Dora “Michelle” Howe, Therapist

Recognizing life’s challenges, I am committed to nurturing a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. My approach to each client is marked by empathy, understanding, and a nonjudgmental perspective, honoring the uniqueness of their personal journey. Working with children and adolescents, I tailor therapeutic techniques to meet their emotional and developmental needs, while collaborating with their families to enhance their overall wholeness and autonomy. My therapeutic perspective incorporates a person-centered/child-centered approach, integrating talk and play therapy, AutPlay therapy, sand therapy, and other effective modalities. Through these tools, I facilitate emotional expression, regulation, social skill development, trauma resolution, trust building, and the cultivation of empowerment and self-esteem, contributing to emotional and social well-being.

As an infant mental health counselor, I focus on promoting the well-being of infants and young children by cultivating healthy attachment and addressing developmental concerns. I work with parents to create a nurturing environment for optimal early childhood mental health, using play, observation, and interactive techniques to enhance the parent-child bond and support healthy development. I specialize in assisting both biological and adoptive parents in fostering secure attachments through tailored bonding techniques such as responsive caregiving, skin-to-skin contact, interactive play, and consistent routines. My goal is to guide parents in creating a nurturing environment that promotes their infant’s emotional resilience and overall mental health, contributing to a positive foundation for the child’s well-being.

My educational journey began at Arkansas Tech University, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. This led me to the University of Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie!), where I earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in play therapy. My experience spans from supporting individuals aged 3 to 18, including those with depression/grief, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, Autism, and individuals navigating identity challenges, aiding them in exploring and embracing their authentic selves. I am currently working towards certification as a Play Therapist, and I am a certified AutPlay provider in the state of Arkansas. As a licensed associate counselor, I am dedicated to being an ally for the LGBTQ+ and disability communities, actively fostering a culture that celebrates neurodiversity and promotes body positivity. It would be my privilege to work with your family. #youaresafewithme