Dr. Shannon Howard

Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon Howard, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years.

My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies.

I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move you forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you.

At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients.

*PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE IN EITHER DC OR MD AT THE TIME OF YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT!

**I offer a 10-minute grace period to all clients before logging off of the Zoom platform. If you wish to reschedule, please message me here on Headway.""

Clients would describe my therapy style as authentic, empowering and open-minded. I provide client-centered, integrative counseling designed to honor your lived experience. Whether facing anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, depression, fear, emotional distress, relationship issues, communication struggles, problem-solving, or major life changes, I'm here to help you develop strength, gain clarity, balance, confidence, and ultimately thrive.

My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and enhanced by mindfulness techniques that help address the impact of life's challenges on daily functioning. Together, we work toward goals of personal growth, self-compassion, healing, and overall wellness.

I use a holistic therapy approach, which considers the connection between mind, body, and spirit, while an integrative approach aims to offer treatment, versus just a diagnosis. The goals with this approach are to help empower you, help you develop problem-solving skills, and to help further enhance your existing management skills that promote long term growth.

Each client is unique and receives individualized care. This is the catalyst behind my counseling and coaching methodology.

I enjoy serving diverse communities. Collaborating with women is a passion of mine. Helping them navigate relationships, marriage, children, divorce and coping as a caregiver are areas of unique interest to me. I also enjoy my work with men, especially men in the military, those transitioning from military life to retirement and navigating life thereafter.

As an LGBTQIA+ allied therapist, I provide a safe sex-positive environment, which is kink-friendly and nonjudgmental. I help clients navigate open relationships (ENM), polyamory, and other non-traditional relationships. If you live in these spaces, you deserve a therapist who understands your specific/unique lifestyle dynamics.

Clients can expect me to listen attentively while they share what led them to therapy and how I can be of service. The first session can feel a little awkward at first because it may be your first time talking about yourself, your current place in life and hearing yourself admit that you want things to be better. Despite this awkwardness, we work together as a team.

I will gather information to gain an idea of what you deem are strengths and areas needed for growth. I encourage you to start with what you feel most comfortable and open up more as our therapeutic relationship evolves. I may lead or prompt you if you need help—please be open to the process and express any discomfort if any. I look forward to teaching you how to show up for yourself, and how to lead your daily life.

Therapy is accessible virtually based on your unique needs. Clients often choose to meet with me during lunch, from their car (in a secure location), or even from the privacy of their home closet. Whatever works best for you!

Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get. Many of us are challenged to navigate circumstances beyond our control, which can sometimes result in limited options and a sense of diminished agency. However, it is important to remember that life is shaped by our actions and decisions. Are you happy with life? Are you struggling with the chocolates in your box? I welcome the opportunity to offer new perspectives, which could result in a more fulfilled life experience!

Take a chance to improve your life. Sessions can start the moment you want them to. The time is now. Simply click a time on the sidebar to schedule your first session. Welcome aboard. I am here to help you thrive. Hope to see you soon!