Hi! My name is Hayley Howard and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work primarily with adults with anxiety, and depression, and throughout various life transitions via modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Integrated/Holistic Health.
My approach
My approach to therapy is client-centered, by nature. I believe in adapting my approach to the person sitting in front of me in order to provide the best therapeutic experience. I am currently working towards a certification as an Integrative Mental Health Professional so that I can provide focus on the intersection between our mental and physical health. I also tend to pull from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I will work with you to determine the best course of therapy overall.
My focus
In my experience thus far as a therapist, I have found a deep connection to adult clients that are motivated to address various mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and life transitions.
My communication style
My tone varies throughout all conversations. I can be a calm, safe space for clients to parse through their various troubles. I can be an educational provider who supports the development of skills. At the same time, I can also be a goofy, light-hearted therapist. All of these sides make me who I am in my personal and professional life and help clients to feel welcomed and supported throughout all stages of therapy.
My journey to mental healthcare
I struggled with my mental health as a teenager and found safety in my therapist at the time. The support she provided motivated me to join the field myself. From there, I've found my calling in Integrative Health as I've seen through my own personal experience how life-changing sleep, exercise, and diet can be in terms of mental health. I want to spread more awareness of this and provide my clients with a safe space to talk about the challenges they've encountered throughout their life.
My goals for you
I believe in a collaborative approach to goal setting. I am there to support my clients in forming their journey through life/mental health and goal setting is just one of those steps along the way. As long as you are motivated to work on the goals that you provide, I am able to support you in developing the treatment plan to get there through my professional expertise.
My first session with you
The first session is a vital part of developing the relationship between us. On the business side, you can expect us to discuss what's brought you to therapy and your background as a whole. On the fun side, you can also expect some conversations about your interests and the things that bring you joy.