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. 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 Maryland states. I am LGBTQIA+allied, sex-positive, kink-friendly and nurturing to clients within this community. I also help clients navigate open relationships (ENM), polyamory, and non-traditional relationships. **I CAN ONLY SEE CLIENTS WHO ARE IN THE STATES OF DC AND MD AT THE TIME OF THEIR SCHEDULED SESSION. IF YOU ARE IN ANOTHER STATE YOU WILL NEED TO RESCHEDULE ONCE IN DC OR MD.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Client can expect Dr. Howard to listen attentively while they share what lead them to choose Dr. Howard and how she can best help them. The first session can feel a little ackward 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. Dr. Howard will need to ask questions because the assessment helps her gather information about your present, past and future goals for therapy. Talk about what you feel most comfortable. Dr. Howard may lead or prompt you if you need help-please trust the process. She looks forward to serving you so that you learn to show up for yourself and learn how to lead in your therapy, as well as show up in life. Welcome Aboard. Feel free to ask any questions as needed!!

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

Treatment interventions are individualized (selected based on client's presenting concerns and goals for therapy). Clinical approaches include but are not limited to: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. Tools often used in therapy are Journaling, Specified Homework Assignments, Psych-educational Handouts (to read/review) and more.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Abandonment, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Blended Family Issues, Body Image, Chronic Pain Illness and Disability, Co-morbidity, Commitment Issues, Communication Problems, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and Shame, Infidelity, Isolation/Loneliness, Jealousy, Life Purpose, Men's Issues, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic Stress, Prejudice and Discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-Love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Social Anxiety

About Dr. Shannon D. Howard, PsyD, LCPC, LPC, CSOTP