Tamekia Howard

Hello, I am Tameka Meko Howard, a licensed professional counselor with a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their unique challenges. I am an active doctoral-level Marriage and Family Therapist student. I am proud to hold international, national, and local board certifications as a Master Addictions Counselor, as well as national certification as a Mental Health Counselor. Additionally, I am a Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional.

My approach

My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. I work with couples, individuals, and families, focusing on developing effective communication skills, enhancing emotional connections, and fostering resilience. I help individuals, couples, and families overcome challenges related to trauma, substance use, and mental illness. My goal is to empower my clients to achieve their personal and relational goals, leading to healthier, more fulfilling lives.

My focus

In my practice, I focus on supporting individuals who face a range of challenges, including those struggling with general and severe persistent mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction, and trauma. I am dedicated to helping clients navigate complex issues such as suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties, and family stressors. By employing a holistic and compassionate approach, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of their experiences, promote healing, and empower them to develop effective coping strategies for lasting change.

My communication style

I aim to create an environment conducive to the needs of my clientele. I am to demonstrate empathic experiences via demonstrating understanding and compassion to help clients feel heard and valued. I aim to provide active listening where I am fully engaging with clients by reflecting, summarizing, and asking open-ended questions to encourage deeper exploration of their thoughts and feelings. I aim to communicate clearly about the therapeutic process, goals, and boundaries to foster trust and safety. I am aware of body language, eye contact, tone of voice, and gestures to enhance rapport and convey support. I am open to flexibility and adapting communication styles to fit individual client needs and preferences to allow for a more personalized therapeutic experience. I aim to create an encouraging dialogue by creating a space for open dialogue that empowers clients to express themselves without fear of judgment. By integrating these elements, I can build strong therapeutic alliances and promote effective healing and growth.

My journey to mental healthcare

As a child of a combat soldier, I grew up in an environment shaped by resilience and challenge. My father’s service instilled a strong sense of duty and selfless service in me. It also brought the complexities of emotional trauma into our home. My parents struggled with battles against substance abuse, and often found it difficult to cope, leaving me to navigate the turbulent waters of our family dynamics alone. These experiences deeply influenced my perspective on mental health and addiction, igniting a passion in me to help others facing similar struggles. My journey into counseling began as I sought to understand my own background. I pursued a degree in substance abuse counseling, driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of those grappling with addiction.  As I entered graduate school, I focused my studies on drug and alcohol counseling, mental health, and marriage and family therapy, motivated by the belief that healing often starts within the family unit. During my training, I was fortunate to work in correctional settings, where I encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom had experienced significant trauma, domestic violence, or suicidal ideation. These experiences were eye-opening; they revealed the pervasive effects of substance abuse and mental health issues on families and communities. I learned the importance of empathy, active listening, and the need for a holistic approach to treatment. Each client’s story was unique, yet many echoed the struggles I had witnessed in my own life.   My clinical training also introduced me to the principles of trauma-informed care, which resonated with my own experiences. I realized how essential it was to create a safe and supportive environment for clients, allowing them to explore their feelings without judgment. This approach became foundational in my work, particularly with those who had suffered from domestic violence or were grappling with suicidal thoughts. I understood that healing required not just addressing the symptoms but also acknowledging the underlying pain and trauma.  As I continued my education and training, I became increasingly interested in the interplay between addiction and family dynamics. I recognized the vital role that relationships play in both the development and recovery from substance use disorders. This insight led me to focus my doctoral studies on the impact of familial support systems in the recovery process, aiming to equip families with the tools they need to foster healing and resilience. Now, as I prepare to enter the field as a future licensed marriage and family therapist, in addition to my current professional counselor license and substance use certifications, I carry with me the lessons learned from my past. found it difficult to cope, leaving me to navigate the turbulent waters of our family dynamics alone. These experiences deeply influenced my perspective on mental health and addiction, igniting a passion in me to help others facing similar struggles. My journey into counseling began as I sought to understand my own background. I pursued a degree in substance abuse counseling, driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of those grappling with addiction. My background as a child of a combat soldier and as someone who has witnessed the struggles of substance abuse in my family informs my approach to therapy. I am committed to helping individuals and families navigate their challenges, drawing on my own experiences to foster understanding, compassion, and hope. I believe in the power of recovery and the possibility of rebuilding lives, and I am eager to contribute to a future where healing is attainable for all.

My goals for you

My therapeutic approach to goal setting for new clients is centered on collaboration, personalization, and empowerment. I typically facilitate this process by seeking to understand my client's stories via the initial assessment. I conduct a comprehensive assessment to gather information about the client’s background, current challenges, and previous experiences with therapy, if any. This helps me understand their unique context and needs. We will explore concerns and set goals collaboratively. We will explore the pros and cons of short-term and long-term goals. The process focuses on client empowerment and strengths-based focus. Assessment is ongoing. Achievements are acknowledged and celebrated.

My first session with you

In the first session with me, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings. This is a judgment-free zone. You can typically anticipate a warm and friendly introduction and the opportunity to establish rapport. Clients will have the opportunity to get to know me and learn about my background and approach to therapy. I prioritize creating a strong therapeutic alliance. I will explain the importance of confidentiality and discuss the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship, ensuring clients understand the framework within which we will work. Clients can expect to share their reasons for seeking therapy, including any specific issues or challenges they face, such as mental health concerns, trauma, relationship difficulties, or substance use. I will conduct an initial assessment to gather relevant information about their background, current situation, and goals for therapy. Together, we will begin to outline what they hope to achieve in our sessions. I will explain what clients can expect from the therapy process, including the methods I may use and how we will track progress over time. Clients are encouraged to ask questions and express any concerns they may have about therapy, fostering a collaborative atmosphere from the outset. By the end of the session, we will discuss the next steps, including scheduling future sessions and any initial recommendations or homework to consider. Overall, clients can expect a supportive, client-centered approach that prioritizes their unique needs and goals from the very first session.