A Welcome Addition to RNBC: Anne Howard, PhD
RNBC is pleased to introduce the newest member of the clinical team; Anne Howard, Ph.D. Dr. Howard is a certified school psychologist and will be licensed as a clinical psychologist this November. “My dual training allows me to assess children through both a clinical and school lens,” says Dr. Howard. “The school is often the first place parents and teachers determine a child is having difficulty, and it’s important to include the school throughout the evaluation and treatment process.” Dr. Howard has a wealth of experience assessing and treating school-based difficulties and working with teachers, staff, and administrators to support children and teens. “One of the things I most appreciate about RNBC is the commitment to education through the ongoing relationships with local schools, as well as the dedicated team of education specialists who provide direct and indirect services to our patients.”
Dr. Howard brings to RNBC her expertise in treating anxiety-based disorders in children and teens. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist, she will be providing services for RNBC’s new Stress and Anxiety Clinic. Dr. Howard uses evidence-based treatment strategies. That is, she applies therapeutic techniques that have been shown to be effective through research and are considered to be on the cutting edge of treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves looking at the ways a child perceives and interprets the world and changing thinking patterns to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve behavior. It also involves changing patterns of behavior and teaching new skills and ways of relating to others.
Dr. Howard’s focus on evidence-based treatment is complimented by her use of creative and expressive forms of therapy, which are especially helpful for resistant, hard-to-reach children and teenagers. It is also a useful approach for gifted children. These highly individualized forms of treatment consider the child’s strengths and weaknesses and are designed to meet the unique developmental needs of each child. For example, using guided storytelling cards or sand tray activities can be invaluable to youth who struggle to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. It can give them a creative outlet for expressing themselves. Dr. Howard explains, “Some children are so anxious about therapy, they can’t benefit from therapy or they have poor verbal skills and have trouble engaging in the therapeutic process. It’s important as a therapist to remain flexible and be prepared to utilize multiple sensory activities instead of relying on traditional talk therapy.”
In addition to conducting neuropsychological assessments, Dr. Howard provides individual and group therapy to youth of all ages. In keeping with the RNBC mission, Dr. Howard’s approach to therapy is strength-based. “It’s wonderful when you can provide a therapeutic environment that builds on a child’s strengths and opportunities to feel successful,” says Dr. Howard. “It is a pleasure to work with the families we serve and I look forward to making a difference in their lives.”
If you are concerned that your child is struggling in school or at home and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Howard, please call RNBC at (847) 933‑9339.