Dr. Ella Ray (Psychologist)

I am a Pennsylvania licensed psychologist and hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. I have over 35 years of experience as a therapist. It takes courage to begin therapy. I also know that therapy sessions tend to exclusively focus on problems, on what is not working. I will encourage you to see the full picture, define your strengths, and use them to reach your goals. My interest and experience include depression and trauma both physical and racial. I also help individuals whose career or interpersonal success is blocked by factors such as low self-esteem, procrastination, or impostor syndrome. Multicultural issues have always been of interest to me over the years. My caseload reflects a wide range of diversity. This interest and experience are heightened by my interracial and international family. While this does inform me of issues that others face, I also know that all members of a group are not the same and in the service of my work and my clients, I make no assumptions based upon how one looks. During our sessions, I want to hear your story. I also encourage you to question any ideas or techniques that are offered. In my work, I combine cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness. In therapy sessions, we will explore your thoughts about yourself and the world. Unfortunately, as human beings, we are hard-wired to focus on negative interactions with the world and our missteps. I will then use mindfulness techniques to help clear away the anxieties that fog up the mind so that you can focus on what is truly happening. It helps one to be less influenced by trends or social pressures and allows one to live one’s own life, to not absorb the noise chaos, and confusion that is so prevalent. I enjoy the respect of my colleagues I genuinely enjoy my work and often feel that I was born to be a therapist. I bring respect for you, expertise, warmth, and humor to my sessions. It is your right to understand suggestions that I offer, and I encourage you to ask for clarification. I look forward to being part of your journey. I bring respect and integrity to my work, and I abide by the ethical guidelines of the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. As such, I am duty bound to collect certain information about you. This information includes your identification, location, emergency contact information and any past and present mental and physical issues. This information must be completed before we can set up our first appointment. While I urge you not to be discouraged by this process, I also must confess that when these regulations first became implemented that I sometimes felt frustrated by having to complete the information prior to seeing my health care providers. But it clearly was in my best interest. This process is here to protect you. Once again, I look forward to the opportunity to help you feel empowered and effective in dealing with challenges in your life. Searching for a therapist can be a daunting process when you are already feeling stressed. To make your experience less stressful, let me bring your attention to two factors regarding my practice. First, as a psychologist licensed by the state of Pennsylvania, I am required to ask you to provide a photo ID that includes your address. No sessions can be scheduled until that information is provided. This helps to protect your identity. Secondly, I presently have openings for Wednesdays and Sundays. I wish you well as you begin your journey.