Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesley Johnsen.
Hi Lesley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I got out of the Air Force in 2002, my roommate was doing a certification course for massage therapy. On a whim, I decided to join her. I had just finished my BA in Psychology, but knew that there was more to “being healthy” than what I could address through basic counseling skills. I completed my massage therapy training and a whole new world of therapeutic options opened up to me.
Our bodies need to be tended in a loving way in order to heal traumas on all levels. And yet, there was something still missing. I found this missing piece when I started training in Five-Element Acupuncture: The Spirit. Acupuncture allows us to access and heal all levels of our being – The Mind/Body/Spirit – in a safe, natural and tangible way. I have now been nationally certified and licensed as an acupuncturist for over ten years, and continue to learn and grow in order to serve my clients in the way that works best for them.
I use a trauma-centered approach, and integrate the wisdom of Nonviolent Communication, Compassionate Inquiry and Psych-K, along with flower essences and basic homeopathic cell salts. Every body is different. Every story is different. And your medicine should be as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had a successful private practice in Baltimore, MD, and after I closed this to take some time to travel and study in Asia in 2012, I assumed it would be easy to just duplicate this practice here in Arizona. It hasn’t been quite as easy as I anticipated, but this allowed me the privilege of being a Clinic Dean and teaching at an acupuncture college and working for two years in the Department of Integrative Medicine at the Mayo Clinic. I opened the doors to MindfulLIFE Acupuncture last year, and am happy to see the road smoothing out to allow me to serve as a practitioner in this beautiful field of “alternative” medicine.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have always had a passion for working with people with personal struggles around trauma, addictions and associated mental health concerns. I started my education with a BA in Psychology, and all of my training since then has focused around the understanding that our bodies store our emotions, our traumas, and our unique stories. It is such a privilege to be trusted to witness people as they struggle and transition through difficult times.
I get to journey with people as they let go of their past, heal, and step into who they really are. This is especially profound in my work with clients on the road to recovery from addictions from drugs and alcohol. I get to partner with people who trust me when they may be at one of the most vulnerable places in their lives. It’s beautiful to see people transform – even if only for a short time – from the moment they walk in my door to the moment they leave with a twinkle of hope, peace and joy in their eyes.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I think that the biggest piece of advice I can offer is to listen to what those further along your professional path have to tell you. Emulate professional choices of those you admire. Ask questions. And most importantly, be yourself.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@mindfullifeacupuncture.com
- Website: www.mindfullifeacupuncture.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVXKU-UCJuPECVWh4T9vPjQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mindful-life-acupuncture-phoenix-3
Image Credits
Reuben Anderson
