Grief counselors and therapists in Ellicott City, MD

My name is Derrick C. Gibson — Licensed Professional Counselor, Elder at Brookside Ministry Church of God in Christ International, and someone who has spent his career showing up for people that many systems had already written off. I hold dual Master's degrees in Guidance and Counseling and Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and my work has taken me deep into Kanawha County, West Virginia — into the schools, into the judicial system, and into the lives of families navigating some of the hardest circumstances imaginable. I've worked with domestic abuse survivors, sexual abuse survivors, at-risk youth, and individuals managing anger — not from a distance, but up close, with real investment in real outcomes. I also serve as a Christian Counselor, which means faith is not a footnote in my practice — it's woven into the foundation. If you're looking for a counselor who brings both clinical training and a grounded spiritual perspective, you've found one.

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.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in New York with over fifteen years of experience working as a therapist and a coach. I support clients navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, OCD, parenting problems, career challenges, and life transitions.

I've worked with adolescents, couples, and families and I value creating a space where clients feel safe, understood and supported. I'm direct, yet compassionate, and I am not afraid to help you explore the "elephant in the room" so we can get to the root of what's keeping you stuck.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor licensed in Maryland and Pennsylvania and nationally certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I believe therapy is a collaborative partnership built on trust, support, and mutual respect. My approach centers on balancing acceptance and change—meeting you where you are without judgment while helping you challenge unhealthy patterns, build new skills, and grow. Together, we will work toward meaningful change and creating a life worth living.

I believe healing begins when clients feel emotionally safe, heard and genuinely supported. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your experiences, challenges, and emotions at your own pace.

I’m Ine Saka, PMHNP-BC, FNP, and founder of Empathy Wellness Center, currently serving Maryland and Virginia. As a board-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner, I provide compassionate, holistic, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma, integrating traditional psychiatry with wellness-focused approaches to support mind, body, and spirit.

Hello, its pleasure to meet you. Sometimes we need someone to talk to or with about things that may bother us. Often times, we think we can resolve problems on our own but over time, we realize we need a professional to help us. I am the perfect stranger, we can meet in a safe environment and our conversations will remain confidential.

I am a licensed professional counselor and I have worked in this field for over 20 years. I received my Masters at Howard University in Washington, DC. , in counseling and have also received additional training at Catholic University. I am a nationally certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors.

I use several therapies to help my clients depending on what their needs are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Person-Centered therapy and Eclectic Therapy.

PLEASE NOTE: Payment options are limited to Aetna insurance in FL, NY, MD, TX and Self-Pay in 42 States.

Dr. Tania is a Licensed Psychologist offering individual therapy for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, OCD, ADHD, phobias, trauma, perfectionism, burnout, depression, disordered eating, body image issues, relationship challenges, addictions, grief, and other experiences across the human condition.

Dr. Tania also offers couples therapy (Gottman Method Levels 1 & 2 certified), comprehensive ADD/ADHD evaluations, ESA letters, and formal documentation for academic accommodations and standardized testing.

Throughout my graduate and professional experiences, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds on issues including anxiety, self-esteem and identity, stress management, and life transitions. As a mother, I also have a passion for supporting expecting and new mothers as they prepare for and adjust to expanding their families. I prioritize developing a supportive, collaborative relationship with each client, helping them feel heard, understood, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges.