Jamie Howard
LCSW, MSW, MA
I have been involved in psychotherapy, and in related fields—cultural anthropology, sociology, intercultural communication, anti-racism/ anti-sexism training, and Buddhist/mindfulness practice—for several decades. I am passionate about my craft. I take every opportunity to participate in webinars, to read and study about everything from neurobiology, trauma, IFS and EMDR, to self-compassion, Buddhism, meditation and Mindfulness. I am fully embracing the switch to on-line video-conferencing for as long as we need to. While I miss the closeness, and the being tuned-in with my clients, in person, I will not risk your or my safety and everyone around us!
I earned my second master’s degree, an MSW (Master’s of Social Work), at the Smith College of Social Work in Northampton, Massachusetts, and I am licensed in North Carolina as a clinical social worker (LCSW). I have worked with the families of children diagnosed with cancer at Duke University Hospital, with inpatient adults struggling with profound mental illness at Broughton State Hospital, and at Pardee Hospital, and I worked for several years in community mental health here in Asheville. I opened my private practice, and became certified as an EMDR Level II practitioner, in 2009. I have studied and practiced IFS since 2014.
I also feel fortunate to have been educated about not just clinical theories and approaches, but of the significance and effects of power and oppression on people's lives. One of the reasons I chose social work is for social work's explicit engagement and commitment to work for greater justice in the world.
I have strongly embraced IFS for my own life and what I see as a deep spiritual practice. I see spirituality as the practice of both letting go and making deeper connections . Doing IFS, both with clients and with my own inner world, I get a deeper awareness and appreciation of the human condition as well as humility for both the suffering as well as the joys in life. While working with clients involves seeing and relating with compassion to each as a unique individual, I have learned psychotherapy is both an art and a science.
I have traveled, lived, taught, or done research in over 30 countries, including Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Israel, Thailand, Iceland, Italy, and Costa Rica. I feel the breadth of my experience has taught me to accept as valid a wide variety of realities--including what is "mental illness" and what is "normal." I have come to realize that one can learn from the most unlikely people or situations. I think travel also helped me to feel vulnerable and to trust (some) strangers which has taught me to be open with and curious about (most) everyone I meet. I have been studying and informally practicing Mindfulness for about 15 years.
I’m an avid hiker, canoer, photographer, guitarist, and lover of blues, jazz, and world music.