New to Grow
I’m Angelica Gray, a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Arkansas and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio. I began my career as a child protective investigator in 2010, transitioned into mental health case management in 2014, and have been working as a psychotherapist since 2016. I’ve owned my own solo private practice since 2020 and enjoy working from home with my dachshund, Gretchen Wieners, who occasionally joins sessions to say hello. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life stressors, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My approach is warm, direct, and trauma-informed, creating a space where clients can process difficult experiences, build effective coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change.
In your first session, you can expect a structured but supportive conversation focused on understanding what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping to change. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, relevant history, and any patterns you’ve noticed, while also giving you space to share at your own pace—there’s no pressure to talk about anything you’re not ready for. We’ll also begin identifying goals for treatment and discuss how approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) may be used based on your needs. My focus is on creating a safe, collaborative environment where you feel heard, respected, and supported from the very beginning.
What makes my experience unique is the depth and range of work I’ve done across multiple systems before and during my time as a therapist. I began my career as a child protective investigator, where I was directly involved in high-stakes situations involving abuse, neglect, and family crisis, and frequently testified in court. This experience strengthened my skills in assessment, documentation, and communicating complex clinical concerns clearly and effectively under pressure. I then worked as a mental health case manager, helping individuals navigate systems of care and access needed resources, before transitioning into psychotherapy in 2016. This progression allows me to understand clients not only from a clinical perspective, but within the context of real-life systems, stressors, and barriers. Because of this background, I’m especially skilled at working with trauma, complex family dynamics, and individuals who feel overwhelmed by difficult circumstances. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to provide treatment that is both clinically grounded and results-oriented.
I am best positioned to work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and ongoing life stressors, particularly those navigating complex family dynamics, relationship strain, or work-related challenges. Many of the clients I serve have a history of trauma and are seeking a space where their experiences are taken seriously and approached with clinical expertise and consistency. I tend to work well with clients who are motivated for change but may feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. This includes individuals who want to better understand their emotional responses, improve coping strategies, process past experiences, and develop healthier ways of thinking, relating, and functioning in their daily lives.
EMDR
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and incorporate it regularly into my work with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, and distressing life events. My clinical background in trauma-informed care allows me to thoughtfully assess readiness, prioritize stabilization, and ensure clients have the coping skills necessary before beginning reprocessing. In my practice, I follow a structured EMDR approach, including history-taking, preparation, desensitization, and reprocessing phases. I use bilateral stimulation to help clients process unresolved memories, reduce emotional intensity, and shift negative core beliefs into more adaptive, realistic perspectives. Throughout the process, I closely monitor tolerance and pacing to maintain emotional safety and support lasting therapeutic change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I use CBT to help clients recognize the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, challenge unhelpful cognitive patterns, and develop more balanced, realistic thinking. I also integrate practical interventions such as behavioral activation, coping skill development, and structured problem-solving to support meaningful, sustainable change outside of sessions.