Thoko Shumba
Do you ever feel like you know exactly why you do the thing, and then go right ahead and do the thing anyway? I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) ) with a passion for deep, philosophical discussions about meaning and purpose. I take a solution focused approach to therapy, emphasizing both self-exploration and the development of practical coping skills. Therapy with me is not just about talking, it’s about actively building tools to help clients manage emotions, improve relationships, and create meaningful change in their lives. I enjoy teaching coping strategies that empower individuals to handle life’s stressors with greater confidence and resilience. I have practiced across a range of clinical and community settings, serving individuals, children, and families. My professional background includes work as a court-appointed special advocate coordinator and as a foster care social worker, as well as facilitating Parenting Through Change – Reunification (PTC-R) with parents working toward family reunification. I have provided care within a forensic psychiatric hospital, trained in a comprehensive DBT program, and delivered services in substance use intensive outpatient programs, outpatient mental health clinics, and private practice.
I am an enthusiastic and engaging Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with a passion for deep, philosophical discussions about meaning and purpose.
Throughout these settings, I have supported clients navigating emotional dysregulation, trauma, and relational difficulties. My current practice focuses on adults, with particular attention to emotion regulation and strengthening the capacity to cope with life's challenges.
First session
In our first session, clients can expect a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment where we focus on understanding what led them to seek therapy. We will explore your experiences, challenges, and goals, allowing me to gather important information to tailor our work together. From there, we will collaborate on creating a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and the changes you hope to achieve. Therapy with me is active and solution-focused, so we will begin engaging in evidence-based strategies right away to help you develop effective coping skills. At the end of our session, I will assign personalized homework designed to deepen your understanding of the transformation you want to make. This ensures that the work we do in therapy extends beyond our time together and leads to meaningful, lasting change.
Strengths
As a provider, one of my greatest strengths is my ability to recognize patterns in people’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This insight allows me to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and break unhelpful cycles that may be holding them back. I am deeply empathetic and provide a safe, accepting, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel truly seen and heard. However, I also believe that growth requires gentle but necessary challenges. When appropriate, I encourage clients to step outside their comfort zones in ways that support their healing and personal development. My approach is evidence-based, ensuring that the interventions I use are rooted in proven therapeutic methods. I view therapy as an opportunity to enhance well-being and foster healing, and I am committed to guiding clients with compassion, acceptance, and understanding as they navigate their journey toward positive change.
Ideal clients
Many people arrive nervous. Some have never done therapy before; some have tried it and found it too vague to help. If you're curious, self-aware, or frustrated that understanding your patterns hasn't been enough to change them, we'll work well together. The work includes taking the skills, insights, and strategies we explore together and integrate them into your everyday experiences. Since we meet weekly, the real change happens between sessions when you take what we've explored and put it to use. If you're struggling with depression, transitions, anxiety, relationship challenges, or trauma, you don't have to face it alone. Together we can build the tools to move through it and toward a more purposeful life
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Does it feel like you are not in the driver’s seat of your own life? Do you experience strong, intense emotions that interfere with your relationships, decision-making, or overall well-being? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals manage overwhelming emotions and regain a sense of control in their lives. DBT equips clients with practical coping skills across four key modules: Mindfulness – Helps you stay present in the moment rather than getting caught up in regrets about the past or worries about the future. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to observe and accept your thoughts and emotions without judgment, reducing impulsive reactions and increasing emotional awareness. Emotion Regulation – Teaches you how to understand, label, and manage your emotions effectively. This module helps individuals identify what triggers emotional distress and develop healthier ways to respond, preventing emotional overwhelm and fostering stability. Distress Tolerance – Focuses on building resilience in times of crisis. Instead of resorting to impulsive or destructive behaviors, distress tolerance skills help individuals endure difficult emotions with acceptance and practical strategies such as self-soothing and radical acceptance. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Enhances your ability to communicate assertively, set boundaries, and maintain healthy relationships. This module provides tools to navigate conflicts, express needs effectively, and strengthen personal and professional connections. In my practice, I integrate DBT techniques to help clients develop these skills in a structured, supportive environment. Together, we work on understanding emotional patterns, practicing real-life coping strategies, and applying DBT principles to foster long-term emotional balance. My goal is to empower you to feel more in control, build fulfilling relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
During our time together, we will explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences to gain insight into the challenges you’re facing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that I use in my practice to help clients understand the interconnection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By identifying and addressing negative thought patterns, we can target specific areas of concern and equip you with practical tools to find relief and create lasting change. Therapy is a safe space to untangle the complexities of your life, but CBT is much more than simply talking about whatever comes to mind. CBT sessions are structured and goal-oriented, ensuring that both the therapist and client remain focused on the objectives of each session. This structured approach helps maximize progress and ensures that every session is purposeful and productive.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Black / African American
Woman
Top specialties
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Grief
LGBTQ
Military/Veterans
Personality Disorders
Serious Mental Illness
Suicidal Ideation
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
MarylandLicense 25809