About Ducks in a Row Counseling
My name is Melissa Howard

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a M.A. in Clinical Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide and a B.A. in Human Communication focusing on Practical and Professional Ethics. With these degrees, I also strive to expand and improve on my education regularly to stay aware of new and potentially beneficial therapeutic interventions and strategies. In my work as a therapist, I honor the truth of the individual and do not insist that I know more than the client.
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by people of all walks of life. Being raised in a multicultural area allowed me to learn and develop an open-minded, growth perspective toward people of all backgrounds and lifestyles. I carry this open minded thought process into sessions honoring the client’s truth and desires for therapy. For this reason, in sessions I offer a multi medium approach collaborating with the client and family to guide the direction of therapy and to provide interesting (and hopefully sometimes fun!) therapy-based activities.
My work is trauma-informed, strength-based, and person-centered specializing in the following: children and adolescents, family issues, parenting, depression disorders, anxiety disorders, self-esteem, gender-affirming care, and identity. I am trained in and utilize numerous models of therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Parenting Skills, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. As a marriage and family therapist, I am here to support youth and/or their families with each family member finding their voice and being seen for their individuality balanced with helping foster reconnection with one another and your family’s roots and values.