Joan Howard, LMFT
Joan Howard is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice since 1978 in the Westlake/Thousand Oaks community. Her practice includes individual, couples and family therapy as well as group therapy; evolving specialties include women’s issues, stepfamilies, life transitions, coping with illness, geriatric, grief and loss issues and psychological support for patients and caregivers. She is currently involved with research and design of new programs and treatments for brain function impaired by stress, the aging process, anxiety and depression (RecognitioningTherapy).
Education/Training
DEGREES AND HONORS
M.A. in Social Science, Azusa Pacific College, California Family Study Center, Burbank, CA (1978)
B.A. (Cum Laude) Mathematics with Psychology Minor, University of California at Los Angeles, CA (1969)
Academic Honors have included: Phi Beta Kappa, Dean’s List, and Departmental Honors Awards
LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS
California Board of Behavioral Sciences M.F.T. License #12691
State of California Standard Teaching Credential - Life (Major: Mathematics, Minor: Psychology)
POST GRADUATE TRAINING (CONTINUING EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS)
Topics of study and certification have included: Music Therapy and the Brain, Assessment and Treatment Planning for Geriatric Care Management, Weight and Nutritional Management, Diagnosis and Treatment of Eating Disorders, Obesity and Diabetes Treatment Issues, Law and Ethics, Neuroscience and Art Therapy, Couples Counseling, Couple Communications, Clinical Stress Management, Choosing to Age Well, Aging and Long Term Care, Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly, Spirituality and Psychotherapy, Spousal/Partner and Elder Abuse, Child Abuse Certification, Symbolism in Adult Psychology, The Power of Imagery to Heal, HIV and Chemical Dependency, A.D.D.
Bio
She shares her professional and personal life with her husband, psychotherapist Dr. David Howard. Having parented and step-parented three children together, they stay young at heart these days by golfing and hiking.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND AFFILIATIONS
Geriatric Group Therapist, utilizing Recognitioning Therapy, Thousand Oaks and Simi 2005 - Present
Group and Individual Therapist, utilizing Recognitioning Therapy, Verdugo Valley 2006 - Present
Business and Human Resources Consultant, Lithium House, Van Nuys 2002 - 2005
Professional Staff, Charter Hospital of Thousand Oaks 1992 - 1994
National President, Stepfamily Association of America 1986 - 1988
Advisory Board Member, Rape Crisis Center of Ventura County 1985 - 1987
Member, American Board of Arbitration, Family Disputes Panel 1985
Counsel General, Ventura County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats 1985 - 1986
Clinical Member, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists 1984 - 1993
President, California State Division, Stepfamily Association of America 1984 - 1985
Director of Intern Training, The Counseling Center of Thousand Oaks 1983 - 1993
Faculty, Psychology Department, Sierra University, Santa Monica 1983 - 1985
Provider, EAP Services, The Counseling Center of Thousand Oaks 1982 - Present
Founder and President, Ventura County Chapter, Stepfamily Association of America 1980 - 1982
Professional Committee, State Division, Stepfamily Association of America 1980 - 1981
Director and Co-Owner, The Counseling Center of Thousand Oaks 1979 - Present
Private Practice 1978 - Present
Intern-Counselor, California Family Study Center, Burbank 1976 - 1978
Crisis Intervention Counselor, Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women 1974 - 1976
Team Teaching Leader, Curriculum Consultant, Primary Unit, Kids Unlimited, Tarzana 1972 - 1974
E.S.E.A. Title I Math Specialist, Compton Unified School District 1970 - 1972
Mathematics Instructor, Gifted Children’s Association, Los Angeles City College 1970 - 1971
Memberships
Clinical Member, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists 1993 - Present
Hours:Days and eves.
License:mft 12691
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Life Transitions
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Anger Management
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Loneliness
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Marriage Counseling
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Body Image Issues
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Caregiver Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Chronic Illness
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Couples
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Premarital Counseling
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Depression
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Relationship Issues
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Divorce
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Eating Disorders
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Gifted / Talented Issues
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Stress Management
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Grief and Loss
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Trauma and PTSD
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Group Therapy
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Women's Issues
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Life and Wellness Coaching
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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Psychotherapy (MA)
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