SH Portrait of Stephanie Howard

Stephanie Howard, LCSW

Calm, practical therapy for anxiety and stress

17 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Stephanie

Stephanie Howard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience based in California. She combines practical therapy methods with a respectful, person-focused style to help people facing anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Stephanie writes short, clear plans and talks through steps people can try between sessions.

She trained at the University of California, Berkeley and has worked in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, schools, and community clinics.

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Background and approach

That mix gives her experience with a range of concerns from depression and grief to addiction and compassion fatigue. In sessions she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic ideas to look at current patterns and the deeper history behind them. She also draws on client-centered and solution-focused work to make sessions relevant to immediate goals.

For people with trauma histories she uses trauma-focused approaches to address painful memories and reactions. Stephanie pays attention to cultural background, adoption and foster care issues, and family of origin concerns when those topics matter. She helps people who are navigating parenting, pregnancy and postpartum challenges, workplace stress, or changes in career and identity.

Her style is direct but warm. She aims to help people build practical coping skills while also understanding where their difficulties come from. Conversations and treatment plans are adjusted to fit each person’s needs and goals.

Therapeutic approaches offered online and how they help

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person in front of the therapist. It emphasizes listening, respect, and working at the client’s pace to set meaningful goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical tools to change unhelpful patterns; it can help with anxiety, stress, and mood difficulties. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding and reducing the impact of traumatic events through careful, paced work that addresses symptoms and coping skills.

Choosing an approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with each person to decide which ideas and techniques fit best. Goals, personal history, and daily life all shape what methods are used and how sessions proceed, and adjustments are made as needs change.

Online formats available include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when a visual connection matters. Phone sessions can be useful when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Chat and messaging offer flexibility for short updates, reflection between sessions, or when scheduling around work and family life is necessary. Licensed professionals can use these formats to make therapy more accessible and easier to fit into a busy routine.
Book with Stephanie Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Stephanie commonly address?
She works with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, addictions, grief, self-esteem, and career concerns.
What is her general therapy style?
Sessions are person-centered and collaborative, combining practical strategies with exploration of life patterns to reach clear goals.
How much experience does she have?
Stephanie has 17 years of professional experience in settings such as inpatient and outpatient mental health, schools, and community clinics.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What formats are available for online sessions?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does the cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
17 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

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