Dane Ray, LCPC

HEALING WORK

Therapy with Dane Ray: Dane provides virtual support to our community as a nationally recognized Internal Family Systems (IFS) Certified practitioner, and international presenter, I partner with clients across the lifespan ( 4 years old- young at heat) to navigate grief, complex trauma, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and non-neurotypical processing. My approach blends rigorous clinical expertise with lived experience, honoring the whole person—mind, body, and culture.

Grounded in Reality Therapy and Choice Theory, my work emphasizes client autonomy, internal clarity, and the transformative power of self-awareness. I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma-informed somatic techniques, motivational interviewing, and culturally attuned frameworks to foster connection, resilience, and self-leadership. Therapy with me is not only about symptom relief—it’s where integration, agency, and lasting change begin.

My impacting identities/roles that inform my work: I bring my whole self to the work—as an African-descended, neurodiverse, differently abled person, parent, and community leader. These identities inform my deep empathy, cultural attunement, and accountability, allowing me to meet clients where they are while addressing the complexities of systemic injustice, neurodiversity, and intergenerational trauma.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: With over 20 years of experience, I support individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, identity development, relational ruptures, executive function challenges, ADHD, and non-neurotypical processing. My Rehabilitation Counseling degree equips me to address the interplay of physical, emotional, and systemic barriers to wellness, particularly for those impacted by chronic health disparities, disability or systemic oppression. I am an active practitioner, presenter and researcher in the Internal Family Systems community, bringing nationally acclaimed expertise to every session.

I work best with clients who: are committed to sustainable change. Clients who thrive with me are curious, open to inner exploration, and invested in understanding the “why” behind behaviors—not just the “how.” Whether navigating family conflict, life transitions, grief, or a loss of purpose, my work supports clients ready to build new relationships with themselves and their inner systems.

I am not a good clinical fit for: individuals in acute crisis or those seeking brief, directive interventions. I also recognize that my approach may not resonate with those who have difficulty working with male-presenting clinicians, and I am committed to helping clients find the best therapeutic match when needed.

What makes me unique: I am the only male identified African descended clinician at Anchored Hope Therapy, uniquely positioned to understand the intersection of psychological, physical, and systemic barriers to wellness. My work is distinguished by deep engagement in Internal Family Systems therapy at both the practitioner and international education level, as well as decades of experience supporting diverse families through complex relational dynamics. I hold space for clients living with disability, navigating neurodiversity, or seeking culturally resonant approaches to healing.

In family work, I support co-parenting in high-conflict situations, LGBTQIA+ people and parents through identity and transition work, and multigenerational healing of trauma, avoidance, or addiction. My approach is trauma-informed, non-pathologizing, and attuned to the emotional legacies carried across families, including issues of estrangement, blended households, reproductive loss, and cross-cultural conflict.

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LEARNING AND GROWING

I am committed to lifelong professional growth, currently pursuing certifications in advanced telehealth delivery, complex trauma treatment, and Internal Family Systems techniques. I am also a pioneer in the DMV for research and clinical application of plant-assisted therapy, exploring how decolonized approaches to healing can expand access and outcomes. My work bridges evidence-based practice with cultural humility, lived experience, and innovative approaches to wellness.

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FUN FACTS / RESILIENCE BUILDING

I cultivate resilience through music, writing, movement, community connection, and culturally rooted practices. Laughter, deep conversations, and family traditions sustain my sense of purpose. Parenthood has taught me as much about presence, repair, and attunement as any textbook or training could.

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EDUCATION

• M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling, University of the District of Columbia
• B.A. in Leadership Studies and Religion, Birmingham-Southern College
• Additional studies in Anthropology, MIT OpenCourseWare

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CERTIFICATIONS / TRAININGS

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Certified Practitioner and International Presenter
• Reality Therapy & Choice Theory
• Trauma-Informed Somatic Practices
• Motivational Interviewing
• Advanced Telehealth Provision (in progress)
• Plant-Assisted Therapy (MDMA, Psilocybin, Ketamine)

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What I’m Currently Reading: Ask me! My list spans clinical texts, poetry, and works that illuminate liberation, identity, and cultural resilience.