Hi! I’m Dr. P.
Shauna Pollard, PhD. Certified high-achiever. ADHDer. Lover of books and music. Daughter of Black American & Caribbean parents. Well-traveled Auntie.
I help professionals who are passionate about their careers feel more productive, motivated, and at ease.
My clients are driven by their desire to make an impact on the world, but somehow they’ve run into barriers that are interfering with their ability to operate from a place of excellence. I’m here to help.
I’ve always been passionate about helping others feel understood and valued for being their authentic selves. I have found that people cannot often be categorized into a simple diagnosis. We are the products of our environments, the challenges that we have
experienced, the people who nurtured us (and those who did not), the connections that we’ve built over time, our spirituality or religious experiences, and our unique biological wiring.
And as a neurodivergent Black woman, I know just how important it is to find a therapist who gets where you’re coming from. Things like race, class, gender, and ability greatly shape our experiences with mental health (and life in general!), so I want our sessions to be a space where you feel comfortable exploring those intersections.
In my work, I integrate a variety of approaches depending on what my client needs. Generally, I aim to collaborate with you and emphasize your strengths, even as I support you in working on what’s holding you back. I think true, lasting change comes from making changes across your life — in your thoughts, your actions, and your personal relationships. So my goal is to challenge the thoughts and actions that aren’t serving you anymore, improve the quality of your relationships, and help you quiet that inner critic and live in the moment. To put this all into technical words: My approach is person-centered and strengths-based and incorporates parts of cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness.
My background as a researcher is the foundation for how I work as a therapist. It’s been 20 years since I began my journey through the field of psychology, and it’s taken me down some interesting paths:
- Biomedical research in Guatemala to explore the effects of nutrition on
high blood pressure - Studying factors to support Black students in STEM
- Analyzing how race shapes people’s experiences with depression
- Advanced training in ADHD, mindfulness, & integrative health interventions
- Running a BIPOC consultation group for ADHD clinicians
My range of experiences gives me a unique understanding of the way that culture and our surroundings impact our personal actions and life choices.
I believe that inside each of us is the capacity for change, and I’m committed to helping you see that change.
If you are interested in working with Dr. Pollard around professional or clinical consultation, please contact her office via email at admin@drspllc.com
Making Guac with Dr. P
While I was in Guatemala doing research, I learned how easy it is to make good guacamole. The secret is it’s all in the avocado you choose!
The best way to get a good avocado is to buy an unripe one (green & firm) at the store, and let it ripen at home in a paper bag. If you’re in a rush you can also throw an apple or banana into the bag as these fruits release an ethylene gas which speeds the ripening process. Check the avocado daily for ripeness. Once it has a little give when you squeeze it, that’s when you know you’re ready to make guacamole!
Ingredients:
- 2 avocados
- 1 small tomato, diced
- ¼ cup diced white or red onion
- ½ – 1 lime, juiced
- ½ – 1 teaspoon salt (season to taste)
Optional:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked or regular paprika
- ¼ tsp cumin
To make:
Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency (chunky or smooth). Then stir in the diced onion and tomatoes. Add jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, and/or seasonings if you want that extra kick. Finally, add the lime juice and then salt to taste.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste. For a spicier guacamole, add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. This recipe is a great starting point. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with additional ingredients like cumin or diced mango for a twist!
To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of your guacamole before storing it.
If you are interested in working with Dr. Pollard around professional or clinical consultation, please contact her office via email at admin@drspllc.com
Licensure & Certifications
- Licensure: Georgia Psychologist #PSY003858 and Maryland Psychologist #05669
- PSYPACT E. Passport: Mobility Certification #6576
- Teletherapy in 40+ States: AZ, AR, AL, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, NJ, NV, NH, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY, & WV.
Education & Training
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Evidence-Based Treatment, Memphis VA Medical Center
- Ph.D. in Human Services Psychology (Clinical-Community), University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- B.A. in Psychology, Emory University
- Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Burnout Retreat
- Supporting Black Men’s Mental Health Through a Culturally Responsive
Approach - Neurodiversity Affirming Understanding and Care for ADHD
- Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals
- Mental Health With Elite Performers
- Gender-Affirming Telepsychology During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
- BIPOC Brainspotting Phase 1
- Turning Intentions into Actions: CBT for Adult ADHD
