We recently connected with Kim Johancen and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
Although it’s hard to narrow it down to just one defining moment, a pivotal experience that shaped my career path was losing my brother to suicide when I was 16. That loss profoundly impacted me and inspired me to dedicate my career to helping those touched by suicide—on all sides of the issue—and has expanded over the years to supporting individuals who have faced other challenges, unthinkable pain, loss, or trauma. My work is rooted in the belief that healing is possible, even in the aftermath of life’s darkest moments. It is also rooted in the belief that through our healing journeys, we can also find meaning, greater purpose, and deeper connections. The trick is to just keep going. It doesn’t matter how big the steps are – just keep taking them.
Kim, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been a therapist for nearly 30 years, and I entered this field because of my deep curiosity about people—what we carry, how we heal, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. That curiosity evolved into a passion for helping others navigate their hardest moments and reconnect with hope.
Today, I run Clear View Counseling and Consulting, a practice in Greenwood Village, Colorado, focused on trauma-informed care. My team and I support individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that can often feel overwhelming. We use therapies like Brainspotting and EMDR to create safe spaces for clients to unravel their pain and explore new possibilities. We help people find their way back to who they were before experiencing loss, stress, or other hardships – back to their true nature.
What makes our work special is the personal approach we take. Rather than adhering to one specific model, we’re trained in several. There is no one size fits all therapy or modality when it comes to healing. Every individual requires a tailored approach created just for them. The therapists at Clear View meet every client where they are, free from judgment or assumptions, and walk alongside them on their healing journey. It’s not just about the techniques we use—it’s about the understanding, trust, and care we bring to each session. In a world where so many people feel disconnected due to isolation, social media, and profound loss, we prioritize connection as the foundation of the therapy we offer.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the ripple effect of this work. Not only have I had the privilege of helping clients transform their lives, but I’ve also trained other therapists on how to create change and healing for their clients. Throughout my career I’ve mentored and supervised therapists, watching them gain mastery in the field and help numerous clients. It’s a powerful reminder that healing isn’t just individual—it compounds and spreads. This is why I also offer workshops in my community, and across the country, to educators, therapists, and others who want to know more about various healing practices and strategies, and for those wanting to stop burnout, build resilience, and bolster their mental health.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that healing is always possible. Life can be messy and hard, but no one has to go through it alone. We are doing our part to make mental health more accessible to those who need it, and are committed to walk with our clients no matter where they are on their healing journey.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Although I grew up in Denver, I moved to Durango, Colorado, a small mountain town about seven hours southwest of Denver near the Four Corners area, after marrying my first husband. There, we started our careers and started our family, and soon we had our two amazing daughters. Life was busy, but I still found time to get outside and play in nature. I loved (and still do) being on my bike in the summer, and snow shoeing in the winter. Life was good. But it didn’t last.
After being married for almost twenty years, I discovered that my husband was having an affair with someone he worked with. When I confronted him, instead of trying couples counseling, he decided to leave our marriage and asked for a divorce. At the time, we still had two young children and I found myself overwhelmed with parenting, running my practice, and trying to navigate a contentious divorce. My entire world was turned upside down in an instant, and the devastation I felt was indescribable.
After much reflection and some good therapeutic support, I made the difficult decision to close my practice and move back to Denver, where I could be closer to my family and get the support I needed. Luckily, my ex-husband was able to move back to Denver as well so that our daughters could have access to both of us. While it took time to regain my footing, I eventually reopened my practice—and a few years later, I not only have a full practice where I offer direct care to my clients, but also run a thriving group practice. In fact, we just moved into our new beautiful space that will allow us to offer services to even more clients who are in need of our services.
This experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptation, and the power of support. I’ve emerged from this chapter a whole lot stronger, and with immense gratitude for the people who helped me along the way. Although not the first time I have had to pivot after tragedy, I now have a much deeper faith in myself—not just to overcome adversity, but to thrive despite it. I also understand how fortunate I am to have had such amazing family, friends, and colleagues who helped in my moments of greatest need. Whether it was help networking, a friend to hold space, or a kind voice offering me reassurance that I would be okay, I am beyond grateful for the people in my life. I am deeply aware that not everyone has that kind of support. I have since opened my practice to helping others navigate the murky waters of divorce, infidelity, and other forms of betrayal, and feel blessed to walk alongside them.
Today, I am happily married to an amazing man, and have two incredible step-children alongside my daughters who have grown into strong resilient women. Life has come full circle in so many beautiful ways, and I am continually grateful for the unexpected blessings and for the strength I’ve discovered in myself and in those around me. I still get to the mountains as much as possible, and have access to great mountain biking. When I’m surrounded by nature I feel more connected to those around me and to myself. It is out there on the trails that I reflect often. We have an opportunity to become better versions of ourselves – through our ability to survive, heal, and find joy once again.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Although there are several books that have influenced my approach to leadership, one that truly resonated with me recently is Likable Badass by Jen Groover. It felt like it was written just for me, as it perfectly aligns with my values as a woman business owner who believes in authenticity, resilience, and, above all, compassion.
One of the key messages of Likable Badass is the power of embracing both strength and vulnerability. In my own journey, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being confident in who you are, owning your story, and showing up with integrity. Being compassionate and relatable doesn’t make you weak; in fact, it makes you stronger. This principle guides the way I lead at Clear View Counseling and Consulting. I lead with authenticity because it’s the heart of meaningful connection.
Groover emphasizes the importance of fostering positive, empowered relationships, and that’s something I’ve taken to heart in my work. I prioritize trust, connection, and open communication with both my team and my clients. For me, leadership is about lifting others up—creating spaces where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow. That’s how we’ve built a thriving practice, and it’s how I mentor and support the therapists who work alongside me.
As a leader, I also understand the importance of balance and connection for my team. Therapists, by nature of their work, face emotional and psychological challenges, and it’s crucial that they feel supported. I make sure they have the time and space to connect with one another, recharge, and find balance. When therapists feel seen, heard, and valued, they can show up fully for their clients, which leads to the high-quality care we’re so proud to offer. The impact of this connection is immeasurable—not just for the therapists but also for the people we serve. I also believe in the power of laughter as a way to connect and promote self-care, which is why I am intentional about bringing laughter into the work place when it is appropriate to do so. There is always fun to be had at our staff retreats.
Because I am also human and value giving and receiving support, I do my best to model self-care to my team. I am networked with several women in similar roles in their companies, and attend mountain retreats with them quarterly to reflect on my business, to relax, and to recharge. And to laugh.
The idea of being a “likable badass” also really speaks to me because it’s about balancing assertiveness with empathy. As a group practice owner, I have to make tough decisions and be strategic, but I know that the real strength of our practice lies in the care and relationships we nurture. I’ve learned that it’s possible to be both strong and approachable, ambitious and compassionate—and that’s what I aim to embody every day.
Ultimately, Likable Badass reaffirmed my belief in leading with authenticity, strength, and compassion. These values continue to shape my leadership style and guide me, both in my business and in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clearviewcounselingdenver.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-johancen-03413842/
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