Margaret Howard, MFA, LCSW
Bio

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Missouri practicing clinical social work/psychotherapy. I also hold a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Poetry.

I am also an organic gardener, musician, writer, dog lover, yogini, kayaker, mother of two and grandmother of four. 

It is my belief that my own experience with trauma and adversity positively informs and enhances my work. I believe that we can survive  to serve and heal. There is no need to pretend we are perfect or have lived perfectly sheltered lives. Further, I believe that at the core of every human being there exists the True Self, that the True Self is connected to all consciousness, and is untouchable, undamagable. It is my hope to help you find the core of your being, your True Self. Please see the Home page for more about how I do that, and also the SE, EMDR, and Depth pages.

I was born in Illinois, and have lived in Germany, Sweden, Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and California. I've traveled to most of the 50 US states, Mexico, and Europe and Eurasia. Never enough, though. Would that I could travel as much as I'd like to! :)

My studies outside of formal education include five years working with a Lakota Medicine Man, several years working on and off with a spiritual descendant of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, study of Tibetan Buddhism, Jungian-influenced dream work, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, yoga, as well as history, social justice, and as a hobby various sciences and literatures. My current orientation is toward Earth-based spirituality. My practice is intentionally open and inclusive of all religions.

"Our true nature is like a precious jewel: although it may be temporarily buried in mud, it remains completely brilliant and unaffected. We simply have to uncover it." ~ Pema Chodron

Formal Education
Master of Social Work, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, 2011
Master of Fine Arts in Poetry, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2000
Bachelor of Science, University Studies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1994
Post-Graduate Trainings:
Somatic Experiencing (SE), One Year
EMDR
Various Jungian Workshops and Trainings
Training in Mental Health Work with Veterans
Various Trainings in General Mental Health

Professional Memberships
Jung Society of St. Louis
The Breathe Network
National Association of Social Workers
SE™ Trauma Institute
National Survivor Network
Huffington Post Blogger
Member of the Board, Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition (Former)

Presentation in Astana, Kazakhstan in September, 2014, to government ministers, the US Embassy, the OSCE, NGOs and others, on the subject of provision of services to victims and survivors of human trafficking.

I have in the past done education and consultation in the area of human trafficking intervention, which was my area of focus for my MSW degree. My work in that area is no longer in the realm of public speaking, but in private consulting.

And to demonstrate that fitting into tiny boxes is not what I'm about: I am a U.S. Army veteran, a private pilot, and not so long ago wrote manuals instructing aviation mechanics how to disassemble and assemble jet aircraft. So there you go. :)

I believe that humans are by nature diverse, and that this diversity is a joy! I do not believe that our mission in life is to "fit in." I believe it is to become who we really are, and that part of that journey is the cultivation of compassion, first and foremost for ourselves. 

Thank you for visiting. Feel free to email or call me today!

~ Margaret