Maria Gray Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Offering Therapy In-person in Santa Monica, California, or Online

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #85366), providing psychotherapy to individuals, young adults and groups. My approach is a blend of person-centered (Rogerian) style with somatic psychotherapy. My longstanding meditation and yoga practice also informs my work.

I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Vermont in 1986 and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Boston University in 1988. I applied my counseling skills in the business world during a long, successful career in Human Resources Information Systems.

During a break from a busy corporate job, I became inspired while attending a yoga retreat in Costa Rica. I came back from the trip feeling revitalized and invigorated, and returned to graduate school and earned a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.

Therapy for Trauma and Addictions

I specialize in addictions and trauma, and am certified in both Brainspotting and EMDR. I’m a Brainspotting Specialist and trainer; Brainspotting is not just a trauma modality, it is highly effective in helping creative professionals enhance their performance. I enjoy using Brainspotting and EMDR to help my clients expand into the lives they truly want for themselves. Many of my clients find that Brainspotting/EMDR sessions help them uncover and discard patterns that are no longer serving them.

Early in my career I completed a 2-year training and certification in the NeroAffective Relational Model (NARM), a clinical approach that combines a focus on the nervous system with an exploration and curiosity regarding clients’ thoughts and emotions.

non-pathologizing and somatic approach

My somatic approach to therapy is resource and wellness-oriented, as well as non-pathologizing. The emphasis is on helping my clients re-establish connection to their bodies and to the parts of self that are organized, coherent and functional.

grief counseling

Death is a part of life. I participated in an intensive grief training at Our House Grief Support Center, and I believe in the healing potential of grief work. Learn more about therapy for grief and loss.