Welcome to the counseling office of Heidi Howard MA, LMHC, CDP and Equinteractions LLC. Heidi has worked with individuals, couples and families in the field of mental health for over 20 years. Heidi’s extensive training has evolved over the years to help provide her clients with the most effective methods to help them reach their goals. In addition to traditional therapy, Heidi is also the director of Equinteractions LLC and can offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Heidi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor as well as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional. She specializes in helping individuals, couples and families with life transitions, anxiety, anticipatory grief, grief & loss, depression, teenage issues, self-esteem, relationship issues, body image, eating disorders, and chemical abuse/dependency, as well as those that are affected by it.
Heidi understands that each individual or family has their own unique challenge whether it is an immediate crisis or a longstanding issue. She provides a non-judgmental, warm, relaxed, and accepting atmosphere for her clients to begin to work on their challenges. Through her experience and compassion she helps to facilitate the process of awareness and change. Heidi is committed to enhancing the well being of all her clients.
Heidi’s approach is unique in that she is able to offer both traditional therapy and equine assisted psychotherapy. Heidi is also the director of Equinteractions LLC. Heidi is a Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and she is a certified instructor through PATH (Path International-Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International). Heidi’s lifelong experience, interest and passion for horses led her to being trained in this area where she sees the benefit for many of her clients.
Past or current clients testimonials about Heidi:
“We had been to several therapist and she refused to talk to any of them. Something about Heidi’s warm, kind presence and maybe the atmosphere. We are so thankful as we feel we now have our daughter back. We can’t say enough about the changes we have seen since she has been seeing Heidi”
– Parent of an adolescent, Bellevue
"I felt sad and alone a lot, even though my family is great. I just could not understand why I felt so low when I had so much going for me. At first I did not want to talk to anyone, but after I met Heidi I was glad to have someone that I could really talk to. I am thankful for her recommendations and life long tools as I feel like myself again, which is a big relief.”
- Teenager, Mercer Island
“Taking your child to a therapist can be a bit intimidating, but when we were referred to Heidi Howard, we were pleasantly surprised. Her environment is so welcoming. With a barn like atmosphere, horses, cats and dogs, the feeling of professional but very relaxed. We found that our daughter was not afraid to see Heidi and actually looked forward to it. It is no secret that horses have been used to help children and adults in therapy and we have been so fortunate to have this part of our program. Heidi has been a blessing to us and our family.”
– Parent of an adolescent, Redmond
"We lost our son tragically. Our whole world fell apart. My daughter shut us out. We did not know where to turn. Our pediatrician gave us Heidi's name. Heidi was amazing, not only was able to help direct us, but was an amazing support to our daughter. She has helped us all begin to heal and provided my daughter with a place she feels comfortable to share and help work through her grief.”
- Parent of an adolescent, Eastside
"My parents made me go to counseling! Of course I planned to dislike Heidi immediately, I did not want to talk with anyone. However, Heidi was different than I expected. I actually ended up really liking her and felt like I learned a lot of things about myself and how to cope with some of my issues. She never seemed to judge me and totally understood me. I have seen other counselors, but she was different, she really seemed to listen to me."
- Adolescent, Sammamish
"I was in a rut. I was not happy with my life. I felt stuck and unsure what to do. One of my friends gave me Heidi's name. I since have decided to get out of a not so good relationship, gone back to school, received a new degree and proudly living independently and happy! I felt supported and challenged with Heidi. I am so glad I made that first appointment."
-Adult, Issaquah
Counseling Services
Individuals (Children/Adolescents/Adults)- Heidi works with individuals with different needs, diverse background and from ages 8 years on up. Several of the most common issues Heidi works with that prompt people to see her for therapy include…….
Couples (Dating, Partnered, Married, Separated)- Heidi works with couples in all stages of their relationships. Some of the areas She has expertise in are……..
Families- Currently much of Heidi’s work with families is around helping parents and teens communicate more effectively, learning to set boundaries as well as psycho education and recovery issues. Some of the areas she often works with are……....Read more.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a respectful, gentle, yet powerful form of experiential therapy. This unique method, combined with a serene natural setting provides a nurturing environment conducive to exceptional progress impersonal……....Read more.