Shannon Strader 

LPC

Sugar Land Office

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in women’s studies, and a teacher certification with the state of Texas. I also have a Master of Arts in professional counseling.

I transitioned from research into both higher education and the public school system in 2000, and then into the classroom as an educator in 2003. I began working at HCCC in January of 2009 as a practicum student and have recently finished my internship with the state of Texas, completing my licensure as a professional counselor.

My special areas of interest include women’s sexual issues (including same sex attraction, infidelity, abuse, disease, post partum depression, addictions, crisis pregnancy and sexual trauma), adoption, blended families and step parenting, grief, adolescent issues, and premarital as well as marital counseling.

I have worked with families and children in and around the greater Houston area since 1996. I have worked on a research grant aimed at helping moms transitioning away from abusive situations.  My earliest experience involved providing parenting skills training and teaching child behavior management. 

I have mostly worked with adults who have been traumatized by the many forms of abuse and addiction in their lives. I hold individual, family, couples, and group sessions.   

I believe our thoughts are a road map to our hearts. I believe true transformational change, which cannot take place apart from Christ, happens from the inside out.  Change is a process that doesn't happen instantly, often our hearts are changed first and our behaviors follow. 

I use a variety of therapeutic methods and techniques along with prayer and devotion to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss. I love working with clients from all spiritual and ethnic backgrounds, and will walk with you wherever you are in your spiritual life. I feel honored to get to know each of my clients and I consider it a blessing to witness their transitional process through counseling.

Although I was born in Rhode Island, I married a Texan who grew up right here in Fort Bend County.  My husband is the worship pastor at River Pointe Church, where we have attended since 2000.  We have been married since 2003, and have three children in our blended family.

I enjoy teaching, leading, and attending Bible study at River Pointe, and I especially have a heart for single moms because I’ve been one and I know how hard it is.