Andrew Gray,
MA LMFT
Areas of Clinical Experience and Interest
- Individual, child, and family therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety and Stress
- Childhood or adolescent emotional or behavioral challenges
- Academic and school-related problems
- Couples counseling
- Relational conflict
- Men's issues
- Sexual addiction
- Grief and Loss
- Trauma
- Spiritual abuse
Biography
In my youth, I poured much of my energy into achievement, striving to earn the respect of others through academics and athletics. One of my dreams - to play football for the legendary Coach Frosty Westering - became a reality during my time at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). However, I faced deep disappointment and a sense of loss when I failed to meet the high expectations I had set for myself.
While at PLU, I was surrounded by peers and leaders whose commitment to their faith in Jesus Christ was unlike anything I had previously encountered. As I navigated various trials, the relationships I built offered comfort, encouragement, and a new perspective. Through these experiences, my faith and commitment to Jesus deepened, even in the face of adversity. Those formative years instilled in me a strong desire to give back to others, just as I had been served and ministered to.
In my early twenties, I thought I might become a pastor or college director with a focus on evangelism and discipleship. As life unfolded, I felt my skills and abilities were better suited for helping others in the counseling context. I now find great reward in working with people from various backgrounds and perspectives.
While dating my wife in college, we dreamed of serving together through cross-cultural missions. In 2012, we took our 3 children to the impoverished nation of Niger, West Africa, serving there for 18 months. Today, among the many areas of support we provide, I am also able to use my marriage and family counseling training to encourage the families in multiple West African countries.
My wife, Nikki, and I have three adult children and reside in the Tri-Cities area.
Therapeutic Style
I approach counseling as a partnership with you. You set the goals, and we work together to accomplish those goals. I believe a judgement free, safe environment is essential for exploration and learning. I want to provide compassion as I listen to your story as well as provide ideas, skills, and strategies for you to consider. I use a variety of counseling theories including family systems, CBT, Narrative, among others.