Meet, Shamika!

Shamika Howard, LCSWA

Mental Wellness Therapist

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

Meet Shamika

Shamika Howard, MSW, LCSWA is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate with over 20 years of experience in mental health, advocacy, and social work. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Shamika is a Resident Therapist dedicated to fostering meaningful change and empowering her clients to overcome life’s challenges.

Shamika earned her master’s degree in social work from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and her bachelor’s degree in social work from Mars Hill University. Her professional journey began as an interim Direct Support Professional, where she provided essential support to individuals living with mental health as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this role, she developed expertise in daily living assistance, conflict resolution, advocacy, and fostering independence within community and home settings.

Her career expanded during her tenure as a Resource Advocate for The Arc of North Carolina, where she empowered individuals and families to navigate systemic challenges such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Child and Family Team processes. This role deepened her commitment to supporting those with IDD and inspired her to pursue advanced education. While working full-time, Shamika completed her social work degree through Mars Hill University’s Adult and Graduate Studies program, demonstrating her dedication to professional and personal growth.

Shamika’s diverse professional experiences include working with a Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), where she refined her skills in motivational interviewing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic problem-solving. These experiences have equipped her with a holistic understanding of mental health service systems and the tools to build strong professional and therapeutic relationships.

Specializing in a strengths-based approach, Shamika empowers clients by identifying and amplifying their inherent resilience. She is particularly passionate about providing culturally responsive care to Black women, addressing the unique mental health needs shaped by their lived experiences. By incorporating Person-Centered Therapy into her practice, Shamika ensures that her clients’ goals and perspectives remain at the forefront of the therapeutic process.

Committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment, Shamika helps clients explore challenges, reclaim their narratives, and achieve personal growth. Her holistic and compassionate approach emphasizes healing, resilience, and self-actualization, equipping clients with the tools they need to navigate life’s complexities and thrive.

Q&A with Shamika

  • My approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and a person-centered lens to support your healing. Together, we’ll explore how your thoughts impact your emotions and behaviors, build present-moment awareness, and center your unique experiences, strengths, and goals every step of the way.

  • My approach is grounded in trauma-informed care, blending mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and a person-centered focus. I create a safe, supportive space where we can explore how your thoughts, emotions, and past experiences shape your present—while centering your strengths, values, and goals throughout the healing process.

  • I take a holistic, bio-psycho-social approach—assessing each part of an individual’s life, to ensure care is comprehensive and aligned with their unique needs.

  • Clients can expect a setting without judgment, where their voices are heard and respected as well as authenticity. Client's can expect confidentiality and to be given home activities to increase practice engagement with necessary skills.

  • I engage clients through active listening, empathy, and trust-building—eliminating distractions and interruptions to ensure they feel fully seen and heard. I use open-ended questions to gently explore the concerns that brought them to therapy and to better understand their unique experience.

  • I work collaboratively with clients to set clear, realistic goals and encourage their input every step of the way. I may offer homework activities to strengthen and build on skills between sessions, while also creating space for error and showing appreciation.

  • I use evidence-based practices that are culturally sensitive and relevant, while honoring each client’s unique background. When appropriate, I incorporate their family, community, traditions, and faith into the therapeutic process to support healing in a way that feels authentic and connected.

  • As a therapist I would write a reasonable accommodation letter if requested by clients based upon their need to do their job. I also incorporate Person-Centered practices therefore I'd engage with my clients based upon their specific request needs.

  • My goal is to support clients in achieving the outcomes that matter most to them. I take a client-led approach, ensuring that their values, priorities, and definitions of success guide our work together.

  • I genuinely care and have a deep interest in helping to support you live the best care free life of your choosing. I will be one of your greatest cheerleaders during our time together. Through authentic, meaningful conversations, and the use of evidenced-based interventions you will live a successful life if you stay the course.

Ready to connect with Shamika?