Rayell Grayson, LCPC, CADC (she/her), is a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified addictions counselor, holding a Master's of Arts degree in clinical counseling psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. With over ten years of experience, Rayell specializes in a wide range of areas including substance abuse/addiction, complex PTSD, trauma/racial trauma, cultural/racial identity development, life adjustments/transitions, stress management, mood disorders, anxiety, relational complications, domestic and sexual violence, low self-esteem/self-worth struggles, women's issues, and health/wellness concerns. Her current focus centers on supporting individuals who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color).

Rayell's extensive experience encompasses working with diverse adolescents and adults from various cultural backgrounds who grapple with complex life challenges. She is deeply committed to anti-racism and social justice advocacy, passionately believing that every individual deserves the space to embrace their authentic self, live truthfully, and foster healthier interactions and connections within their relationships. Her approach is characterized by genuine compassion, providing a warm, caring, and calm therapeutic environment where clients can feel safe, supported, and open to sharing their experiences.

Therapy, to Rayell, is a collaborative journey where she cultivates a strong relationship with her clients, emphasizing connection, exploration, validation, and growth. She empowers clients to recognize their strengths and enhance self-acceptance by inviting curiosity into the therapy space.

Utilizing an eclectic, strength-based, empathetic, playful, and relational approach, Rayell firmly believes that seeking guidance and support when facing life's changes, challenges, and obstacles is beneficial to everyone. She is a NARM trained therapist (NeuroAffective Relational Model) therapist, which is a trauma model designed to support individuals who have experienced complex/developmental trauma.

Beyond her professional life, Rayell finds joy in exploring different cultures and food through travel, and when not on the go, she can be found enjoying outdoor festivals and concerts throughout Chicago. She stays active with intramural softball, jogging/biking along the lake path, weightlifting and a good HIIT workout. Rayell is also deeply committed to giving back through volunteering and enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. On quieter days, she relishes spending time with her 13-year-old dog, Theodore Eugene, and cherishes moments with family and friends while occasionally indulging in a Netflix binge. Rayell also serves on the board for the non profit organization, Sista Afya Community Care. 

Rayell can be reached by email at: rayell@headhearttherapy.com