Stephanie Howard, LCSW - Therapist in California

About Stephanie

Stephanie Howard is a licensed clinical social worker with 17 years of experience. She practices in California and draws on both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic ideas to guide her work. She focuses on practical steps and clear conversation so parents and caregivers can use what they learn right away.

She has worked in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, schools, and community clinics. That range gave her experience with a wide variety of problems, including stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, depression, addiction, grief, and workplace issues.

Background and approach

In sessions she emphasizes strengths and what is already working. She tailors conversations and plans to each person’s situation and goals. That means agreeing on small, concrete steps and checking progress together.

Stephanie trained at the University of California, Berkeley and holds a California LCSW 27501 license. She uses clear language and a respectful tone in sessions. The aim is to make therapy useful and manageable for busy people.

Her approach also attends to family background, adoption and foster care issues, postpartum and pregnancy concerns, and multicultural factors when relevant. She integrates solution-focused ideas and trauma-informed methods as needed to help people cope with life changes and build self-compassion.

How Stephanie’s Approaches Work Online

Client-centered work means the therapist follows the person’s lead and focuses on what matters most to them. That approach helps shape goals and keeps work grounded in each person’s real life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors and offers practical tools to reduce anxiety and manage stress. It is useful for mood problems, worry, and everyday struggles.

Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. Stephanie collaborates with clients to try methods and see what fits best. She will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, and then adapt techniques during the course of care.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make attending easier for busy schedules. These options allow people to connect from home, handle short check-ins between longer visits, and pick formats that match comfort and needs. The range of formats supports flexible pacing and steady progress while working on parenting concerns, trauma recovery, or everyday stress.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Exploring how earlier relationships and patterns still shape the present, often over a longer stretch of time. It relies on conversation and reflection rather than exercises.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting, depression, addictions, grief, and self-esteem among other concerns.

What is her general therapy style?

She blends client-centered work with Cognitive Behavioral and psychodynamic ideas, emphasizing strengths and practical steps to meet goals.

How long has she been practicing?

She has 17 years of professional experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, schools, and community clinics.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She is a licensed clinical social worker - CA LCSW 27501 - and practices in California.

Do sessions happen in other languages or countries?

Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Sessions can take place by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 17 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English

Next step

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