Healing from Trauma starts here.

I help individuals and couples process the past, rebuild trust, and move forward with confidence and peace.

At Serenity First Counseling, healing is at the heart of everything I do — but trauma is where we start.

I understand how heavy the past can feel. Whether it’s shaping the way you see yourself, affecting your relationships, or making it hard to feel truly safe, I’m here to help you navigate your healing journey in a way that’s compassionate, steady, and completely tailored to you.

If you’re feeling…

Disconnected from your partner after a difficult life event

Haunted by flashbacks, nightmares, or waves of anxiety from past experiences

Avoiding certain places, conversations, or people because they feel unsafe

Unsure if you can ever fully trust or feel safe again

…there is a path forward.
Trauma doesn’t have to define your story.
Elevating Peace is possible.

How We Can Work Together

Trauma-Focused Couples Therapy

Rebuild trust, strengthen connection, and create a shared vision for the future after hardship.

Individual Trauma Therapy

One-on-one guidance to help you release pain, break old patterns, and rediscover your strength.

Intensive EMDR Therapy

Pinpoint and process the root of your trauma in focused sessions designed for deep, lasting breakthroughs.

Workshops & Groups

Learn, grow, and heal in the support of a like-minded community.

AND MORE

No matter where you are in your journey, you deserve a space where you are heard, understood, and supported in your healing.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Shayla Gray

Schedule A Free 15 Minute Consultation

Check Out My Workbook for Couples

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia and Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryland and New Hampshire. I believe people strive to live the best life they possibly can. At times, life can throw in a few challenges and reaching out for help is not always easy. I am here to help! Together we can face those challenges and get you closer to your goals. I am passionate about partnering with individuals and couples in the therapeutic process to help them find their peace.

I have over 10 years’ experience working in various mental health settings including private practice, the community services board, crisis facilities and community-based services. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia State University, my master's degree from Liberty University specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, my post-graduate certificates from North Central University in Autism Education and Marriage and Family Therapy. I am Harvard Medical School trained in treating couples. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Using a collaborative approach, my goal is to provide a safe space to begin working towards change. I specialize in relationships and working with trauma. I am committed to excellence and providing culturally competent mental health services to the community.

Watch More Videos

Serenity Counseling PLLC is proudly associated with Central Virginia Clinicians of Color

Healing for Relationships,

Growth for Partners

I support couples in reconnecting, resolving conflict, and deepening emotional intimacy at every stage of their journey.

Services

"We cannot change the past, but we can change our attitude toward it. Uproot guilt and plant forgiveness. Tear out arrogance and seed humility. Exchange love for hate - thereby, making the present comfortable and the future promising." - Maya Angelou

We all experience ups and downs; certain times are worse than others. When the “lows” are keeping you from being the person you want to be, it may be time to come in and consult on some strategies that will help you restore, rejuvenate, and rediscover yourself and/or your relationship.