Susan Ray

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges. I hold a PhD in Psychology and an MBA, and my professional background includes clinical practice, higher education, and supporting individuals and families through complex emotional and behavioral concerns.

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism-related concerns, burnout, and relationship difficulties. My clinical training includes evidence-based approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and somatic interventions.

At Stonewater Therapy, I believe effective therapy begins with understanding each person’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals. I strive to create a welcoming, supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each person’s unique needs, experiences, and goals. I believe meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and understanding. I work to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring challenges, developing insight, and discovering new ways to move forward.

I integrate evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, trauma-focused interventions, and somatic techniques, depending on each client’s needs. My work is strengths-based and trauma-informed, recognizing that our experiences, relationships, and environments shape how we understand ourselves and navigate the world.

Together, we focus on building practical skills, strengthening resilience, and creating meaningful, sustainable changes that support emotional well-being and healthier relationships.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin exploring what brings you to therapy. We'll talk about your current concerns, relevant experiences, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I'll ask questions to better understand your needs, strengths, and goals, while also giving you space to share what's important to you.

I understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first experience. My goal is to create a comfortable, supportive environment where you feel heard and respected. There's no pressure to share everything at once, and we'll move at a pace that feels appropriate for you.

We'll also discuss what therapy might look like moving forward, including potential treatment approaches and initial goals. By the end of our first session, I hope you'll have a clearer understanding of how we can work together and feel more comfortable taking the next steps.