Grief counselors and therapists in Waldorf, MD

Are you navigating anxiety, depression, or the challenges of recovery? You don't have to face it alone. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, I specialize in supporting adults who are ready to do meaningful work — at whatever stage of life or recovery they're in.

I bring several years of specialized experience supporting adults in recovery, and a background in equine-assisted psychotherapy that informs my understanding of emotional connection, healing, and growth in ways that go beyond the traditional therapy room. Whether you're working through life transitions, struggling with anxiety or depression, or building a life in recovery, I focus on helping you develop practical coping skills, deeper self-awareness, and lasting resilience.

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.

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 believe there is no one "right" way for therapy and healing, so I offer multiple pathways—talking, movement, art-making, and body-based practices, like EMDR and somatic therapies. Working together we will find what works for you.

Clients who seek counseling may feel overwhelmed, stressed out, frustrated and anxious. My warm, compassionate demeanor coupled with a straightforward approach creates a supportive environment in which clients learn skills and receive guidance to become more engaged in their lives.

I also understand that the workplace can be rewarding, but also challenging, impacting a person’s happiness. Client’s leave therapy with coping strategies, helpful problem-solving abilities, and hope for the future.

Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon Howard, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years.

My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies.

I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move you forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you.

At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients.

*PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE IN EITHER DC OR MD AT THE TIME OF YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT!

**I offer a 10-minute grace period to all clients before logging off of the Zoom platform. If you wish to reschedule, please message me here on Headway.""

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 10 years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, honesty, and practical support. I earned my Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Children and Families from the University of Maryland and my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Administration of Justice from Howard University.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, stress, and mood-related challenges.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Washington, DC and Maryland with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have been practicing for 6- years primarily helping clients with stress management, anxiety, coping with addictions, increasing motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression and assisting in mood regulation and stabilization. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.