He also obtained postgraduate training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). DBT teaches individuals how to increase mindfulness and develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with self and others. Throughout his career, Adam has remained passionate about being a force for positive change both for his clients, as well as for the clinical teams he has led. As both a Program Coordinator and Clinical Director, he has played a primary role in the development of specialized treatment programs such as an outpatient program for first responders suffering from addiction. Additionally, he actively works with the Huntington Beach Unified School District assisting school psychologists in their efforts to provide early intervention for students at risk for addiction.

Through his experience working with adolescents and their families, combined with insights gained from years in the addiction recovery field, Adam today has created a unique approach to helping individuals navigate the difficult terrain of dysfunctional relationships. After years of treating the “problem” child or spouse in a relationship, it became clear to him that just as much attention, if not more, needs to be given to the family member who is entangled in the problems of their loved one. While the term “codependency” is almost commonplace in the context of addiction, it can develop in just about any relationship in which two or more individuals become dependent upon one another to an unhealthy degree.

Adam has found that while upbringing and relationship history certainly play an important role in the development of codependent tendencies, it is often the introduction of a life stressor experienced by one individual in the family/couple that can lead to the development of such relationship patterns. Examples of such stressors are drug use, job loss, diagnosis of illness (either physical or mental), domestic violence, unmet financial needs, poor academic performance, behavioral issues at school, etc. Problematic relationship patterns often develop in a slow, subtle manner which is why it can be so difficult to identify. Adam’s success in taking an individualized approach to solving relationship problems does not discount the proven efficacy of couples or family therapy. His trademark therapy style brings a heightened focus to the individual who is suffering and helps them gain the self-awareness, self-confidence, and fortitude to make the positive changes they deserve to see in their lives.

Sean Johnson obtained his Master's degree in Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in 2005. Throughout his time as an intern and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Sean had the opportunity to obtain an eclectic group of experiences. As an intern, Sean primarily assisted families in a non-profit community setting by providing therapy to children and parenting classes to parents in need.

Upon licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Sean founded In Vivo Support Services, a service that provided in-home, family, and real-world support to those challenged with mental health disorders that impede development and discourage independence. The primary goal of In Vivo Support Services was to assist parents in determining realistic expectations for their families and to give parents the tools needed to provide beneficial support.

Due to the need for the services of In Vivo Support Services within the substance use recovery industry, Sean began to work directly for a recovery center as an Aftercare Program Coordinator, then as a primary therapist. Upon further experience, Sean eventually provided support to interns, associates, and other licensed clinicians as a Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Director.

Sean lives in Newport Beach, CA with his wife Susan, daughter Brooke, son Parker, and dog Vida.