What would your clients and colleagues say is your therapist superpower?
I have two: empathy and authenticity. I prioritize being empathic and authentic in order to create a safe space for people to share their struggles and successes with me.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
One class in college was all it took. I was hooked as soon as I started to learn about how endlessly interesting the human experience is. In fact, this interest is what keeps me in this profession. I learn something new every day from either my clients or from the ever-evolving science of psychology. It is truly a privilege to bear witness to the inner lives of others – it enriches my own life.
Is there an example from your daily life where you practice what you preach?
Mindfulness, particularly mindful self-compassion, is a practice that I both advocate for and practice on a (nearly) daily basis. The ways in which this practice has enhanced my own life, both personally and professionally, make it very easy to want to share with others.
For more information about me please feel free to visit my website: https://www.drmegangray.com
Short Term (Solution-focused, etc.)
Ideal for those who are coming in with a specific problem they’d like to address and gain clarity on. Typically, short term therapies are present focused and do not dive deep into your past.
Structured
Structured therapies are goal and progress oriented. Therapists may incorporate psychoeducation and a specific “curriculum.” In order to stay on track, therapists may provide worksheets and homework.
Insight-oriented (Psychodynamic, Existential, etc.)
Exploring the past and making connections to present issues can help clients gain insight. Getting to the root of the issue and finding deeper self-awareness can help with long-term change.
Non-directive (Humanistic, Person-centered, etc.)
Going with the flow and seeing where it leads.
Behavioral (CBT, DBT, etc.)
Focuses on changing potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors by addressing problematic thought patterns and specific providing coping skills.
Trauma Focused (EMDR, TF-CBT, etc.)
Recognizing the connection between trauma experiences and your emotional and behavioral responses, trauma focused therapy seeks to help you heal from traumas.