Theresa Howard

I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 2007, with a career that began working with foster children. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals across the lifespan—from children and adolescents to adults, couples, and nursing home residents. This breadth of experience has shaped a compassionate, flexible approach to therapy that meets clients where they are.

In my practice, I utilize goal setting, behavioral change strategies, perspective analysis, coping skills training, and relevant therapeutic homework to help clients make progress outside of session and achieve their personal goals. I am also trained in EMDR and have extensive experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns.

I specialize in working with survivors of suicide loss and the complex grief that follows such a profound experience. I am deeply committed to providing a safe, supportive space where clients can process pain, build resilience, and find a path forward at their own pace.

At the core of my work is a belief in unconditional positive regard within the therapeutic relationship. My goal is never to judge, but to support, guide, and help clients move toward meaningful change. I view therapy as a collaborative process in which the client’s hard work creates growth and healing; my role is to serve as a facilitator, offering tools, insight, and support along the way.

The first session is primarily about getting to know one another and creating a comfortable, supportive environment. My goal is to establish rapport and help you feel safe sharing your story at your own pace. There is no pressure to have everything figured out or to know exactly what to say.

During this session, I will ask questions to gather your personal history and better understand what has brought you to therapy. This may include discussing past experiences, current concerns, important relationships, and any previous counseling experiences. This information helps me gain a fuller picture of your situation so I can provide care that is thoughtful and individualized.

We will also talk about your goals for therapy and what you hope to gain from our work together. You are always in control of what you choose to share, and you can ask questions at any time. My role is to listen, support, and begin identifying how therapy can best meet your needs.

By the end of the session, we will discuss next steps and what ongoing therapy may look like moving forward. Above all, the first session is about building a foundation of trust and collaboration that supports meaningful change.