Meet Dr. Desiree

Making it Safer for Sensitive Women to Thrive is My Life’s Mission

Smiling Dr. Desiree Howell with long hair and red lipstick, wearing colorful earrings, stands by a tree trunk in a park with a pond in the background.

Hi there,

I’m Desiree (she/her), a proud INFJ, Aries sun/moon and Libra rising, pagan, and neurodivergent/highly-sensitive person (ND/HSP). I’m obsessed with travel because I love learning about cultures, eating tasty food, and enjoying new experiences!

When I’m not planning my next adventure, I love swimming (more like gently floating), bike riding, pulling oracle or tarot cards, playing cozy video games, and reading historical fiction. I also enjoy hanging out with my partner, two sons, and three cats!

My life’s work is helping women, and all highly-sensitive adults, transform pain into power. I’m passionate about social justice, healthy relationships, and everyone having the resources to build a life that works for them. The world is a better place when more people feel loved, safe, and fulfilled.

After my own experiences with burnout, people-pleasing, and perfectionism, I realized that playing “by the rules” left me overwhelmed, disappointed and living a life out of alignment with my needs and personal values. A few wake up calls later (autoimmune/thyroid issues, should I get divorced?), and I was ready to take some big leaps into healing and recalibrating my life.

As a trauma survivor and generational cycle-breaker myself, I have committed to doing my own work to heal, grow, and thrive. Integrity is everything to me so I work hard to practice what I preach and model doing the hard things I encourage others to do. I know I cannot lead you on your journey further or deeper than I have been willing to go on my own. I would be honored to be your guide on your healing journey.

I am now able to see clients in New York, Iowa, and all PsyPact states (including GA, FL, PA, and more).

My Guiding Values

  • Integrity

    Safety is created through consistency, reliability, and honesty. Actions speak louder than words so I strive to mean what I say and say what I mean.

  • Social Justice

    Therapy is political & cannot be considered without the greater historical & environmental context of society. Oppression, privilege, what is considered "normal," & access to resources are all impacted by the intersectionality of our identities & where we live & work. I am committed to a lifelong journey of fostering internal & external awareness, knowledge, skill, and advocacy so I may create safety & work toward greater equity.

  • Collaboration

    Power dynamics within the therapeutic relationship as well as society at large matter. We cannot ignore the systemic and environmental contexts in which we all live. I respect and honor your expertise on yourself and your world. I am here as a guide to help you heal, not as an expert to "fix." Collaborative and empowering are my most authentic ways to work with others.

  • Growth

    I know I can only take you as far and as deep as I have gone myself. I am committed to my own ongoing growth & development which increases my capacity to show up fully for you.

  • Curiosity

    Live and let live. Replacing judgemental views & blame with curiosity & giving the benefit of the doubt is a kinder and more effective way to explore the whys, hows, & unknowns.

  • Authenticity

    Transparency feels respectful, collaborative, & caring. I provide honest feedback and will let you know my perspective.

Dr. Desiree Howell in graduation regalia holding her baby and standing next to her child, both in red shirts, outdoors next to a brick wall.

Credentials & Trainings

  • Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University

    • Emphasis area: Couple & Family therapy

    • Dissertation: Life Satisfaction of College Student-Mothers

  • Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania, Georgia, New York, & Iowa and able to see clients in all PsyPact states

  • Certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator (pre-marital couples assessment)

  • Safe Zone facilitator (LGBTQ ally training)

  • EMDR trained

Transforming Pain into Power