Family therapy and counseling in District of Columbia

I believe therapy works best when people feel genuinely seen, understood, and accepted. I strive to create a warm, thoughtful, and collaborative space where clients can bring all parts of themselves without fear of judgment. My style is compassionate, curious, and relational, I pay close attention not only to what is happening in your life, but also to how your emotional experiences have been shaped over time and how they live in the body, relationships, and inner world.

I work especially well with individuals navigating identity, belonging, life transitions, relational struggles, existential questions, and the impact of cultural or intergenerational experiences. As someone deeply attuned to the experiences of first-generation and immigrant communities, I understand how culture, family expectations, and systems can shape emotional life in complex ways.

I see therapy as a partnership. Rather than positioning myself as someone who has all the answers, I aim to walk alongside clients with honesty, care, and curiosity as we make sense of patterns, emotions, and experiences together.

Life can feel heavy when anxiety, stress, or family tension pile up and you are not sure where to start. I offer a safe, accepting space where you can slow down and be

truly heard. With years spent walking alongside clients through hard seasons, I help you build new habits that lead to real transformation and restoration. I am ready to walk this journey with you as you prioritize your mental health!

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 10 years, I work with a plethora of inter-generational clients aged 21-90 who are struggling with anxiety and depression and trauma.

As a chaplain, I take a psycho-spiritual approach and work with clients assisting with intercultural issues, blended family dynamics, religiosity challenges and grief & loss.

Welcome

Hello, and thank you for considering me as your therapist. My name is Tarianda Ruston, and I have more than 25 years of experience working in the helping profession. I am a licensed clinical social worker in both Maryland and the District of Columbia, with a diverse background that has allowed me to support individuals and families through many of life's challenges.

Throughout my career, I have worked in child welfare, foster care and adoption, inpatient mental health, custody cases, special education, and school mental health. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face across different stages of life. My passion is helping individuals discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and build the tools needed for lifelong emotional wellness.

I believe therapy is a partnership built on trust, respect, and authenticity. My role is not to tell you what to do or make decisions for you. Instead, I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly. Through thoughtful questions, compassionate reflection, and evidence-based strategies, I will help you gain insight, clarify your values, and make choices that align with the life you want to create.

“Don’t be afraid; Be focused, Be determined, Be hopeful, Be empowered “ Michelle Obama. You are not here by chance. Welcome to my page! My name is Chyna (yes, like the country). I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the District of Columbia, with over 25 years experience in the area of mental health/clinical counseling; family and victim advocacy and military health. I am passionate about helping the WHOLE person on their path to healing.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Hampton University, Hampton VA. I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, where my concentration was on Clinical/Families & Children.