Teletherapy for Maryland

Peace, I’m Shayne. I am a passionate and empathetic therapist dedicated to providing inclusive and affirming mental health support for individuals within the QTBIPOC community. As a Black TransMasc person, I understand the unique challenges and experiences that QTBIPOC individuals may face, and I strive to create a safe and accepting space for all clients. I have extensive experience working with clients across various identities within the 2SLGBTQ+ folx in addition to couples.

Accepts CIGNA and BCBS insurance. Whether you're new to therapy or you've been in therapy before, reaching out takes courage, so thanks for being here! I primarily work with young and middle-aged adults, many of whom are queer and have ADHD/autism. I support clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, or wanting to better understand themselves. I also work with folks who want to learn how to show up better in relationships and who want to learn to love themselves.

I provide a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and safe space for clients. I work collaboratively in areas such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues through a focus on self-awareness, self-acceptance, and communication skills. I utilize creative interventions personalized to each individual or family. As a licensed school counselor and professional therapist, I work closely with children, families, and adults around topics of gender identity, non-traditional family structures, and neurodiversity. I often work with autism, ADHD, school or workplace accommodations, relationship issues, life skills, and major transitions.

My goal is to help clients feel heard, supported and understood. Whether you are coming to therapy to navigate difficult life changes, in order to set healthy boundaries, for support in reframing your anxious thoughts, thinking through how your past family dynamics affect you or navigating your identity, I am here to offer encouraging guidance, direct engagement and nurturing support. Therapy is a collaborative process and I take a relational approach to support you in expressing yourself authentically, navigating change, reframing negative self talk, setting healthy boundaries and supporting you in enhancing the way you cope.

After trauma, we reach for whatever coping skill is closest in order to survive. We may turn to substances, self-harm, intellectualizing, perfectionism, etc. This helps us soothe, distract, and numb from feelings of shame, guilt, anger and fear. Still, our unprocessed emotions can overwhelm–morphing into anxiety, depression, rage, dissociation, or hyper-vigilance. However, this only represents a part of us and our experiences. We contain creativity, empathy, resilience, & intuition. Through our strengths, we increase our tolerance, release survival skills that no longer serve us, and return to our most liberated and aligned self.

Society is confusing. You're neurodivergent and/or queer trying to figure out how to exist while a part of a world that pushes for "one size fits all." You're torn between wanting to "get it right" and rejecting the rigid boxes dominant culture wants you in. People's reactions make you question if you did the right thing when placing boundaries or making a request. Or... You're a parent trying to determine what's best for your child. They have big feelings and behaviors. Where do you start? You've learned from "experts" which emotions are correct at certain times which doesn't sit quite right when helping your kid.

Clients who are looking for support exploring issues in a compassionate and warm space; in need of direction; help clarifying what gives their lives meaning and importance; are dealing with life transition issues and stressors; interpersonal or relationship issues; LGBTQIA+ identity or gender issues; conflict of faith/religion/spirituality issues; mood or sleep imbalance and dysregulation issues.

Chronic illness or health concerns can wreak havoc on your mental health, relationships, romantic life, work, and dreams of the future. You’re coping with a layer of difficulty in your life that many people don’t get. You are pushing past your limits and boundaries, and running on fumes, all while trying to keep it together with a smile on your face. This cycle catches up with you, and you end up in a flare-up of symptoms, wondering if it will ever change. You may also be struggling with obstacles and issues within the healthcare system, wanting answers and treatment, but floating from appointment to appointment.

Understanding who you are or what you are feeling is difficult when you are not even sure what words to use to describe your experience or what questions to ask yourself. Naming that is a big step. You may put on a mask to navigate the world in order to reduce the pressures you feel from society. High expectations when you were younger may make mistakes seem unacceptable. The journey to explore who you are may seem lonely. You may notice similarities in the relationships you form now with the relationship you have with your family. The early traumas in your life may be triggering you now in ways that are frustrating and upsetting.

