Grief counselors and therapists in Maryland

Hi there, I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with several years of experience supporting individuals through emotional healing, self-discovery, and meaningful life transitions. My background includes working in both clinical and community-based settings, where I’ve supported adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life changes.

In addition to my clinical work, I am also a special education paraprofessional in the Montgomery County Public School system, where I have experience working with elementary- and adolescent-aged students. This role has deepened my understanding of child and adolescent development, learning differences, emotional regulation, and the unique challenges young people and their families often face.

I take a compassionate, relational, and culturally responsive approach to therapy. I integrate evidence-based practices with mindfulness, insight-oriented work, and practical coping tools, always tailoring treatment to each client’s unique history and goals. I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and human, not clinical or judgmental.

As a therapist, I value honesty, warmth, and emotional depth. I work best with clients who want to better understand themselves, strengthen boundaries, heal old wounds, and build healthier relationships with others and with themselves. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and aligned in your life.

I am dual-certified in Adult–Gerontology Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health, which means I care for both your physical and emotional well-being in one place. Many patients come in feeling like they’ve been passed around between providers—my goal is to simplify that experience and provide clear, coordinated, and comprehensive care.

I take a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to every visit. I listen closely, ask the right questions, and make sure you fully understand your health and your options. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, navigating stress or anxiety, dealing with hormonal changes, or working toward weight and wellness goals, we will create a plan that is realistic, personalized, and sustainable.

Through my work at Meldic Health Clinic, I focus on building a space where patients feel heard, respected, and supported without judgment. Your concerns are taken seriously, and your care is never rushed.

Are you navigating anxiety, depression, or the challenges of recovery? You don't have to face it alone. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, I specialize in supporting adults who are ready to do meaningful work — at whatever stage of life or recovery they're in.

I bring several years of specialized experience supporting adults in recovery, and a background in equine-assisted psychotherapy that informs my understanding of emotional connection, healing, and growth in ways that go beyond the traditional therapy room. Whether you're working through life transitions, struggling with anxiety or depression, or building a life in recovery, I focus on helping you develop practical coping skills, deeper self-awareness, and lasting resilience.

Welcome! You've landed in the right place if you are a woman navigating life's transitions - becoming a mother, stepping into a new career, adjusting to a shifting sense of self, or carrying anxiety or depression that feels too heavy to hold alone. My passion and specialization is in working with women in every season of life, with a particular heart for perinatal depression and anxiety, the emotional weight of new motherhood, and the unique pressures women face as they grow in their careers. Whether your anxiety feels like a quiet hum or an overwhelming roar, you deserve real, compassionate support.

I am trained as a clinical social worker. I consider my patients in the context of their family, social and cultural background. I work with adults of all ages.

Welcome! I am so glad you are here. I have spent the last 30 years working as a full-time therapist, and it is truly my passion to help people find healing and balance in their lives. Throughout my career, I have worked with people from all walks of life, including individuals, couples, and families. My goal is to help you find more joy and fulfillment in your daily life. Together, we’ll work on building stronger connections and better communication in your relationships, while clearing away the old patterns or wounds that hold you back. Ultimately, I am here to support you in rediscovering your unique gifts and living a life that feels truly authentic to who you are.

I am a professional and person who is confident that you can have more confidence and contentment. As a trained psychotherapist clinician with 9.5 years experience, I counsel adults with concerns ranging from depression and anxiety to conflict, religious abuse, and marital and identity issues. My education from Hood College with a includes a specialized focus in grief and bereavement counseling. I welcome clients of ALL cultures, belief systems, races, and backgrounds.

Clients who seek counseling may feel overwhelmed, stressed out, frustrated and anxious. My warm, compassionate demeanor coupled with a straightforward approach creates a supportive environment in which clients learn skills and receive guidance to become more engaged in their lives.

I also understand that the workplace can be rewarding, but also challenging, impacting a person’s happiness. Client’s leave therapy with coping strategies, helpful problem-solving abilities, and hope for the future.

Thanks for being here; I’m really glad you found your way. I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, self-esteem, spirituality, coping skills, and women’s issues. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or trying to make sense of a new season of life, you don’t have to do it alone.

I’m committed to helping you build on your existing strengths to live your best possible life. My style is warm, patient, nurturing, and direct when needed, creating a space where you can feel safe being honest about what you’re going through. I know opening up can be hard, and I truly value creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.

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.""