STEPHANIE HOWARTH • MA, LCMHCA, NCC, CYT
she / her / hers
Hello. I am so happy you are here.
As a somatic psychotherapist, counselor and educator, I offer individual counseling and group support to adults with an interest in healing and growth through a somatic (body-oriented) lens. I specialize in working with adults with a variety of issues including anxiety, trauma, grief, and questions of identity, gender and sexuality.
I use a trauma-informed approach rooted in mindfulness, somatics, attachment theory and neuroscience. What this means is that we'll work together to understand what's going on with you by looking at you as a whole person - your experiences, your lineage, your physiology, your goals, your dreams, your heartaches, your successes. From this lens, I offer a creative synthesis of tools including somatic interventions, mindfulness practices, and other evidence-based techniques.
I strive to offer a brave and affirming space, and am committed to my own inner work especially regarding the intersection of well-being and questions of oppression, privilege and social justice.
I care about your well-being and I am deeply committed to supporting you restore greater balance and ease in your life. I offer some ways that can help get you there.
If you are curious and would like to learn more, I invite you to contact me to see if we might be a good fit for working together.
In deep appreciation and alliance,
Stephanie

OTHER THINGS ABOUT ME:
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Roots: I have lived in Asheville, NC, traditional Cherokee land, for over 10 years. I am first and second-generation Canadian and can trace the lines of my ancestors to England and Scotland. I was born in the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnawbe and Haudenosaunee peoples, now called Ontario, Canada. I spent many of my early years in the Northwest Territories, traditional lands of many nations including Dene, Inuit, & Metis peoples.
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Global moves: I have spent time traveling in 18 countries. I have visited every Canadian province and 30 of the US states.
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Career moves: children's program director, newspaper photo editor, graphic designer, art historian, restaurant server, dance and yoga teacher, nervous system specialist
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Foods: mangoes, avocados, sweet potatoes, greens
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Instant personal medicine: time with my husband and spirited young son, time in nature, swimming, art-making and -appreciating, cozy corners of my house, well-timed naps

FORMAL STUDIES / QUALIFICATIONS
My clinical training, academic studies and mindfulness & movement practices all inform my work. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (License #A15474) and am licensed to practice and see clients who reside in the state of North Carolina. I received my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University, in Asheville, NC. I also hold a BA in Studio Art and Art History.
I have completed intensive training and supervision in several modalities and most often draw from the following:
Somatic Experiencing®, Brainspotting, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Trauma Resiliency Model®, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy.
I have additional training in Movement for Trauma (Jane Clapp) and Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning experience (DARe - Diane Poole Heller and Patti Ellege). My 15 years+ of teaching and practicing yoga, meditation and mindfulness also inform my work.