LCMHC, 15 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Debbie Howard, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Reaching out for support takes courage, and I would be honored to walk alongside you! I have 15 years experience helping individuals, families and youth work through challenges such as life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and parenting. I also specialize in helping children and teens build resilience, confidence, and coping skills that support lasting change at home and school. My approach is warm, client-centered, and collaborative. I believe therapy should feel empowering, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs and goals. I integrate a variety of evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavior Therapy(CBT), Alternative Family CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) , mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and solution focused therapy. Together, we'll focus on building self-awareness, resilience, and lasting positive change in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
In our first session, we'll take time to get to know each other and build a foundation of trust. I'll explain how therapy works, including confidentiality and ask questions to understand your background, strengths and what you're hoping to achieve. You don't need to have everything figured out- our first meeting is a chance to talk about what's been going on and what you'd like to work toward. Together, we'll outline your goals and next steps at a pace that feels comfortable to you. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions, sometimes nervous, relieved or even a little drained. That's all part of the process, and we'll take things one step at a time.
My approach is collaborative and compassionate. I take time to truly listen to your story, help you discover solutions that align with your values and teach practical coping strategies you can start using right away. Clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to balance empathy with structure and guidance, helping them feel both supported and empowered.
I work best with individuals and families who are ready to make positive changes and want to feel more confident managing life's challenges. Whether you're navigating stress, family or relationship concerns or supporting a child through difficult emotions. I offer a safe, collaborative space to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. You don't have to go through this alone-let's take the next step together toward growth and healing.
The benefits of CBT from my experience is the application with a wide range of concerns. CBT is structured, evidence based and focused on teaching skills to manage thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
I have vast experience working with child and parents to build on strengths with a variety of modalities: AF-CBT alternative family CBT and PCIT (ages 3-6) parent child interactive therapy. In addition I incorporate a variety of interventions and approaches to meet the unique needs of the individual and their family.
In my experience DBT is helpful in balancing acceptance of strengths and moving toward the change clients want in their lives.
SFT in my experience is so helpful in building on your strengths, with small achievable steps moving toward what's possible to reach your goals.
My vast experience with families is focused on communication, problem-solving, strengthening relationships to help achieve your goals building on family strengths and values.