Best Addiction & Substance Abuse Counselors in Searcy, AR

Professional Background & Experience: I am a licensed therapist in Arkansas and Tennessee with over 10 years of professional experience. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals as they navigate complex issues such as addiction, trauma, abuse, grief, loss, and bipolar disorder. In addition, I have worked extensively with clients coping with significant life changes, providing them with the tools and support they need to move forward. Therapeutic Approach: I deeply believe that you are the expert of your own story. My role as a therapist is to guide and empower you, helping you unlock the strengths within yourself to overcome the challenges you face. Whether you're struggling with a traumatic past, working through grief, or learning to cope with the complexities of bipolar disorder or life transitions, I will meet you where you are. I understand that taking the first step toward seeking support takes immense courage, and I honor that bravery. Together, we will work towards uncovering your resilience and build strategies that align with your goals for a happier, more fulfilling life. Empowerment & Support: I aim to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Healing is not a linear process, and facing setbacks is normal, but with support, you can create lasting change. I am here to offer guidance, insight, and encouragement as you take each step towards personal growth and well-being.

My name is Patricia Howard. My friends and family call me "Ms. Pat". I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Independent Licensed Practitioner. I have a private practice in Mena, Arkansas. I have been married for over 50 years and have 5 grandchildren and 3 great grands. Spending time with my family is what I like to do best. I have a specialization in Technology-Assisted Counseling. In Arkansas we are required to have this specialization in order to provide teletherapy services. I also have a certification in Animal Assisted Therapy. Dogs are a big part of my personal life, and in my practice, I use them to help people to feel calm and to reduce their anxiety and depression symptoms. I teach people how to "appropriately manipulate" to get their needs met. I help people to learn the difference between aggressive and assertive behaviors. I have been counseling for over 20 years. Counting my years of teaching and counseling, I have been helping children and their families solve problems for about 27 years. My counseling approach is "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy", which means I help you to change any unhealthy, maladaptive thoughts to healthy rational thinking. I help people to understand that they have enough personal power, within themselves, to solve their own problems. They just need to believe in themselves and have faith that their decisions can and will work out in the end. I believe having faith in something outside of ourselves is essential for coping with life's challenges. It makes no difference to me what religious beliefs you have, because to me all people have immense value. If you feel like you might benefit from counseling sessions with me, please check my schedule to see what days I have available for counseling and schedule a session so we can get started on helping you to feel much better.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, PIP), licensed in Alabama and Arkansas. Over 20 years ago, I began my career after graduating from NYU School of Social Work with my MSW. Since then, I've worked in a variety of clinical settings - from inpatient addiction rehabs and inpatient psychiatric facilities to outpatient mental health clinics. I've developed specialities in the following areas: LGBTQIA concerns, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Codependency, and shame reduction. I currently have 11+ years of active service in the Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer and I have spent the past 8 years working with active Guard soldiers as well as military veterans from all branches. My counseling style is very collaborative, client-focused, and we will avoid stigmatizing language and labels. My approach can combine Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (CBT), Mindfulness practices, 12-step recovery principles, with some Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) mixed in. I'm trained and certified in two evidence-based therapies for treating trauma/PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and EMDR. The above approaches will be tailored to fit each client's unique needs. Let's work together to create meaningful and lasting changes in your life. Take that first courageous step and reach out to me today. I'm here and ready to work with you!