Edward J Ruiz II, M.A., LPC, NCC

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

I am a licensed professional counselor in Connecticut and Maryland, as well as a board certified counselor with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

MY JOURNEY

I grew up in Arizona and became a Christian when I was 18 years old through a college bible study in my local town.  After H.S. I worked as a legal assistant helping families walk through difficult financial challenges. When I was 21, I joined the U.S. Army. 

As an U.S. Army Veteran I served just shy of 8 years on active duty as a Chaplain Assistant.  I served at Fort Bragg, NC and the Pentagon in Washington, DC.  During my active duty tenure, I spent 27 months abroad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.   During my last duty assignment, I managed to complete a Bachelor’s in Religious Studies from Liberty University’s online program (basically a survey of the Bible).  

Over the years, it became more clear that the counseling profession was God’s leading and calling in my life.  I love having conversations with folks about real and important issues in their life, and the counseling profession is the best way for me to not only do what I love, but to help and walk with others in the midst of their struggles.

I began my graduate studies in Mental Health Counseling in 2012, graduating from Nyack’s Alliance Graduate School of Counseling in Nyack, NY.

Just before meeting my now late wife, Heidi, I was ordained as a deacon with Alexandria Presbyterian Church in 2011.  Heidi and I were married just shy of eight years and worshiped at Grace Church Stamford for about 9 years.  I relocated to Maryland in December 2021 with my two dogs, Jagger and Mowgli.  

MY MISSION

I provide professional clinical counseling from a Christian worldview.  The long-term aim and vision, however, is to help see lives transformed by the power of the gospel.  This is done by walking alongside children, adolescents, couples, singles and families who face hardship and difficulty, suffering and pain on this side of heaven, and extending comfort and care that comes from Christ.

I specialize in working with the family so I will meet with parents, couples, and children of all ages whereby I help address any problem under the sun. As a core conviction that the Bible provides sufficient wisdom and guidance to help us in our time of need, I welcome all who come to me for support. I also believe it is important to network with various providers and individuals in the community where pertinent and even necessary (i.e. schools, rehab clinics, CPS, etc.).

I will begin seminary at Metro-Baltimore Seminary in the summer of ’22 pursuing the Pastoral Ministry track. In my free time I enjoy cycling and being with family and friends. I also love reading and writing so if you’re interested in receiving my weekly newsletters, you can sign-up HERE.

Updated: February 15, 2022