My Story

The disparities I witnessed in my community while growing up fueled my inspiration for becoming a therapist. I was deeply moved by the resilience of the human spirit and the power of human connection in healing.

While my focus has always been on early childhood education and intervention, I am a true social worker at heart, committed to advocating for and supporting children, adults, and families through access to care and resources.

I’m deeply passionate about helping others move toward greater well-being and lasting change.

Professional Therapy Experience

My therapeutic experience has included working with individuals facing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, family challenges, and co-occurring issues. I’ve helped people uncover what’s getting in the way of their well-being, overcome their struggles, and develop practical strategies for healing and growth. I’ve worked with children, teens, and their families to address emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges in both school and community settings.

Shaniqua Gray, LCSW

My work has included one-on-one and group work, identifying students’ strengths and needs, and partnering with parents and teachers to create more responsive and supportive learning environments. I’ve also guided families in accessing childcare and community services, helping them move forward with greater stability and confidence.

In addition, I’ve provided supervision to graduate-level interns in clinical settings.

Why Work with Me

I’m a lifelong learner inspired by the numerous opportunities to broaden and enrich the lives I impact daily. My goal for all clients is to create a safe and nurturing environment for self-discovery and understanding, free from judgment. As an empathetic listener, I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely heard and supported.

I help clients become more mindful of themselves, others, and the world around them, cultivating self-awareness as a foundation for growth and healing. I recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so I take a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside clients to find what resonates most with them.

I also stay updated on emerging therapy trends and prioritize evidence-based practices to offer the most comprehensive support and guidance to those I serve. My deep commitment to mental and emotional well-being drives everything I do.

My Therapy Approach

My approach emphasizes skill-building, client advocacy, and involving families as part of the therapeutic process. My methods are tailored to each client’s unique needs, whether they’re seeking long-term support or brief, solution-focused work.

I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. Mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, are also central to my work with clients.

When working with children and adolescents, play therapy is especially helpful. It supports emotional development, improves focus, and helps young clients better express their emotions through movement and imagination.

iPhone and laptop with journal

Education

  • Master of Social Work in Social Work in Social Work, Barry University – Miami, FL
  • Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work in Social Work, Barry University – Miami, FL

Get Started

If you resonate with what we offer, contact us in our Valley Stream office. We’ll chat about your needs, and work towards transforming your life and creating a brighter future.