Marissa Gray

Dr. Marissa Gray, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, has joined Forward Counseling as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Mental Health Nursing. With extensive experience in pediatric, adult, and recovery mental health, she specializes in resilience, holistic wellness, and trauma-responsive psychiatric care. Gray's interests include advocacy, education, community networking, and program development, aiming to empower healthcare providers and leaders in interdisciplinary teamwork to promote mental health, wellness, and resilience. I want to use my education and my life experience to be impactful. Active listening, partnering with others to become braver and stronger, and creating community relationships are all the reasons I love my job. I believe in co-developing trust within the care provider-patient relationship by reminding the patient that they know their body best. I utilize therapeutic techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Integrative Medicine, and Biofeedback. I believe in healing, not just surviving. Therefore, it is vital that wellness be the goal of each encounter. Discussing nutrition, physical movement, relationships, life goals, and medical concerns are all part of how we can holistically restore and heal our minds and bodies.