Caroline M. Ray, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS

Licensed Professional Counselor

Life can be complicated. Stress from work, school, relationships, or unexpected events can make it hard to cope and enjoy daily life. When things feel overwhelming, having someone to talk to can make a big difference. My role as a counselor is to help you sort through your emotions and thoughts, find clarity, and work toward positive change.

I provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can share your experiences, explore options, and take steps toward improving your well-being. My counseling approach is grounded in multicultural awareness, social justice, and advocacy principles, ensuring that every client feels respected and understood. I believe counseling works best as a partnership—rather than giving directives, I collaborate with individuals, couples, and groups using assessments, goal setting, and evidence-based strategies tailored to your unique needs.

I have over 17 years of education, training, and experience helping people (ages 13 and older) with concerns such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief and loss (including miscarriage)
• Crisis and trauma
• Racial trauma
• Behavioral issues
• Family transitions
• Parenting strategies and support
• Self-esteem
• Academic and career counseling
• Executive functioning and ADHD-related concerns
• Leadership stressors
• Women’s issues
• Christian counseling (upon request)

I also have extensive experience working with high-level managers and organizational leaders, supporting them in managing ADHD symptoms, strengthening executive functioning skills, and thriving in demanding roles.

Salient parts of who I am include being a Christian, a wife, a mother, and being Black and Korean (biracial). I am also part of the neurodiverse community, having received an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, well after establishing my family and career (It’s been a journey for sure!). I share aspects of who I am as an early way of introducing myself, and I deeply honor when clients share aspects of who they are with me as we work together. While my values and beliefs shape me into the person I am, I do not impose them on others. My commitment is to create a space where your experiences and worldview are respected and honored.

I earned my Master’s and Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health, College Counseling, and Clinical Supervision. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). I follow the ethical standards and best practices of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE).

Professional growth is important to me. I stay current in my professions of Counseling, Counselor Education, and Supervision through ongoing education, trainings, and research. I also give back to these professions by serving on executive councils and committees when I am able. I serve/have served in leadership and volunteer roles for the Michigan Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (MACES), the Michigan Counseling Association (MCA), and the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES).

Outside of work, I’ve been married for over 23 years to my best friend, and we enjoy life with our five creative kids (ages spanning from young adult to preschool)—there’s never a dull moment in our home! I love cooking, hosting family and friends, singing, dancing, listening to audiobooks, playing video games, and indulging in humorous videos (laughing is good for the soul!) on social media.

Services

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy

Adults and children ages 13 and older

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Behavioral issues
• Family transitions
• Grief and loss
• Parenting strategies and support
• Self-esteem
• Academic and career issues
• Trauma

Please inquire about other specialty areas