Today we’d like to introduce you to Cass Gray, Licensed Professional Counselor and Entrepreneur.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cass. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born and raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, I grew up amidst a teenage pregnancy crisis, a surge in gambling addiction, social and racial injustice, and the crack cocaine epidemic, all of which affected my immediate family. I watched as individuals lost jobs, marriages, families, and their desire to see beyond the daily affliction of a dying city. I was determined to get out and do better, yet in that quest, I knew I wanted to help others “find their way.”
As I grew older and matriculated through educational opportunities and life experiences, I often wondered how people could know better yet not do better and I questioned how certain decisions were made. What was the thought process that led to particular outcomes? Where was the logic? Why was the consequence not considered prior to the action? How did one plus one, not equal two? I could not understand how seemingly intelligent, educated, “normal” people had so many unhealed hurts, unmet needs, and unresolved issues. For me – my new mantra became, “Make it make sense!”
All of my questions led me to seek answers so that I could first understand myself and later become a resource for those seeking the same level of understanding. I studied Social Work, Gerontology, Psychology, and Counseling and became an active member of the helping professional community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There is a scripture that suggests that when a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her time has come; but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the pain and anguish because she is overwhelmed by the joy the baby brings to the world. I believe challenges and obstacles are opportunities for growth and development and are necessary to present the world with new life, hope, joy and possibilities. I think when we experience challenges, it helps us appreciate the finished product even more. Life is full of unexpected roadblocks, unidentified paths, unacknowledged achievements, and unimaginable pain, but it is up to the individual how we navigate through the rough patches to arrive at our unquestionable destiny. Giving my life to help and serve others daily, both personally and professionally, make every challenge and obstacle worth it all.
If you had to start all over, what would you change?
If I had to start over, I would definitely be more focused on business sustainability. I was initially just determined to “hang my shingles” and save the world; and I did not adequately prepare for growth. I would concentrate more on branding and marketing to grow a stronger client base and formulate more community partnerships. While I have strong and capable personal and professional mentors, I would be more intent on regularly scheduled sessions and provide myself with opportunities to implement the knowledge I obtain. I am happy with where we are but very cognizant of where we are headed. I am excited for the bright future of Gray Matters with new clients and partners in our great city!
Please tell us about Gray Matters Counseling and Consulting Associates.
Gray Matters Counseling and Consulting Associates provides high quality, easily accessible mental health services in the most comfortable and least restrictive environment – meeting our clients where they are. We exist to encourage and promote the overall health, well-being, and life success of individuals and families – spirit, soul and body. Our goal is to remove the stigma of receiving mental health services and instill the belief in people that mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. Our focus is on the total person, thereby assisting clients in mending broken places, healing wounded areas, and maximizing their full potential so they can become and remain whole. We strive to help our clients present their best selves to the world.
Our practice is dedicated to individuals, couples and families who need help navigating through life’s challenges and to those who just need a listening ear. We are honest, down to earth, relatable, licensed and experienced professionals with a sense of humor, who have a genuine heart towards those we serve with a gift to turn tears to laughter and sadness to joy. We are known for our ability to walk our clients from the most devastating situations into a place a refreshment and renewal. We are a safe space to process the vicissitudes of life and turn difficult moments into healed experiences that offer new possibilities and shape new outcomes. We are a person-centered, solution-focused source of motivation and support for those who enter our doors. Through talk therapy and life coaching, we help bridge the gap between the heart and the mind and our clients find all they are searching for and more!
We are office and community based and provide concierge services throughout greater Atlanta. Confidential face-to-face and tele-mental health services are available for client convenience.
Everything is not black and white. THE GRAY AREAS MATTER! Let us help you remove the cloudiness and fog and get to the heart of the matter!
#HASHTAGSMATTER
#freedomofexpression #lifehappens #noshame #nojudgezone #alisteningear #acaringheart #wisdomandunderstanding #stressrelief #combattinganxiety #dealingwithdepression #removingthestigma #overcomingfear #letstalkaboutit #onedayatatime #findyourlife #chooseyou #weseeyou #selfcarematters #lovematters #workmatters #mattersoftheheart #youmatter #yourlifematters #yourfamilymatters #mentalhealthmatters #graymatters @graymattersatl
Contact Info:
- Website: www.graymattersatl.com
- Phone: 404.883.0612
- Email: info@graymattersatl.com
- Instagram: @graymattersatl
- Facebook: Gray Matters ATL
Image Credit:
@ryd.der @camkirkstudios
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