Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Howard
Howard Malpass is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Supervisor (LPC-S), and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) who has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Howard's initial 5 years of counseling were as a substance abuse counselor in the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the military, he worked within the substance use disorder and behavioral health fields as a counselor and clinical supervisor. Howard has worked with adolescents in a children's home environment (using mainly experiential therapy); worked with individuals, couples, and families; led Women's Intensive Outpatient AOD groups, multi-family groups, Life Skills groups, Mens' Sexual Addiction groups (in a Christian setting), aftercare groups, and many more.
Howard completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling at Webster University. He is trained in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational behavior therapy, family systems therapy, experiential therapy, person-centered therapy, modified-interpersonal group therapy, and more. Howard utilizes a strength-based perspective, collaborating with clients to find out what works best for them, allowing them to decide how they want to proceed, and supporting them in the process. All of his clients are ideal clients because he realizes that we are all humans with issues and needs. Howard is willing to work with any client with any need, but realizes his limitations and refers clients elsewhere before attempting to counsel them outside of his clinical experience.
Howard operates from a holistic perspective, recognizing that there is more to a person than just mental, emotional, and physical components. He also understands that behaviors are forms of communication and symptoms of deeper, underlying issues. Howard’s ability to use experiential techniques creates a unique environment that enables clients to engage in more than just "talk" therapy to help get to the "root" of those issues, so that they can learn and practice new life skills to assist them in their personal growth and healing. His use of motivational interviewing integrated with different therapeutic approaches, enhances the therapeutic relationship process, helping clients to move forward faster as they feel more invested in the process.
Howard seeks to meet clients where they are at and walk with them to assist with navigating through the ups and downs of their life journey. We all struggle at times as we journey through life. Our struggles often tend to isolate us from those who love and care about us, leading us into deeper levels of isolation and despair. Counseling can help to restore our sense of self and our supportive relationships. It reminds us that we are not alone and have intrinsic value that contributes to our wholeness, as well as the wholeness of society. Howard’s hope and desire is to be one of the links that reconnect you to your whole self and those you need in your life to support you in being the best "you" you can be. You are worth it!
Get to know Howard
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I became interested in counseling while working with a church youth group and realizing all of the struggles the teens were having, so I took an opportunity to apply for a counseling program and was accepted.
What types of clients do you work with best?
Adolescents, adults, couples, families
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I enjoy working with challenging clients because that challenges me to gain a better understanding of what their needs are and how to motivate them to move forward in life.
What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?
We're all broken in one way or another, but we all have strengths to work with. We need each other.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I had a friend who works with Thriveworks and she loves it, so I decided to check the company out and liked what I saw. I appreciate their support for their clinicians and the importance of communication.
What inspires you?
Adventure, I'm an adrenaline junkie. I have a passion to help others enjoy life and be the best "them" that they can be.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
A non-judgmental, accepting listening ear.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
My goal for the first session is to get them "hooked" by knowing they are worth taking care of themselves, so that they want to come back for more.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge from over 30 years in the field and enjoy incorporating experiential therapy into their counseling instead of just talk therapy.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I love the outdoors and enjoy fishing, snow skiing, white water rafting, & even just being out in nature doing nothing.
What’s one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I am a compassionate Christian who sees each individual as someone of value, someone that I can learn from as well them learning from me.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 31 years
- Graduating institute
- Webster University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Arts in Counseling
