Estefana Johnson

CMI: Critical Memory Integration — A New Approach To Trauma

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trauma therapist and the Director of Clinical Training at ARISE Alliance and Speaker

Healing Conversation #1312

— Critical Memory Integration (CMI™) is an experiential psychotherapy that uses memory reconsolidation to help individuals integrate even the most distressing of experiences into their existing mental framework.

Unlike conventional therapies, CMI™ facilitates integration through direct experience rather than conversation or explanation, resulting in a more efficient process. The person is guided to tune into signals of bodily sensations and emotions, uncovering the root causes of patterns and responses. The process fosters deeper connections to capacities for growth and adaptiveness, leading to a renewed sense of self, and sustainable change.

Valeria interviews Estefana Johnson — She Is A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Therapist And The Director Of Clinical Training At ARISE Alliance, Is Leading The launch of a Powerful New Therapy Model Called Critical Memory Integration (CMI™)

She began her career in 2001 as a Behavioral Health Technician, briefly stepping away in 2005 to teach in Japan. Her diverse background spans multiple roles and settings, including residential treatment for at-risk youth and medical social work, giving her a well-rounded perspective on mental health care.

As the Director of Clinical Training for ARISE Alliance Institute, Estefana Johnson oversees the professional development and training of clinicians on Critical Memory Integration (CMI™). Her role involves designing and implementing comprehensive training curricula for mental health professionals to enhance clinical skills, particularly in trauma-focused care, PTSD treatment, and therapeutic interventions. Estefana also develops and delivers trauma-informed programming tailored to the needs of at-risk populations, bringing these services directly into community-based settings to ensure accessible, responsive care where it’s needed most.

She is currently a practicing clinician and Dosing Session Monitor at Lighthouse Psychiatry and TMS in Gilbert, Arizona, contributing both to clinical care and research trials exploring the therapeutic use of psychedelics.

Estefana’s work in community mental health, coupled with her personal experiences as a first-generation child of immigrants, has deeply influenced her therapeutic approach. Passionate about supporting foster and adoptive children, Estefana serves as Lead Volunteer, Board Member, and Clinical Director for ASA Now, a nonprofit organization that provides critical assistance, support, and advocacy for foster and adoptive children and their families. Her role with ASA extends to Shade Tree Academy, a therapeutic school designed for children impacted by foster care and adoption who have not thrived in traditional school settings. There, she provides trauma-informed staff training and has contributed to program development to support healing-centered education.

With a commitment to education, advocacy, and compassionate care, Johnson continues to make a lasting impact in the mental health field and in the communities she serves.

To learn more about Estefana Johnson and her work, please visit: https://arisealliance.org/

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SHOW NOTES

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SUMMARY

In this enlightening conversation, Valeria interviews Stefana Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker and trauma therapist, about her journey into therapy, the importance of compassion, and the innovative Critical Memory Integration (CMI) approach. They explore the connections between trauma, spirituality, and self-discovery, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's own experiences and emotions. The discussion highlights the role of intuition in therapy, the balance between helping and enabling, and the necessity of self-compassion and integrity in personal growth. Stefana shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of human emotions and the importance of curiosity in the healing process.

TAKEAWAYS

  • Stefana Johnson emphasizes the importance of humility in therapy.

  • The journey to becoming a therapist can be unexpected and organic.

  • Compassion must start from within before it can be extended to others.

  • Understanding trauma is crucial for effective therapy.

  • Spirituality can play a significant role in healing and self-discovery.

  • Critical Memory Integration (CMI) focuses on connecting individuals to their core self.

  • The difference between helping and enabling is vital in therapeutic relationships.

  • Everyone has their own unique reality shaped by their experiences.

  • Curiosity is a key component in the healing process.

  • Self-discovery is essential for personal growth and healing.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Stefana Johnson

01:35 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist

03:44 Understanding Human Connection and Compassion

06:08 The Role of Judgment in Human Interaction

09:23 Spiritual Perspectives on Connection

10:49 The Importance of Self-Compassion

13:26 Helping vs. Enabling: A Therapeutic Perspective

17:27 The Impact of Trauma on Perception

21:25 Rediscovering the True Self

22:57 Introduction to Critical Memory Integration (CMI)

28:47 The Journey of Inner Peace

32:22 Understanding Trauma and Integration

35:57 The Challenge of Saying No

40:29 Curiosity as a Tool for Healing

46:24 The Connection Between Body and Intuition

SOUND BITES

"You must say no."

"Curiosity is the key."

"It starts here."

KEYWORDS

therapy, trauma, Critical Memory Integration, compassion, spirituality, self-discovery, mental health, healing, intuition, personal growth