Healing the misunderstood in a world full of misunderstanding.
.
Dotti Howe, LMHC-D, RPT™
Healing the misunderstood in a world full of misunderstanding.
.
Dotti Howe, LMHC-D, RPT™
Neurodiversity Play Therapy & Psychosis
Licensed in NY, VT, FL, SC, MA, DE, and CT
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Play Therapy
Sandtray Therapy
Expressive Art
EMDR Therapy
ESA Letters
Mediation
Parent/Guardian Support
Workplace Conflict Resolution
Diagnostic Assessments
Educational Consulting
Clinical Supervision
As a clinician and researcher committed to social justice, I am deeply aware of the inequities that marginalized individuals face in their daily lives and within institutional systems that often perpetuate harm. My work is rooted in empathy, intersectionality, and cultural humility, guided by the belief that healing begins when individuals are seen, valued, and heard. I approach therapy through a trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming lens, understanding how power dynamics, historical trauma, and systemic bias can shape the mental health and educational outcomes of those I serve. My practice fosters a space for safety, authenticity, and connection, empowering children, adolescents, and families to discover their voices and cultivate resilience.
Beyond my clinical and research work, I am a lifelong cat lover and farmer whose passion for animals began early in life. My background includes years of experience in the veterinary field, animal rescue, and TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs, where I collaborated on community spay/neuter initiatives to improve animal welfare. Today, I live on our family farm, where I continue to welcome and care for animals that have experienced hardship, providing them with a safe and loving home. Working the land and caring for animals offers a profound sense of balance and holistic healing that continues to shape my daily life and values.
A wide range of lived experiences has shaped my personal and professional journey. As an adoptee, I developed a deep appreciation for identity, belonging, and the nuanced complexities of attachment. My service in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Korea and multiple domestic assignments, broadened my worldview and deepened my commitment to service. Having navigated my own recovery from addiction, I bring compassion, authenticity, and insight to helping others through their own healing processes. As a parent advocating within the school system for safety, equity, and special education services, I became further motivated to challenge inequities that too often silence children who are misunderstood.
Education & Certifications
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University - Focus on marginalized families and attachment disruption
B.A. Psychology, SUNY Oneonta - Focus on women's and men's issues and social psychological theories affecting children in education settings
Doctor of Psychology, California Southern University - Focus on neurodevelopmental diagnoses and assessment
Dissertation - Zero Tolerance Polices' impact on marginalized students in K-12 academic settings
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (New York), #009862 D - Diagnostic Privilege
Registered Play Therapist #T-6917
Trained in:
AutPlay Therapy, Gestalt Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy
Certified EMDR Therapist
Completed Basic Training
Completed EMDR Certification
EMDRIA APPROVED
30 years of Educational Advocacy
The Misunderstood & Misdiagnosed
Autism/SM, HSP, PDA, 2E
ADHD
LGBTQIAP+
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Substance-Use/Abuse
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia
Adoption
Bipolar
Treatment Resistance
Veterans/Civilian Contractors
Learning Disabilities
PANS/PANDAS
Psychosis & Schizophrenia
Let's connect to explore ways to get you on a safe and supportive path.
Text: (607) 242-7374
Email: theplayfultherapist2@gmail.com