Tania Lanning
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
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Education:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Johns Hopkins University
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Additional Language Spoken: Spanish
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Availability:
Mon-Fri: Variable Daytime hours
please email and/or call
301-852-7177 ext. 4
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About Tania
My clinical orientation is multicultural, integrative and experiential. Based on each individual’s
unique situation, I draw on various mind and body theories and techniques in a systematic way
to develop a coherent approach that will best suit the person’s specific situation. I use a
strength-based, cognitive behavioral (thoughts +feelings+behaviors), nature and trauma
informed , empowerment model, with an energetic and creative approach for wellness. I include
elements of psycholinguistics, or the acknowledgement that the words we use and how we
define them matter. Through resource and needs assessment and identification, I encourage all
clients to cultivate a variety of strategies for compassionate self-care. This approach includes
physical, mental, and emotional awareness that is compatible with their particular spiritual
and/or belief system(s).
I have been working in the wellness and integrative health field for over 15 years. I received my
Master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am a
licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC) by the Board of Professional Counselors and
Therapists of Maryland. Additionally, I have a Nature-Informed Therapy Certification through the
Center of Nature-Informed Therapy (CNIT), have been a Board-certified massage therapist and
bodyworker for over 15 years as well as a certified yoga teacher and practitioner since 2016.
For the last eight years, I have been part of a professional clinical Psychodrama training cohort.
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Specializes in:
Although I can assist with a variety of concerns, I have special interest and expertise working
with people with stress, anxiety and pain management needs, women's empowerment and
wellness planning . I also work with individuals seeking support with life transition issues such
as cancer care, health problems, relationship dynamic changes, divorce and job loss. I offer
individual psychotherapy that may or may not include nature informed sessions, psychodrama
and other experiential methods such as yoga and movement, depending on the preferences
and needs of each person.
FAQs
What do you think allows change to happen?
When we are looking for a shift in how things are occurring (whether circumstantial or
cognitively speaking), at times we believe major change needs to happen. Perhaps change is merely a shift in perspective, or perhaps it's an overhaul on how we are behaving or thinking. Whatever the circumstance, change requires an exploration and then identification of what we are trying to achieve and a needs assessment of whether we have the tools to support that which we want.
I believe change occurs when we allow our systems to be seen and heard. Once this occurs, there is a sense of safety and readiness. A readiness to release, to renew, to renovate and/or relax. These systems are multi-dimensional, and should not only take into consideration the emotional, and cognitive experiencing, but ask for support from our physical/physiological and spiritual experiencing as well. By turning inward and tuning into the spaces with gentleness, curiosity and a holistic view we are able to assess and perhaps access information that can lead us to insight and new knowledge of how to move through the world. It is then that we can see where our resources are lacking or perhaps misaligned with the change that we are seeking.
When all of our systems are involved, change can occur because it allows us to support a pace that resonates with our nervous system. It places emphasis on the power of knowing ourselves in all of our forms.
What do you think gets in the way of change?
Whether it's fear of the unknown, a lack of resources, or other barriers, change is as personal as the individual or community seeking it out. When we aren't adequately resourced our systems aren't able to work efficiently or effectively.
How can you tell if therapy is effective?
Effectiveness can be defined in terms of the initial contract and goals of therapy being met and it can also be defined by you having a greater sense of understanding of Self or alignment with your inner purpose. How can you tell if you are unsatisfied, happy, fulfilled or living your best Self? Having you self-define, or create qualitative measures for interpretation can support you in having insight into where you are when we start therapy, as well as be used as an assessment tool later during check-ins to see what is or is not working.
What made you interested in becoming a psychotherapist?
Having a sibling with severe mental health needs created a variety of different dynamics that led me to psychotherapy. I was inspired by how his authentic nature (which included his love of music and movement practice) was often the key to creating a successful wellness and treatment plan. My curiosities and desire to advocate for him motivated me to seek out different modalities that could support my understanding and need for action. This includes my journey as a licensed massage therapist/bodyworker over the last 15 years, where I learned about the vital role of including somatic awareness into the healing process as well as a multi-faceted integrative approach that includes nature-informed, trauma-informed, mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral techniques.
How do you like to spend time outside of work?
With my favorite teachers, my daughters and Nature! Additionally, I like to spend time dancing, doing yoga, hiking and foraging for mushrooms.
Endorsement
Tania has a well-attuned, warm and nurturing therapeutic style, as she uses Attachment Theory framework in her work and life. She is well grounded and has a calming presence. In addition to working with clients using Cognitive Behavioral, Experiential, Strengths Based, person-centered therapy modalities to walk clients through distress, discomfort, trauma, pain, life adjustments and/ or growth, Tania uniquely incorporates her knowledge of the mind-body connection, love of nature, and additional certification in nature informed therapy in her work with clients. Her clinical background allows her to effectively hold space for individuals, couples, and groups.
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As a colleague, I appreciate that Tania is cool headed and warm hearted, collaborative, creative, open to working with clients from all kinds of walks of life and can relate to divergent global perspectives through experiences with her family background from Argentina. Her genuine caring comes across in her clinical and volunteer work as well as the way she connects personal challenges she's overcome as a source of inspiration for professional development. She is bold and stretches the bounds of traditional talk therapy to creatively design programs and experiential interventions for clients in various office, hospital, and nature settings to suit their unique needs.
- Jennifer Fang Brehm
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