Steve Howard
I was blessed to be raised in a family that trusted in the power of God to change lives. My parents modeled the values of faith, resilience, commitment, and hard work for my brother and I. From an early age I learned that family was a secure foundation on which I could build a life that demonstrates respect for others and trust in God as a source of strength.
Currently, my wife and I attend a bible-based church where I am active in Men’s Ministry and facilitate a Griefshare group. Compassion for others’ experience, thankfulness for God’s goodness, and the value of humor are the principles that have guided me in my life’s journey.
After working for 25 years in Social Services and Behavioral Health, I realized that I was motivated to go deeper with individuals, couples, and families to support and encourage them in their journeys. This motivation set me on the challenging path to earning a graduate degree in Marriage/Family Therapy as I partnered with my wife to raise our four sons in a blended family. As a result I bring my life experience filled with balancing the competing demands of work, graduate school, and nurturing family relationships. I am here to partner with you in your journey as you learn new skills and glean from my experience.
Relevant Experience
Specialties and Certifications
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Associate Marriage/Family Therapist
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Blended Family/Co-Parenting Specialist
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Neurodiverse Couples Specialist
Life Experience
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Actively involved father of 2, stepfather of 2 more while raising children/adolescents in Blended Family.
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Successfully navigated Co-Parenting arrangement over 15 years for my son who is now an adult.
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Ongoing caregiving role for elderly parent experiencing cognitive decline and physical limitations.
Education
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Masters Degree in Marriage/Family Therapy
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Bachelors Degree in Psychology
More About Steve
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Committed Christian who applies Biblical truths to life’s challenges.
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23 Year Marriage empowered By God’s grace and prayer.
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Regularly practices the study of Scripture and journaling life applications.
Blended Family/Co-Parenting
Steve has personally dealt with the unique challenges faced by couples raising children in a blended family. This journey necessitates the development of relationship skills operating at a much higher level than required in the typical relationship. You will benefit from Steve's therapeutic training and from the very personal lessons he and his wife learned when blending their family. He will work together with you on a variety of issues such as partnering with your spouse to nurture children who are not yours by birth, resolving conflict in the new family you’re creating together, and establishing best practices for your child(ren)’s visitation with their other parent.
Working cooperatively with a former spouse/partner to effectively parent your child(ren) may be one of the toughest challenges you face, but it can also grow your faith in God’s power. When you are struggling the most, Steve will help you find hope.
Neurodiverse Couples
Steve believes that a neurodivergent partner brings strengths to a couple’s relationship including attributes like strong values, honesty, loyalty, and intelligence. In therapy, both the neurodivergent and neurotypical partner will find a safe, non-judgmental space in which they can each talk about their own needs. The two of you will learn to make sense of each other’s behaviors.
In our work together, Steve will provide you a structured environment and provide tools and exercises to bridge the communication gap that divides you. Practical exercises, such as a template for intentional conversations and creating a relationship schedule, will insure that both partners have the freedom for time apart and the security of time together. Steve will offer you a compassionate place to practice engaging with each other and learn to understand your partner through a new lens.
Other Areas of Focus
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Divorce Recovery/Separation
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Navigating Grief/Loss
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Caregiver Support
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Parent Coaching
Modalities
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Coaching
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Gottman Method
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Strength Based
Clients
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Couples
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Individuals
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Families
License
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Registered Associate, AMFT #110174
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Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452
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Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc.
Contact
Email: howardstk@gmail.com
Phone: 661-428-3678