- Anger management skills
- CBT and mindfulness
- Motivational interviewing
About Howard
Howard Acosta is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 24 years of experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addiction, anger, grief, low self-esteem, depression, parenting challenges, and major life changes.
Howard uses straightforward, goal-oriented methods to help people manage strong emotions and recurring patterns. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques. Sessions emphasize practical skills and clearer thinking rather than long theoretical explanations.
People come to him for help with anger that shows up at work or in close relationships, impulsive reactions, and struggles with substance use. He also supports those dealing with adoption and foster care questions, aging and geriatric concerns, veteran issues, and matters related to gender identity and LGBT experiences.
Howard describes his work as collaborative. He helps clients identify unhelpful thinking, notice patterns that fuel anger or anxiety, and try new behaviors between sessions. He also addresses grief, isolation, compulsions, and co-occurring mood or substance issues when those problems are present.
Sessions balance practical problem solving with skills that reduce reactivity, like mindfulness and short behavioral experiments. He encourages steady progress through small steps and clear, measurable goals. For people who want to manage temper, reduce impulsivity, or change how they respond under stress, his approach focuses on what can be practiced and repeated.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Howard commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy in short, practical ways. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce anger and anxiety. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that lower reactivity and help with stress and grief.Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to choose techniques that match their goals, preferences, and the problems they bring. That can mean mixing brief CBT exercises, motivational interviewing questions to boost change, and mindfulness practice between sessions.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins during breaks, and support steady practice of skills at home or work. Many people find remote sessions convenient for maintaining momentum while practicing new ways of responding to anger and stress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he work with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, grief, self-esteem, depression, parenting issues, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is practical and collaborative, focusing on skills practice, behavior changes, and clearer thinking through CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques.
How many years has he been practicing?
He has 24 years of clinical experience as a therapist working in California.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, California LCSW, and practices from California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.