It's not easy being a child, teen; or a parent of either. When it comes to challenges in communication, self regulation, and emotional progressing; therapy provides space and skills to facilitate change. As a fellow Neurodivergent, I have a great deal of empathy and passion in working with various types of brains and focus on tailoring care to the needs of an individual. Whether we're wired different through genetics or trauma, there is a path to growth and wellness.

In my practice, I welcome the awkward, the bright, and the colorful. Those who are willing to laugh deeply and cry openly, as well as those who find the bravery in just being. In whoever you are, let therapy and counseling be the choice you make for yourself in order to how to carve out your own boundaries, space, and liberation. This life is all about cycles, and having someone by your side for support can be beneficial.

Flow is seen as easy movement through life, but flow is found within our challenges too. Discomfort can be a catalyst to neuroplasticity & growth. Traumatic stress from past & present can overwhelm our natural rhythms & balance. Connecting to body and intuitive experience leads us along the path of healing. I help clients navigate their routes to wellness & authentic embodiment with a well exercised sense of humor, grace for self/others & common sense tools. I work to co-create & hold space for clients to understand & release trauma, from ancestral to individual, grounded in systems perspectives for de-pathologizing mental health.

Are you and your partner looking to rebuild or strengthen your relationship? Trying to navigate a particularly difficult conflict? Maybe things are going well and you just want to keep them that way. Whatever the case, I can offer you a supportive therapeutic environment and an integrative counseling style that draws from a variety of modalities to suit you and your partner best.

Are you caught in cycles that leave you exhausted? Do you want to have better relationships but find them splintering? Are you self-critical in your efforts to obtain perfection? Do you find yourself shutting down or shutting off? You don't have to suffer in silence. Nor do you have to leave any part of yourself behind - I work with the whole person. Our identities often intersect with our struggles and our strengths. I'll meet you where you're at, and help you get where you're going. Whether you are just starting or looking to maintain your recovery from eating disorders, trauma and/or OCD, together recovery is possible.

After years of working in crisis response, I often reflect on the question “what makes our lives worth living?” Our time here is temporary and my desire is to help you cultivate whatever brings you joy and peace. Therapy helps us become our favorite version of ourselves, whatever that may be.

You may be wondering how you are possibly going to put your life back together. Or, maybe, perhaps you're praying that you can finally put the vice down. Maybe the heartbreak of loss and unexpected endings is eating you up. We might be a good fit for one another if you're queer, poly, considering recovery, interested in a somatics based practitioner, and vibe with crystals and energy. Whatever it is, let's share a cup of coffee and figure it out together. If you are committed to your wellness and have a desire to seek restoration for a weary soul, hit my line. Let's Get Well, Y'all!

People who resonate with my approach as a therapist often seek more than just symptom relief; they aim for a balanced, fulfilling life. Whether dealing with stress, sexuality, or relationship issues, they value a holistic approach that integrates mental and physical well-being. They need a compassionate space to explore thoughts and feelings, and goals usually include coping strategies, self-exploration, and enhancing overall wellness. My unique blend of clinical psychology and holistic modalities can help achieve these aims. If this resonates, we may be a good fit.

One of my biggest struggles in life has been finding ways to show up authentically. As a Black, non-binary and queer person, finding spaces that validate core aspects of my identity have been challenging. It’s an honor to hold space for individuals who are struggling to find their voice and place in the world. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space where you feel accepted, respected, and understood. I enjoy working with individuals from marginalized and underserved communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+). My practice is intersectional, collaborative, based in a social justice framework, and sex positive.

I respond best to emails :) Hello! I am your fat, disabled, queer, neurodivergent therapist based in Maryland. Being a healer has come naturally to me since childhood and navigating my own healing has led me to become a licensed clinical social worker. I deeply care for my clients, so building genuine connections with them is essential. I show up to sessions as my authentic self: witty, warm, transparent, and a little awkward. I view each client as my equal and view therapy as a team approach to navigating pain and hope.