Shawn V. MacDonald, Ph.D.

Please read this review! Dr. MacDonald has been amazing in her work with me, including my alters. I am so sorry that some of those alters have posted bad reviews. I know they are mine, I have seen similar things written in my journals or other things around my house. I found Dr. MacDonald because part of me wanted to transition, but not all of me is transgender. Dr. MacDonald caught that it was not all of me and has worked to get all of my parts working together rather than against each other. I would change those reviews but I can't find the log in information and I am so sorry. When I talked with Dr. MacDonald she said not to worry about it and that I really didn't need to post this apology. But I feel so bad and she has been so warm and caring and understanding. I have trouble believing that she is not mad at me for posting those reviews, but she really doesn't seem to be. She just says that this is the risk she takes in working with people who have really difficult trauma backgrounds like I do.
Dec 15th, 2019

As a queer & trans person, I have had the good fortune to know & work with Dr MacDonald for the last 8 years. She is more than competent & caring, and is well versed in the needs of LGBTQ folks. I know her advocacy against conversion therapy first hand. A common anti-LGBTQ strategy these days is to target our allies and leave untrue negative reviews.
Apr 22nd, 2019

I know Shawn personally and she's amazing. Caring, helpful, and friendly. Would definitely see her as a therapist if I were anywhere near Bethesda.
Mar 8th, 2019

Hi, I was referred to you by a psychotherapist in Bethesda, as I was looking for an excellent therapist with experience with patients who have suffered with gender problems. I see from your reviews that almost all of your patients are not happy with you. I am glad I did some digging before making an appointment.
Nov 2nd, 2018

I went to this therapist a couple years ago, and I am just writing a review now because I felt the need to warn other people. I sincerely hope she has changed her methods. Shawn MacDonald is not a trans-affirming therapist. She will withold information from you in terms of medical transition and will make unnecessary comments about your presentation and body. Projecting her own interpretation of your gender onto you is apparently something shes very comfortable with doing. Her general disposition is insensitive and cold. Reassurances and creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere are not high on her list of priorities. I left most of her sessions crying and feeling worse than before. She often blamed me for things that went wrong in my life that were completely out of my control. I would not recommend her.
Sep 18th, 2018