Kaela Howell
she/herLimited Licensed Master's Social Worker (LLMSW)
Coping Skills, Family Conflict, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Women’s Issues, Self Esteem, Relationships
All insurance carriers and plans
Self pay costs
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
I am a dedicated mental health professional with experience in clinical therapy and a passion for social work and community engagement. I received my master’s in social work from Boston University and my bachelor’s in behavioral neuroscience with a studio art minor from Grand Valley State University. I have worked with children and families experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar, borderline personality disorder, autism, and suicidal ideation. My goal is to help others find motivation, build a daily routine, and work on communication skills. I look forward to expanding my practice into art therapy and couples and family therapy.
Specific methods and supporting styles include CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Role Playing, SUD, and other preventative measures. My specialties include CBT and Motivational Interviewing, which include identifying and labeling emotions, basic questions surrounding emotions, wants, needs, and interpretations.
I am committed to lifelong learning, professional development, and collaborative community partnerships that advance mental health and social well-being. My long-term goal is to combine clinical expertise, social work values, and community leadership to help create meaningful, lasting change for individuals, families, and the communities I serve.
"As an aspiring black professional woman, I understand the challenges and barriers that life can bring. I also understand the importance of family, community, and to keep moving forward no matter what."
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
Growing up I didn't always have someone to talk to about my challenges throughout life, and those that were available I found it difficult to connect with. As life continued, I strived to provide an open, safe, and comfortable space to talk with an active and nonjudgmental ear to listen.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I work best with those that want to help, to change, to grow, and to continue living life being the best version of themselves.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
The healing process is not straight and forward progression. There will be times where you may doubt yourself, your capabilities, others, and their capabilities. However, you don't need to have the whole road mapped out, just the next step to move forward.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
Within the first session and beginning states, you will expect a positive, warm greeting with a smile from myself. An introduction from myself, you, and your family. An opportunity to provide some background information, presenting needs and concerns, and providing your expected outcome from receiving therapy.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
I grew up within a Baptist household and church. I went to a Christian school up until high school, where it was Catholic. I grew up within the inner city of Detroit (eastside), then slowly transitioned west and further west until we landed permanently within the suburbs. I have experienced many of life's transitions such as going away to college, identifying as L in LGBTQia+, the passing of grandparents/uncles/relatives close to me, the addition/removal of friends throughout each transition, academic probation, and career growth and development along the way.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I am able to tailor therapy to meet each client's needs by getting to know them. This includes but is not limited to knowing desires, wants, needs, conflicts, and fears. Understanding where clients are now, where they want to be in the future, and helping to bridge the gap in between through various ways. Such as videos, conversations, playing games, toys, career developments, music, family, friends, etc., and helping to understand how it all interacts with one another.
- Years in practice
- 5 years
- Graduating institute
- Boston University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
