LGBT therapists in Laurel, MD

Hello, my name is DJ and my pronouns are they/them. I am a professional counselor licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, providing talk therapy and psychedelic integration therapy. I primarily address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions, often with clients who are LGBTQIAA+, polyamorous/ethically non-monogamous, and/or into kink/BDSM.

Hi! As a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I'm incredibly proud to say that I've worked in multiple settings with people from diverse backgrounds. I've most often worked with African-American men and women, Veterans, individuals suffering from depression, trauma, stress, relationship dysfunction, and substance abuse. Regardless of the issue, the initial question has always been the same: "How can I help this person navigate their world, and become the best version of themselves in the process?"

Welcome. I am glad you are here taking the first step in helping yourself. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with more than 13 years of experience providing counseling to individuals, couples, and families. I enjoy working with adults, couples, children, adolescents, and families who are ready for change, need support during difficult times, or looking for someone to talk with for peace of mind.

I believe that meaningful change happens through connection, trust, and collaboration. As a therapist, I see us as partners in the therapeutic process—working together to better understand your experiences, build on your strengths, and create lasting change. I am deeply committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each person's unique story, values, and identity. I truly love the work of psychotherapy and consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they heal, grow, and move toward the life they want to live.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to make that first step feel a little easier. I approach my work with warmth, compassion, and genuine curiosity about each person’s story. I support clients in gently unpacking the thoughts and experiences that may be contributing to anxiety and depression, while offering empathy and practical tools along the way. You don’t have to navigate this alone—we’ll work through it together.

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.""

I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Master of Science in Health Service Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. My education and professional experience in mental health, health care, and nutrition offer a depth and breadth of experience that enables me to view the whole person holistically.