Resilient Roots

If this is an emergency, please call or text 988 (National Suicide or Crisis Hotline) for 24/7 assistance

Inspiring moms to embrace their resilience and pursue the walk of motherhood from an empowered state of being.   

Hello,

I’m Shannon Runk

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, PMH-C

I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in maternal mental health and the unique challenges of the perinatal and postpartum journey. I work with women navigating the emotional complexities of infertility, the early stages of motherhood and parenthood, and those seeking support for maternal wellness. My goal is to help individuals through these vulnerable transitions, empowering them to find their inherent strength, build resilience, and reclaim a sense of balance and well-being. Together, we will work to create positive change and cultivate a sense of self-compassion during some of the most transformative moments in life.

I have several years of experience working with children and adolescents, in collaboration with their parents, across a range of inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, including school-based therapy. My focus has been on supporting their emotional and behavioral well-being through individualized therapeutic interventions. Having a clinical foundation in child development and the personal experience of motherhood, I offer a compassionate and integrative approach to therapy. I work with individuals to address a wide range of mental health challenges, including mood disorders, early childhood challenges, as well as other life stressors. Through a collaborative, client-centered approach, my goal is to help individuals build confidence, and develop a deeper connection to themselves and their evolving identity. My practice is rooted in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space that cultivates healing, growth, and empowerment.

You’re not Alone

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When we are pregnant and after we give birth, 1 in 5 women report feelings of anxiousness, sadness, depression, panic, frustration and feeling hopeless.1

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Perinatal mental health disorder symptoms can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth.2

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Mental health conditions are now the leading cause of death during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the United States.1

1: www.postpartum.net Learn More  2: www.pcori.org Learn More

Common Emotional Challenges

How you may be feeling

Becoming a new mother can often leave you feeling overwhelmed, sad, or even hopeless. You could be experiencing:

  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
  • Changes in appetite and sleep
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Constant worry or racing thoughts
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in things
  • Lack of interest in bonding with your baby
  • Feelings of anger, irritability or rage
  • Possible thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Dial ‘988’ to reach the 24/7 crisis hotline

Why you may feel this way

There are very normal reasons for perinatal
or postpartum imbalances, Including:

  • Hormonal/ Bodily changes
  • Pregnancy/birth not going as expected
  • Consistently not getting enough sleep
  • Establishing a new routine
  • Transitioning to a new identity of being a mom
  • Adjusting to new responsibilities
  • Changes in sense of freedom, control, and self-esteem
  • Impact on marriage or relationships
  • Impact on career potential
  • Fertility Issues
  • Pregnancy loss

Common Questions

Isn’t pregnancy supposed to be a joyful time as you anticipate the arrival of your baby? Then:

  • Why do I experience feelings of sadness and depression?
  • Why am I overwhelmed by fears?
  • Why do I feel disconnected from my baby?
  • Where do these feelings of loss come from?
  • Why do I have negative thoughts and emotions towards my child?
  • What is wrong with me?
  • Am I failing as a parent?
  • Am I losing my mind?

This is not uncommon. There’s help.

Perinatal Services Provided

The transition to motherhood is demanding; let’s work together to navigate the challenges across the perinatal spectrum

Resilient Roots Perinatal Therapy Services provides mental health therapy for individuals across the perinatal spectrum (the process of conception and beyond) which includes:

  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Maternal Mental Health/Matrescence
  • Mother Wounds/ Generational Cycle Breaking
  • Perinatal or Postpartum Anxiety and Mood Disorders (PMADS)
  • Perinatal/Postpartum trauma disorders
  • Navigating Infertility
  • Relationship concerns
  • Parenting/ Early Childhood Support
  • Attachment Difficulties
  • Social isolation, loss of interest in activities (anhedonia), feelings of worthlessness, excessive sadness

Modalities utilized:

  • DBT
  • CBT, I-CBT
  • ACT
  • IFS
  • Trauma Informed Therapy
  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Attachment-based Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing

What to Expect During a Session

Location:
Resilient Roots is located at 260 Gateway Drive, Suite 3-4C Bel Air MD, 21014.

I am currently licensed in both Maryland and D.C. Clients must be physically located in Maryland or D.C. at the time of the session. Both in-person and virtual sessions can be scheduled.

Please note in-person options are only available for Maryland residents at this time. 

Session Booking:

Please complete the appointment booking form to set up a free 15 minute phone consult to discuss services and learn how we can help. After scheduling an appointment, intake paperwork will be via SimplePractice and should be completed within 24 hours of your scheduled intake appointment.

Please note, the booking portal is not monitored 24/7 and should not be used in the case of an emergency or crisis. Dial ‘988’ to reach the 24/7 crisis hotline. 

The National Maternal Health Hotline is also available 24/7 and provides free and confidential support and resources for anyone experiencing maternal mental health challenges. 

Session Fees:
Resilient Roots is an out of network provider (OON). Upon request a superbill can be provided for you to submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. Questions? Feel free to ask about out-of-network benefits.

You deserve a welcoming space to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reconnect with the unique qualities that define your authenticity.

Perinatal Services Provided

Taking the next step to pursuing wellness can be difficult, but you are not alone. I look forward to supporting you through this journey.