- Attachment-focused
- Practical skills
- Calm and down-to-earth
About Karinna
Karinna Johnstone is an AASW social worker with 18 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, grief and life changes. She takes a straightforward, supportive approach and aims to help people build confidence and handle the hard days. Karinna speaks plainly and focuses on what will make daily life feel more manageable.
Her work draws on attachment-based ideas and narrative approaches to help people understand patterns in relationships and behaviour. She also uses cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness to address symptoms like low mood, anxiety and sleep problems. Sessions are practical and focused on small, achievable steps that can change how people cope at home and work.
Karinna has a long background supporting people through trauma, abuse, addiction-related challenges and homelessness. She has helped people manage grief, bipolar mood swings, compassion fatigue and the strain of caregiving. Codependency and attachment issues are listed among her additional areas of focus.
She believes the person is the expert in their own life and works as a guide alongside them. The aim is to build skills, motivation and self-esteem so people notice real improvements in day-to-day life. Karinna emphasises courage, collaboration and practical planning.
People who choose her can expect a calm, down-to-earth style and work that connects therapy to everyday tasks. She invites clients to set clear goals and practice new ways of coping between sessions.
How Karinna's approaches translate to online sessions
Karinna blends attachment-based work, client-centred listening and cognitive behavioural techniques to support change. Attachment-based work looks at patterns in relationships and helps people understand how early bonds affect current behaviour and trust. Client-centred work means the person’s priorities guide the sessions and the therapist follows their lead to build understanding and choices. Cognitive behavioural techniques focus on practical steps to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, which can help with anxiety, low mood and sleep problems.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the journey. Karinna works collaboratively to decide which methods suit each person’s needs and goals. She will check in about what feels useful and adjust the plan as therapy proceeds so the approach matches preferences and progress.
Session formats are not specified in the original biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people practise skills in their everyday settings and then review how those attempts went with the therapist. Ask about the session options during the matching and scheduling process so you can choose what fits best for your routine.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Credentials
Listed on profile
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does Karinna commonly help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and grief, as well as relationship and parenting concerns. Additional focus areas include codependency, ADHD and caregiver stress.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is collaborative and practical, combining attachment-based work, narrative techniques and cognitive behavioural tools. Sessions focus on small, achievable changes and building coping skills.
How much experience does she have?
Karinna has 18 years of experience working in social work settings with people facing trauma, homelessness, addiction and complex mental health issues.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is listed with the Australian Association of Social Workers, shown as AASW, and is based in Australia.
Can I work with her in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.