LGBT therapists in Columbia, MD

I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a primary care background. I graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. My focus areas are adults and geriatric patients.

With over 30 years of experience as a psychologist, I bring deep understanding, compassion, and a relational approach to my work. As a former Director of a university counseling center and an adjunct faculty member in psychology for over 15 years, I’m passionate about supporting growth, resilience, and self-discovery, especially during times of transition.

My approach is warm, affirming, and culturally sensitive. I value the unique experiences each person brings and work to create a safe, collaborative space for reflection and healing. Outside of my professional life, I’m a mother of two grown daughters, and I draw on both my personal and professional experiences to inform a caring and authentic therapeutic style.

Whether you are struggling with the far-reaching impact of past trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other ongoing health issue or simply wanting to invest in a bit of self-exploration and growth, I am so glad that you have begun your search for the best facilitator in that journey. I believe in meeting people where they are and allowing you to set your own pace for healing. I look forward to assisting on your healing journey in any way that I can.

Dr. Shannon Howard is a highly sought-after professional counselor and CEO of SinClair McCoy, LLC. She serves as a sexual relationship specialist who focuses on assisting women and men with healing from childhood trauma surrounding sexual abuse.

Dr. Howard is also a a practitioner who focuses on the mental health care needs of first responders, law enforcement, healthcare workers, and government personnel.

Her extensive educational background consists of dual degrees in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology with a focus on Philosophy and Women’s Studies. She also possesses specialized training in trauma relating to the treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault.

She believes that every client is unique in their way and that each person’s story is different. This is the catalyst behind her coaching methodology. Using targeted strategies and personalized coaching approaches, she works with couples and individuals to help them transition from victim to victor.

Dr. Howard helps clients face their past trauma by uncovering and resolving the root issue, assessing desired outcomes, and implementing a plan of action that leads them toward living a more optimal life experience.

She is the author under the alias Sinclair McCoy of The Alternative book trilogy. She speaks nationally to the masses on a variety of topics including:

-Life After Sexual Abuse

-Finding Your Sexy After Sexual Abuse

-Regaining Your Body Trust

She is the owner of a private practice AND co-owner/ managing partner of a group practice in Maryland. She has been in the counseling field since 2002 and is passionate to serve a variety of clientele.

Her clients are located in the D. C. and MD states.

My intention is to provide a judgment-free space where we can talk about what is going on and collaborate to move forwards in the best way possible. I am flexible in my approach to counseling, and I tailor my counseling style based on the needs of each person I work with. I enjoy working with a wide range of clients (age, gender, concerns, etc.) and I am passionate about what I do. I am into fitness and healthy lifestyle, and I support my clients with creating their own foundation of wellness.