Grief counselors and therapists in Laurel, MD

Ka'ra Johnson is a LCSW-C, LCSW licensed in MD, VA, DC, and OH. She received both her Masters in Mental Health Counseling and Masters of Social Work from Capella University. She specializes in treating Trauma, Mood Disorders, Forensic Clients, Crisis Interventions and Life Transitions. Her modalities of therapy are: Trauma informed CBT, REBT and Motivational Interviewing.

I am a clinical social worker who has been working as a therapist for 15 years. I most enjoy working with clients who are struggling with life transitions, anxiety/depression, or ADHD.

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.

Hi, congratulations on the first step toward healing and growth. My name is Lynn, I am a LCPC in Maryland with 10 years of experience. I like to work with adults and focus on trauma work, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.

Dr. Shannon Howard is a highly sought-after professional counselor and CEO of SinClair McCoy, LLC. She serves as a sexual relationship specialist who focuses on assisting women and men with healing from childhood trauma surrounding sexual abuse.

Dr. Howard is also a a practitioner who focuses on the mental health care needs of first responders, law enforcement, healthcare workers, and government personnel.

Her extensive educational background consists of dual degrees in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology with a focus on Philosophy and Women’s Studies. She also possesses specialized training in trauma relating to the treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault.

She believes that every client is unique in their way and that each person’s story is different. This is the catalyst behind her coaching methodology. Using targeted strategies and personalized coaching approaches, she works with couples and individuals to help them transition from victim to victor.

Dr. Howard helps clients face their past trauma by uncovering and resolving the root issue, assessing desired outcomes, and implementing a plan of action that leads them toward living a more optimal life experience.

She is the author under the alias Sinclair McCoy of The Alternative book trilogy. She speaks nationally to the masses on a variety of topics including:

-Life After Sexual Abuse

-Finding Your Sexy After Sexual Abuse

-Regaining Your Body Trust

She is the owner of a private practice AND co-owner/ managing partner of a group practice in Maryland. She has been in the counseling field since 2002 and is passionate to serve a variety of clientele.

Her clients are located in the D. C. and MD states.

I work with adults and teens who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, trauma, or life stress and feel stuck despite trying to cope alone. Others seek clarity around symptoms or support during major life transitions. Children and adolescents may struggle with emotional regulation, attention, mood changes, or behavioral concerns. Often, individuals or parents want relief and a clear path forward with a provider who listens and helps them feel more balanced, focused, and hopeful.

Hi, I’m Melanie. I’m a therapist, writer, and educator with a passion for helping Christian women move beyond anxiety, trauma, and overwhelming life experiences so they can live with greater peace and clarity. Many of the women I work with are thoughtful, faith-centered individuals who feel exhausted from trying to hold everything together while quietly carrying stress, worry, or past pain.

I earned a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling with a trauma focus, along with a Master’s degree in Psychology and Counseling. My work is informed by trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness practices. For clients who desire it, I also integrate faith and spirituality into the healing process.

My approach is warm, thoughtful, and grounded. I believe therapy should feel like an OASIS — Open And Safe InSide— a place where you can slow down, be honest about what you’re carrying, and begin rebuilding a sense of peace, confidence, and direction.

Outside of therapy, I’m a writer, poet, and speaker who enjoys quiet moments with coffee, popcorn, and the occasional antique shop. Creativity, humor, and reflection are meaningful parts of my life and often influence the way I help clients explore their own stories.

I am a LCSW-C (Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical) who works with adults of all ages, families and couples. I was awarded my MSW in Clinical Behavioral Health from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. I earned my B.A. from Georgetown University and an MBA from George Washington University. I have been honored to work with people of many diverse backgrounds, hospice patients, military populations and those living with developmental disabilities. As a former Peace Corps volunteer in Central America (RPCV), I speak Spanish with non-native fluency and have lived and worked in several countries.

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.