Grief counselors and therapists in Westminster, 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’m a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with more than 16 years of experience in healthcare and a deep passion for providing compassionate, individualized mental health care.

I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported. My approach is patient-centered and collaborative, with treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, goals, and circumstances.

Through Telehealth, I provide evaluation and treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns, including ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, anger concerns, intermittent explosive disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, binge-eating disorders, body dysmorphia, PTSD, unresolved trauma, family conflicts, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. I proudly provide an LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive space for all patients.

I also believe mental health care works best when providers work together. When appropriate, I collaborate with therapists, primary care providers, and other healthcare professionals to help create comprehensive, practical, and effective treatment plans.

My goal is simple: to meet you where you are and support you in getting to where you want to be. Your story matters, your goals matter, and you deserve care that meets you with compassion—not judgment.

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.

In my role as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I place great importance on prioritizing mental health as a fundamental component of achieving happiness and stability in life. I understand that seeking help can be a daunting task, so I want to acknowledge and commend you for taking that important first step. With some years of experience in clinical and practice, I have learned to provide care to patients of all age groups and populations with mental illnesses.

Hello, and welcome.....I'm Ashley Ellison, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I believe that seeking therapy is one of the strongest investments you can make in yourself. Whether you're navigating a difficult life transition, managing anxiety or depression, healing from trauma, or simply looking for a safe space to better understand yourself, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) and am currently pursuing my Doctor of Social Work (DSW), with a focus on advancing clinical practice and social work education. Throughout my career, I've worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in community mental health, outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, and care coordination. These experiences have allowed me to support individuals from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of emotional and behavioral health concerns.

Hello, My name is Julia Smail and I am the owner of Spill The Tea Counseling. I believe we all have feelings & thoughts that are waiting to be expressed. Do you find it challenging transitioning through different parts of your life & managing emotions along the way? How about being able to express yourself & be validated in a safe & trusting space? The challenge in life is finding who you are as a person & not what others want you to be. Building a trusting relationship with yourself can lead to strengthening your identity & developing a sense of self through awareness & mindfulness. Transitions can be challenging but beautiful

I am a neurodivergent-affirming therapist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. I provide a safe space to express thoughts & feelings, as well as establish tools to support you in your growth. With various techniques & tools practiced, you will be able to feel mentally, emotionally, & physically balanced as you navigate through life's transitions.

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.