Therapists in Columbia, MD

Individuals are so unique in their experiences and interpretations of them. I strive to meet people where they are in their life and assist them to develop their goals to move forward.

Life can be difficult sometimes, but you never have to go through it alone. My strengths lie in the unique ability to connect with people by use of compassion and understanding; listening; humor; and therapeutic knowledge and skills. I have been working in the field for over 30 years and my heart is always filled with joy when I see and hear about my clients emotional growth and healing.

Congratulations on taking the first step towards healing! People deserve the right to heal from their past experiences and it would be an honor to walk through that journey with you. I prioritize having an open and warm therapeutic space so that you feel empowered when we may end up face to face with the uncomfortable, which is often where the healing happens! My therapeutic approach is guided with compassion, empathy, and the idea that every person deserves the right to heal and has the capacity to do so internally.

Adult & Adolescent Counseling Services, LLC is an evidence-based mental health counseling practice dedicated to bringing quality services to Individuals & families in Howard County. I specialize in working with pre-teens, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, executive functioning, and other social/emotional, and behavioral issues. At the core of my practice is the belief that a strong client/therapist connection is one of the most important factors in achieving a positive outcome in therapy. My goal is to provide clients with caring, compassionate, and effective counseling services.

When human beings face adverse events or severe life stressors , it is not uncommon for their lives to spiral out of control. I have a tremendous passion to provide healing for those individuals who are living with the consequences and symptoms of trauma. Currently I specialize in working with individual and adults struggling with anxiety and depression. I also specialize in working with Couples and Families that may have dysfunctional marital and family interdynamics. Addictions counseling is another specialty area and I with individuals and groups in that capacity.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland and have recently become a credentialed Board Approved Supervisor. For the last several years, I have been advocating for and with people struggling with mental health concerns. As a strength based, person-centered clinician, meeting an individual’s needs in crisis, mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and other similar stressors, I am well prepared to work side-by-side with my clients and help guide them through the often confusing processes leading toward success.

Currently accepting clients for in-person or telehealth! I work with people of all ages. I have a particular interest in working with men, couples, adolescents and athletes. Primary issues addressed include: depression, anxiety, suicidality, secular spirituality, anger, relationship issues, and excessive gaming.

I'm grateful you're here. Giving yourself permission to work through life experiences is not a simple decision. Opening yourself to the support of a therapist can be even more difficult. I want to acknowledge and celebrate your decision to be here and look forward to learning how I can support you.

I am direct and straightforward, while also being respectful and encouraging in guiding clients in identifying and utilizing their strengths to move forward toward their targets. My background includes 10+ years providing community mental health services for adults with severe mental illness and substance abuse. I also worked in Howard County Public Schools for many years providing crisis intervention to students. Following my undergraduate studies in Psychology and Music at St. Mary's College of Maryland, I earned a Masters in Social Work with a specialty in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Maryland.

Take charge of your life...manage communications, thinking, emotions, behaviors and goals! When you and I meet in session, it will be a unique experience designed to meet what works for your needs and goals. I view each person in a holistic framework that encompasses cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects. The goal of our work together is to achieve a sense of balance in your life where all aspects of you are working together in harmony to achieve wellness. My training and experience encompass an eclectic approach that combines the newest research and time tested theories, strategies, and techniques.

I believe in empowering my clients to discover their inner strengths. Therapy is a journey in self exploration, self awareness and change. I use a multicultural perspective to inform my clinical practice. I offer tele-health services to my clients accessibility to care .Self pay clients can expect an appointment within 24 hours. My sessions use mindfulness, practicing self regulation, cognitive restructuring, imago skills, play therapy and many other techniques that are relevant to a client's treatment plan. I am available to my clients between sessions via text and secure video chatting. I offer financial therapy.

I am so excited that you are here, looking for help. That is the most important step you can take to get the help you need. The next best step you can take is therapist shopping. You are unlikely to be best friends with every person you meet and not every therapist will be the best match for you, so shop around and do your homework! Ask lots of questions and read everything you can find until you are satisfied and comfortable. I am here to answer those questions and help you take the next step. Then it will be one step at a time towards meeting your goals.

Life today is difficult with all the demands placed on us by our family, work and our own need to achieve. Add to this the emotional stress of family conflict, divorce, defiant children, an illness or death in the family, and you begin to understand why more and more people are seeking the help of mental health professionals.

Is there something holding you back from the experience of feeling fully alive, safe, and satisfied in your own life; in your own skin? Experiencing internal and external difficulties long enough and under enough stress, we become disconnected to what makes life worth living. I believe my job is to provide a safe space and be a supportive, caring, non-judgmental presence as a guide and collaborator. Together we can face what is hurting or not helping you. I have worked over the years in a variety of settings with adults, children, teens, families and couples from diverse backgrounds and identities.

Shakeria Hall-McGronan is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) who has experience working with adolescents, teens, and adults in various treatment settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Shakeria completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Alabama. Her goal is to provide holistic therapy to support your strengths and goals, empower you, help you improve relationships, allow you to explore your mind, and promote healing.

Are you or someone you love questioning gender? Are you or someone you love needing support with your transition processes? Are you transgender or non-binary and have had challenges finding an affirming, trans-competent provider? I am a queer trans-man with years of experience working with children, teens, and adults who are transgender, gender diverse, or questioning their gender, and their family members. Whether you are seeking therapy related to your gender or not, and whatever challenges have brought you to therapy, I am here to listen and to help you reach your full potential.

Sandra is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia and Maryland. For the last decade, she has been advocating for individuals and families struggling with mental health concerns. She has provided therapeutic services to a diverse array of individuals of all ages, primarily focused on childhood trauma. Through her work, she is committed to helping people overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other similar stressors that affect all of us at some time in our lives.