Caroline M. Ray, MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Daily life consists of many experiences that can negatively affect our day-to-day living, important relationships, and performance at work or school. When we experience distress in these areas, our ability to cope and our quality of life can decline. At times like this, having a counselor to serve as a sounding board can help sort out emotions. They can also assist in helping us change the thoughts and behaviors that create and/or increase problems and debilitating stress in our lives. I serve and assist people during these times.

As a professional counselor, I endeavor to establish and maintain a safe, non-judgmental environment in which individuals can share and reflect on their life experiences, figure out next steps to effectively address their problems, and enhance their quality of life. Trust, confidentiality, and goodwill are fundamental building blocks in this therapeutic relationship. I do not make decisions for anyone, nor will I give directives in attempt to solve the problems of the people I assist. I collaboratively work with individuals, couples, and groups; using clinical assessments, goal-setting, and evidence-based therapies to address the problems discussed in counseling in a manner that is multiculturally responsive and respectful of the people I serve.

I have 13 years of education, training, and professional experience providing counseling to individuals, couples, and groups (adolescence to late middle age) for problems related to anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance/alcohol addictions and abuse, eating disorders, self-injurious behavior (suicidal and non-suicidal), marriage concerns, career/academic challenges, and adjustment issues.  I earned my master’s degree in Counselor Education: Clinical Mental Health at Western Michigan University in 2012 and I am in the final stages of completing my Ph.D. program in Counselor Education at the same institution.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)  in the state of Michigan. I am also certified as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors and credentialed as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) by the Center for Credentialing & Education.  I abide by the codes of ethics, policies, and best practices set forth by the American Counseling Association (ACA), Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) in the fields of counseling, counselor education, and supervision.

I highly value continuing education, professional development, and service within the counseling, counselor education, and supervision fields. I actively engage in self-study, trainings, workshops, and research to ensure that I am knowledgeable and able to utilize current evidenced based interventions in my counseling practice. I am an active member of the executive councils and/or committees of 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).

I have been married to my best friend for over 19 years. We have 4 intellectual, creative, and zany children with us at home. They range in age from elementary school all the way to college student. We also have one heavenly baby lost through miscarriage. We are grateful for the time we had and our hearts remain full of love for our little one. There is never a dull day in the Ray household! Our daily family antics keeps us laughing and appreciative of each other. Some of my hobbies include cooking and hosting gatherings for family and friends, singing, dancing, listening to audio books and music, and over-indulging on animal/pet videos.

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