Grief counselors and therapists in Severna Park, MD

I provide a thoughtful, intentional space for clients to explore, heal, and grow. My approach blends evidence-based practices with a deep respect for each client’s story, helping them move toward clarity, emotional balance, and a more aligned way of living.

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 have a double Master's and a Doctoral degree in psychology. I began my graduate study In NYC in 2006 doing research and clinical work in attachment theory both with young children and adults. It was there that I witnessed the impact of early and adult attachments. I have trained and worked in a variety of settings and each time I witnessed the fundamental human need of a secure, responsive and safe connection and the impact of isolation and trauma.

As a psychotherapist for the last 15 years, I work with a general adult population primarily with mood disorders, adjustment related concerns, grief and loss and relational concerns.

I believe in the power of language, culture, and genuine connection to make therapy work. As an LCSW-C fluent in English and Yoruba, I bring both clinical depth and cultural understanding to my practice — creating space for clients from diverse backgrounds to feel truly seen and heard without having to translate themselves first.

Since 2016, I've worked across community mental health, schools, residential settings, and partial hospitalization programs, supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, OCD, domestic violence, and life transitions. I consider myself an agent of hope — helping clients build resilience, find healing, and rewrite the narratives of their lives one session at a time.

I'm trained at the University of Maryland and take a holistic approach — considering how physical health, relationships, culture, community, and spirituality shape each person's well-being.

I am trained as a clinical social worker. I consider my patients in the context of their family, social and cultural background. I work with adults of all ages.

Welcome. I am a Clinical Psychologist providing individual psychotherapy remotely to people college-aged through adulthood. I am licensed in Washington DC (PSY200001470) and Maryland (06695).

My work centers on helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem challenges, and relationship concerns. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach, integrating modalities like CBT, DBT skills, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to support meaningful, lasting change. I strive to create a warm, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore all parts of themselves, including identity, relationships, and personal growth. I work best with clients who are open to reflection and committed to doing the work both in and outside of session.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credentialed by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. I completed my Bachelor’s degree (B.S. in Psychology) at Towson University in 2013 and received my Master’s degree (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University in 2016. I am passionate about helping others conquer their challenges and transcend their goals. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends, loved ones, and her dogter, Lila. My favorite self-care activities include going to concerts, traveling, kayaking, cooking, and experimenting with different types of mocktails and coffees.

I believe therapy begins with feeling safe enough to be honest and being heard without judgment. I want my clients to know that you don't have to have all the answers before coming to therapy. Sometimes taking the first step is the hardest part.

I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) licensed in Virginia and Maryland. I have worked in behavioral health for many years, with a particular focus on substance use, co-occurring mental health concerns, and trauma. My experience includes working with adults from diverse backgrounds and supporting individuals through residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels of care.

I genuinely enjoy helping people recognize strengths they may have forgotten they have. I believe that your diagnosis, substance use, trauma, or past experiences are only part of your story—they do not define who you are. I will meet you where you are and work with you to identify where you want to go next.