Hello! My name is Shannon Howard and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-MH at Ensō Mental Health. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado in 2009 and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Washington in 1999.

I specialize in working with teenagers and adults on many issues including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship issues to name a few.

My passion is working with women who have been through some type of trauma and are experiencing difficulty functioning in the present moment.

I also have experience helping people who are, or have been, in narcissistic abusive relationships and are struggling to understand and deal with why they are feeling the way that they are. If you are ready to begin to heal from past trauma, learn how to set healthy boundaries for yourself, manage symptoms from numerous mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, or deal with difficult life transitions I would love to help you meet the goals you have for your life.

I employ a wide range of skills, but I truly believe that the foundation of therapy is based on a solid therapeutic relationship. I work hard to provide a safe place that is free of judgement to help you feel comfortable as you take this step.

I have been intensively trained in DBT, which focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. I am also trained in EMDR, which is specifically designed and shown to be very effective in helping people heal from past trauma.

I have worked in various fields since earning my degree including work with autistic children, the foster care system, in community mental health since 2009 before starting at Ensō Mental Health in 2021.

I am originally from South Dakota. I moved to Washington to earn my Bachelor’s degree and then Colorado where I lived for fourteen years. I have one daughter, and when she was ready to go to school I decided to move back to South Dakota to be near family and raise her in the same small town community that I was lucky to grow up in.

I am excited to meet you where you are and assist in your journey in whatever way I can. I believe therapy can be an amazing tool in helping create the life that you deserve to have.