Meet Dr. Zoe Johnson | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Therapy Private Practice Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Zoe Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Zoe, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business from a place of necessity. When my daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, it became clear that she needed access to a specialized instructional approach in order to thrive. The school that offered the kind of holistic and integrated services she required had a cost of attendance higher than the university where I teach. And since there are no student loans for the third grade, we had to find a way to make the money. This personal need converged with broader systemic issues: the COVID-19 pandemic, a national mental health crisis, and the glaring shortage of Black licensed therapists. The lack of representation in the field has long been a barrier to culturally affirming care, and I knew I could be part of the solution. In that moment, starting my own business wasn’t just logical, it was a no-brainer.

What began as a response to urgent circumstances quickly became the single most professionally empowering decision I’ve ever made. It grew into a place of liberation and impact, for my daughter, for myself, and for the communities I center in my work.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner and lead therapist of ZMJ Counseling and Consulting, LLC, a boutique private practice that offers accessible and personalized counseling services, as well as professional development for licensed social workers. I help high achievers cultivate healed and healthy lives, supporting them in navigating the pressures of excellence while reconnecting with their wholeness.

As a licensed clinical social worker with a PhD in Education, my work is rooted in supporting individuals through the evolutions, transitions, and complexities of life. My clinical and research expertise centers Black and Brown communities, and I am proud to be a Queer affirming practitioner who embraces the full spectrum of sexual, gender, and relational orientations.

What sets my practice apart is the liberatory framework that guides everything I do. I draw from a strengths-based perspective and operate with the understanding that most systems and institutions in the American context were not designed with Black and Brown people in mind. This truth requires a higher level of intentionality, nuance, and care in my work with clients. I believe this approach also serves the liberation of majority cultures, allowing people to reconnect with their own humanity and intuitive wisdom.

Therapy, for me, is about helping clients pursue the transformations or adjustments that bring them into alignment with their most authentic selves. It is a profound honor to walk alongside them during a season of their journey. My name, Zoe, means life. And what I know for sure is that each person is the expert on their own life.

My journey into entrepreneurship was surprisingly smooth. For years, I resisted private practice work, telling myself—as many therapists do—that while my clinical skills were strong, my business acumen was not. That myth was quickly dispelled. I found the process joyful and liberating. After years of working within institutions, I was finally able to make every decision in my business. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I felt empowered. I leaned into my creativity and built a practice that reflects both my professional expertise, personal values, and zest for life.

Along the way, I have learned to trust my instincts. When you are good at what you do, opportunities will always be abundant. The key is knowing which ones to pursue and how to honor your time. I have learned to prioritize rest, not as a strategy for increased productivity, but as a divine birthright. Shout-out to Tricia Hersey, founder of the Nap Ministry, for reminding us of that truth.

What I want the world to know is that ZMJ Counseling and Consulting is more than a business. It is a space of healing, affirmation, and liberation. It is a reflection of what is possible when we build with intention, integrity, and love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My business serves clients around the state of Georgia, but I reside in Athens. If my best friend were visiting Athens, GA for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the full magic of this quintessential college town. Athens has a distinct energy. Curiosity, innovation, and passion pulse through its streets thanks to the University of Georgia and the vibrant community that surrounds it.

Day 1: Ease In & Explore the Arts
We’d start with a slow morning at the Lyndon House Arts Center, a beautiful public space where creativity flows freely. It’s the perfect spot to sit a spell, take in local art, and daydream. From there, we’d head to the Georgia Museum of Art, another gem that’s free to the public and always inspiring.
Day 2: Botanical Bliss
We’d spend the day wandering the State Botanical Gardens, soaking in the serenity and natural beauty. It’s one of my favorite places to reset and reflect. We’d pack a picnic, find a quiet bench, and let the conversation meander as freely as the trails.
Day 3: Foodie Favorites
Dinner at Last Resort Grill is a must; it features elevated Southern cuisine with a cozy, welcoming vibe. For lunch or a quick bite, Maepole is my go-to: healthy comfort food that never disappoints. And for a lighthearted evening, we’d head to Cali-N-Tito’s, where the atmosphere is as fun as the food is flavorful.
Day 4: Music & Movement
We’d check out the UGA Performing Arts Center for a concert or show. Athens has deep musical roots, and the live music scene is great. We’d connect with our own inner performer and drop in for a dance class at The Studio Athens. It’s a joyful way to move, be embodied, and connect.
Day 5: Game Day Vibes
Fall Saturdays in Athens are electric. While I now prefer cheering on the Dawgs from home, I’d definitely take my bestie to Myers Quad for the UGA Black Alumni Homecoming Tailgate. The energy, music, and sense of community are unmatched.
Day 6: Local Wandering
We’d spend a day strolling downtown, popping into local shops, and grabbing tea at one of Athens’ many cozy cafés. The people here are interesting, creative, and kind. There’s always a good conversation waiting to happen.
Day 7: Rest & Reflect
We’d wrap up the week with a return to one of Athens’ beautiful public spaces. Maybe the Botanical Gardens again, or a quiet corner of the museum. Just a moment to reflect, breathe, and savor the joy of the week.

Athens is a place where you can feel deeply connected to nature, art, and community. It’s a town that invites you to slow down, lean in, and live fully. That’s exactly the kind of experience I’d want to share.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents deserve every ounce of recognition for any success I’ve ever achieved. I’m an immigrant kid, and before I even existed, they left behind everyone and everything familiar, crossing an ocean to build a life in a foreign land so that the idea of me could have the opportunity to flourish. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for everything I’ve become. Now, as a parent myself, I understand more deeply just how hard that journey must have been. And yet, they made it look effortless, never letting the world see the weight of their worry, the fear, or the unending string of tough decisions that come with raising Black children in these United States. They have been my unwavering source of love, strength, and confidence. I’ve worked hard to make them proud, and I will continue doing so for the rest of my life. This shoutout is for them. Thank you, Hawa Freeman Minor and Cornelius E. Minor, I, for your courage, vision, and powerful grace.

Website: https://drzoejohnson.com/

Instagram: drzoejohnson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-johnson-phd-lcsw-0b702776

Facebook: Dr. Zoe Johnson

Other: UGA Faculty Director:
https://ssw.uga.edu/team_member/zoe-minor-johnson/

Image Credits
Andre Simmons Photography