Dustin Howard
Dustin Howard
I have been a therapist since 2009 and have experience working with clients across a wide range of identities and challenges. It is important to me to maintain an affirming, supportive, and open space for all people. Show up just as you are. No shame. No embarrassment. No taboos. My communication style is very relaxed, casual and I enjoy using humor, when appropriate. However, I will provide you with direct feedback and observations in a kind gentle way. Clients who have worked with me have described me as being personable, disarming, and like they were talking to someone they have known for a long time.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session together is where I have the chance to hear your story, get to know you, and help you feel comfortable with me. We will probably start by discussing the primary concerns you would like to address, and from there I might ask some questions to help me truly understand what's concerning you. At the end of the first session, I try to provide you with my initial thoughts about what is going on and how am I thinking about addressing in future sessions.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My clients have told me that I am very easy to talk to and have a way of putting them at ease, even when discussing difficult topics and experiences. I am committed to approaching all of my clients non-judgmentally and will encourage you to approach your challenges non-judgmentally as well. There is little use in judging and evaluating our experience - we are where we are so lets focus on where we want to go instead.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Some of the common challenges I have helped others with include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, LGBTQ+ challenges/identity, and life direction clarification (to name a few). I am open to a wide range of clients, but have particularly enjoyed working with other men working towards better mental health and life satisfaction.
About Dustin Howard
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapy method that helps individuals accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or avoiding them. In our sessions, I will keep things casual, non-threatening, conversational, and real. We can do great work while keeping the flow of sessions natural and relaxed. I will provide you with observations, ask provoking questions, and challenge you to face your concerns directly. We will aim to: stop avoiding uncomfortable emotions and thoughts; identify what is most important to you and what you want from life; commit to moving in your desired direction, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is an intervention that is effective with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (among other things). Using this method, we will identify and confront distressing situations (thoughts or actual situations) without trying to neutralize or escape the discomfort trough rituals, avoidance or other unhelpful responses. I have been formally trained in ERP by completing the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) through International OCD Foundation.