Liz Gray, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Staff Therapist, Supervisor
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Contact Info:
liz@empoweredconnectionscounseling.com
(312) 767-2057 x35
Education:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Michigan
Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor of Science from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
I work with:
Individual adults
Individual adolescents
Specialties:
Depression
Anxiety
Life transitions
Relationship concerns
Trauma
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Understanding themselves as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
Modalities: I utilize a combination of talk therapy, expressive arts such as virtual sandtray therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). While I have advanced training as a Certified EMDR therapist and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), my clients have taught me more about vulnerability, resilience, and forgiveness than any class or degree.
“The most powerful form of reward is relational. Positive interactions with people are rewarding and regulating.”
—Bruce D. Perry, What Happened To You?
Personal bio: You’re a sensitive, empathic, deep feeler who spends so much time worrying about the comfort of others that setting boundaries and caring for yourself comes last. Maybe you’ve been told, “you’re too sensitive” throughout your life, you’re easily overstimulated in new environments, or deeply impacted by the people around you. If so, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
As a HSP myself, I offer warmth and safety so your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can have a voice.
I earned my Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and Bachelor of Science from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Michigan with 13+ years working with 2-year-olds through adults.
I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, early intervention, public and therapeutic day schools as a school social worker, solo private practice, and group private practice. I currently see adolescent and adult clients virtually and typically work with clients for years.
Outside my role as a therapist, I love to crochet, organize, curl up with a good mystery, spend time with my husband and baby, or spoil my mini goldendoodle Bailey. Fur babies are always welcome to join our virtual sessions!
During our initial sessions, you can expect… My relational approach to therapy allows us to establish a deep connection over time. During the first few sessions, I will ask questions to learn more about your history; current stressors and symptoms; reasons for seeking therapy now; and your hopes for our work together.