Michael A. Gray, LCSW, MFA
Psychotherapist

I didn’t always see myself in the role of a therapist. I was initially introduced to therapy in college when a professor could see I was having difficulties with balancing my life and suggested that I might benefit from talking to someone. I was fortunate enough to find a warm, caring therapist who provided a non-judgmental space where I could share the things I didn’t necessarily feel comfortable talking about with other people. It was a very positive experience for me and I appreciated the opportunity to have a space where I could process my thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner with someone who had an outside perspective on my situations.

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I had never considered a career in the mental health field and in college chose to focus on pursuing a degree in fine arts. I completed a BFA in Graphic Design from Ohio University and several years later completed an MFA in Visual Communications at Virginia Commonwealth University. For 15 years I worked as a graphic designer in a variety of industries in LA, Chicago, and New York. I also taught graphic design courses at Virginia Commonwealth University, Pratt Institute, and the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Although I was very invested in my design career, and my work in academia, I always felt something was missing in my professional life. And so after many years in the design field, and with the support and encouragement of my therapist at the time, I decided it was time to explore a new professional direction, and I applied to the Master of Social Work program at the NYU Silver School of Social Work. During my first semester, I participated in a field placement that allowed me to see how working in the therapeutic field could be a new career direction and I felt an almost immediate shift in my professional aspirations. 

My experience in the mental health field has been diverse, and I have worked in a variety of environments with a vast range of individuals presenting with unique issues. After ten years of working in primarily community clinic environments in Philadelphia, PA and the Greater New York City area, in 2021 I transitioned to my own practice on a full time basis. My practice currently consists of a diverse group of individuals ranging from adolescents to seniors of different ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual and gender orientations. Given my personal and professional experience, I often work with individuals in the creative industries, career changers, or individuals looking to address their life direction. In addition, I also work with a large clientele of LGBTQIA+ individuals and people who participate in alternative sexuality (i.e., poly, kink, etc.), and I am very supportive of these communities. I believe in accepting everyone for who they are, where they are, and who they might want to become, and I look forward to the opportunity for both of us to learn together.