Stacey Gray
My name is Stacey Gray and I have been in the field of Social Work for over 20 plus years. My experience includes community outpatient mental health, school-based support and residential treatment centers working with individuals across the life span who are dealing with various mental health concerns that inhibit them from living their lives to the fullest potential. My client population is primarily is working with adolescents and adults who are seeking help with depression, mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD and family and relationship stressors. Throughout my career in private practice I have experience working with many modalities and have come to believe that there is no one size fits all approach to therapy. My primary focus during the treatment process is to ensure that the client feels that there is hope for change. Regardless of what you have experienced or are currently experiencing there is an opportunity for healing.
First session
In our first session my goal for any new client who is entering therapy for the first time or life circumstances have you returning for therapy, is to feel comfortable, know they are in a safe space and will be heard. My goal for the initial session is for the client to recognize that there is hope for healing and they are in charge of the process. Taking the steps to seek therapy takes courage and I would want the client recognize that the first session can be the first step towards healing.
Strengths
My approach to therapy is one that involves the use of various modalities however I do believe that understanding and working towards management of mental health symptoms is one that is integrative in nature. Being able to connect the mind and body connection along with addressing how lifestyle choices plays a role in healing as well is an area that we can explore in more detail if that is also a concern for the client. My approach is client centered and my hope for each session is that the client feels heard, knows that each meeting will be a safe space to share emotions and that they are in charge of the therapeutic process.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is often the client who is a caregiver, feels overwhelmed, dealing with anxiety or depression and has difficulty putting their needs first. During sessions the goals addressed would be to identify ways of understanding the importance of their emotional needs and identifying strategies to process through and cope with their feelings in a healthy manner. Since many individuals who are often the caretakers experience feelings of guilt or feel it is " selfish" to take time for self care, my hope would be for the client to eventually be able to honor their needs by giving themselves space and opportunity to prioritize their own emotional and physical needs. Remember, taking time for yourself is not "Selfish" it is Self Care.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In sessions when CBT is utilized we learn got work on challenging and reframing negative thoughts patterns that often keep us stuck emotionally. Think " Stop the Stinking Thinking".
Integrative
Understanding that there is often a link between our mind and our body and taking the steps to focus on how to manage our mental health symptoms through understanding the connection.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
The client will be able to address mindfulness strategies and learn strategies and activities they can utilize to help manage their symptoms outside of sessions. Think calming and mindfulness as a way to turn off the anxious brain when you need it.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MarylandLicense 15278