Susan Shallcross
LCPC, LPC, MBA, CCTP, CMT-P
President/CEO
202-744-9116
susan@wholeprofessional.com
Susan brings over two decades of executive experience within professional services organizations to her practice at Whole Professional. Her extensive background allows her to deeply understand the pressures of high-paced, demanding work environments and the resulting impact on mental health. In a world marked by unprecedented daily stressors, Susan advocates for a comprehensive approach to wellness—one that treats the “whole professional” and fosters balance in all aspects of life.
A Philosophy Centered on Holistic Wellness
Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, especially as modern challenges often trigger unresolved issues from our past. Susan’s philosophy embraces a holistic view of wellness, integrating professional success with self-worth, spirituality, emotional awareness, coping and problem-solving skills, healthy relationships, and other elements essential to a balanced life. Her goal is to support clients in nurturing all facets of their well-being, not just their professional achievements.
Expertise
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Susan specializes in helping individuals navigate trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. She recognizes that both “little t” traumas—everyday challenges—and “big T” traumas—life-changing events—can disrupt daily functioning and relationships. Her trauma-informed approach leverages Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) techniques and mindfulness training, including a 300-hour, trauma-informed certification from the Engaged Mindfulness Institute. Susan is a certified mindfulness teacher at the professional level, accredited by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association.
Education and Professional Achievements
Susan earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, graduating summa cum laude. Her clinical internship was completed at Kolmac Intensive Outpatient Services, a pioneer in substance abuse rehabilitation and addiction counseling. At Kolmac, she distinguished herself by developing a Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention program and creating custom Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) initiatives for substance abuse and addictive behaviors. She later served as the lead clinician at Kolmac’s Annapolis office.
Before launching Whole Professional, Susan built a career in the high-pressure environments of Washington politics and “Big Law.” She holds an MBA from the University of Maryland (magna cum laude) and a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Florida, where she majored in English and History and minored in Political Science. Susan is licensed to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Raised in a military family, Susan frequently works with First Responders, active Military personnel, and Veterans, holding a certification in Veteran and Military Mental Health. She also applies her love of horses to therapy, being certified in equine-assisted therapy. In her personal life, she is active in animal rescue and regularly engages in horseback riding.
Beyond her clinical work, Susan is passionate about understanding individual and collective histories. She is actively involved in historic preservation efforts, believing that our past shapes our present and future. Her commitment to community and personal growth is evident in all aspects of her life and professional practice.
Susan’s integrative, trauma-informed approach, paired with her executive experience and commitment to holistic wellness, makes her a trusted counselor and advocate for professionals seeking a balanced and fulfilling life. Whether working with individuals facing addiction, trauma, or the everyday demands of modern life, Susan’s practice at Whole Professional is guided by compassion, expertise, and a belief in the transformative power of understanding and healing.
Education
MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Northwestern University
Magna cum laude
MBA, Management
University of Maryland
Summa cum laude
BA, English/History (double major)/Political Science (minor)
University of Florida
Certifications
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
EMDR
Essentials of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Beck Institute
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Steven Hayes Institute
Mindfulness Teacher – Professional
Engaged Mindfulness Institute
International Mindfulness Teacher Association
Veteran and Military Mental Health
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Black Belt Lean Six Sigma
Aveta Institute