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The Serenity First Counseling Team

Meet the Clinical Team

Shayla Gray, relationship and family systems therapist and educator

Shayla Gray

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Harvard-trained in Couples Therapy

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EMDR-Certified Therapist

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15+ Years in Mental Health

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Licensed in Maryland & Virginia

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​PhD Candidate in Marriage & Family Therapy

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Relationship & Family Systems Therapist

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Life Transitions Therapist & Educator

At Serenity First Counseling, our compassionate clinical team provides specialized couples therapy and education to help couples across Maryland and Virginia strengthen communication, rebuild connection, and create healthier relationships.

Founder and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

More About Shayla

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving clients in Maryland and Virginia.

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  • Supports couples and individuals navigating:

    • Trauma and emotional overwhelm

    • Relationship stress and conflict

    • Major life transitions

    • Pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood

    • Fertility journeys, pregnancy loss, and birth-related experiences

    • Postpartum anxiety, depression, panic, and intrusive thoughts

    • Identity changes and relationship shifts after becoming a parent

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  • Approach: Collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in creating emotional safety and sustainable tools for healing.

  • Creates a safe space to process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, reduce triggers, and reconnect with yourself.

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  • Education & Training:

    • B.S. in Psychology — Virginia State University

    • M.A. in Human Services — Liberty University

    • Harvard-trained in Couples Therapy

    • EMDR-certified

    • Advanced couples-focused training

    • PhD candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northcentral University

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  • Research focus: Relationship satisfaction during parenthood.

Grounded and Accredited Practice

EMDRIA Certified Therapist badge
Postpartum Support International (PSI) Certificate of Completion badge
EMDRIA Certified Therapist certificate for Shayla Gray

Brittaney Banks-Fortuna

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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern currently pursuing her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

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Experienced in working with children, adolescents, and adults, including veterans and individuals experiencing significant and persistent mental health challenges.

About Brittaney

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Brings a background in behavioral health and community-based support.

Areas of Focus

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

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Anxiety and depression

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Self-esteem and confidence

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Emotional regulation and coping skills

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Life transitions and challenging seasons

Interpersonal and relationship concerns

Mental health support for children and adolescents

Counseling Approach

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Person-centered: Creates a supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted.

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Strengths-based: Helps clients recognize their strengths and build on their existing abilities.

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Trauma-informed: Considers how past experiences, relationships, family dynamics, and environments influence emotional well-being.

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Cognitive behavioral techniques: Incorporates practical strategies tailored to each client's individual needs.

Who She Works With

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Children and adolescents developing self-awareness, confidence, and healthy coping skills.

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Adults navigating anxiety, emotional challenges, and life transitions.

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Individuals seeking to better understand their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships.

Her Philosophy

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Helps clients understand their experiences and recognize patterns that may be keeping them stuck.

Encourages clients to explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment.

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Supports the development of practical strategies for meaningful, lasting change.

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Aims to build a genuine therapeutic relationship where clients feel comfortable being themselves and gain tools they can use in everyday life.

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