Samantha Howard, LPC
Let’s face it, life can be hard. You may be feeling overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, depression or symptoms of PTSD. Perhaps you are having difficulty keeping up with it all - the stress of covid, work, family and relationship issues… You have so much on your plate and you aren’t quite sure how to manage it all while maintaining your own health and wellbeing.
Perhaps you are struggling with figuring out exactly who you are or what you want to be doing with your life. You may be thinking a lot about your identity or your relationships and may be questioning (or regretting) some of the choices you’ve made. There are times when it feels like you are completely out of sync with the people around you. Or worse yet, you may be feeling out of sync with yourself. Perhaps you can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know that your life is somehow out of alignment and you are not doing what you’re meant to be doing or living in a way that supports your personal goals.
When you look back on the past few months (or years) you know you’ve been making poor decisions - staying in a job or a relationship that is not serving your deeper purpose, turning to drugs, alcohol, food or spending as a way to numb the pain or shutting out those around you. You recognize you are not in a good place and you want to feel better - for those around you - but mostly for yourself.
I understand how hard it can be to reach out for help and how important it is to find a therapist who understands your struggles. If you are ready to stop feeling overwhelmed, afraid, and ashamed and start feeling hopeful, inspired and proud of yourself and your accomplishments,
I can help.
I have been a licensed professional counselor (LPC) since 2012 and have helped hundreds of people just like you who have faced challenges and struggles in their lives. I have worked with veterans at the VA, supporting them in managing feelings associated with trauma, illness, emotional challenges and substance use disorders. I have also been working at the Yale University PRIME Research Clinic for the past several years where I assist with clinical research related to psychosis risk syndromes.
I utilize a strengths-based perspective and a CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) approach in my work with clients. I am committed to helping clients identify their personal goals and support them in taking actions to accomplish those goals, reviewing progress and providing an affirmative, supportive environment throughout treatment. I am especially passionate about working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and teens and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression and feelings of overwhelm.
Here are some ways I can help:
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
I help individuals process and heal from traumatic or distressing life experiences using EMDR therapy. This treatment approach can be utilized to address symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues stemming from unresolved trauma or disturbing memories and beliefs. This evidence-based approach offers an alternative or compliment to traditional talk therapy, often providing clients with substantial relief and growth.
Teen & Young Adult Therapy
I help teens, college students and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and school related stressors to talk about their struggles and to learn how to better manage their feelings and to create meaningful relationships and goals for their future.
Counseling for LGBTQIA Individuals
I help individuals who identify as LGBTQIA to explore issues related to positive identity development so they can feel joy in being themselves and allow others to truly know them. I also help parents of LGBTQIA teens and adults to better understand and support their children.
Counseling for Individuals Struggling with Anxiety, Depression & Life Transitions
I help individuals find their inner strength and develop effective coping strategies to overcome common life challenges, including moves, job changes, divorce, loss, or simply feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns. In a supportive, non-judgmental space, we’ll explore root causes and equip you with personalized tools for managing stress, building self-confidence, and cultivating greater peace.
If you or your child are ready to move from feeling anxious, depressed or generally overwhelmed to feeling validated, supported and empowered to take the next step in achieving your goals, call or click the link below today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. I work with clients from all over the Farmington Valley region (Avon, Granby, West Hartford, Canton, Farmington) in our Avon, CT office and I also provide secure online counseling to individuals who reside in CT.
Please reach out if you’d like to connect and learn more about counseling services with me!
Credentials:
CT Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC #2769)
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Saint Joseph (West Hartford, CT)
B.A. in Psychology from University of Saint Joseph (West Hartford, CT)
Experienced in working with Clinically High Risk (CHR) for psychosis population
Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Certified in Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk
Knowledgeable in Mindfulness-based healing techniques
