything we want to do and be in the world.
Your worth is not something to prove.
While I'm not as active here these days, this space remains close to my heart.
For more than a decade, this was where I created and shared to connect with you as I grew my trust in myself. I'm grateful to my past self for being willing to experiment and stretch my belief in what is possible for me. I continue to carry what I've learned into new layers of life.
Kind Words From Clients
Since beginning work with Johanna, I have learned to be inherently kinder to myself, which is huge! I gained a lot of perspective from the subtle and gentle but effective self-inquiries that she guided me through. Johanna was genuinely concerned with my progress and backed it up with organized systems. While I normally feel the need to do everything on my own, I gained a lot of momentum through our work together and realized the importance of having support through hard times.
—Cynthia
I was able to gain clarity on any situation after a session with Johanna with a clear direction of what to do to move forward. She had a lovely way of asking reflective questions that I could contemplate and rise to the occasion to show up in my life. I also loved being able to come up with metaphors and visuals that would help guide me through situations. It made it more tangible and fun! I would recommend working with Johanna to people who need a gentle touch and who struggle taking up space in their lives. She is very insightful and creates a safe space for others to feel confident to be big and bold and brave!
—Julie
I loved Johanna's open, empathetic ear and her ability to make me feel seen and heard. Through our coaching sessions, I have been able to settle deeper into my values and confidence when having difficult conversations with family. I've recognized stories that were holding me back from living more authentically. I would absolutely recommend working with Johanna. She is kind, genuine, and willing to go deep.
