- Client-centered therapy
- Mindfulness therapy
- Family of origin issues
About Gayle
Gayle Bradley-Starkes is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) in Maryland and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 27 years of experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, anger, addictions, intimacy concerns, sleep problems, and self-esteem struggles. Sessions also address ADHD and bipolar concerns when relevant. Gayle lists family of origin issues among her focus areas and helps people notice how early family roles and expectations still affect life now.
She practices using client-centered therapy and mindfulness therapy. In sessions she listens for the stories and strengths each person brings. Conversations aim to clarify what matters most, reduce overwhelming thoughts, and find small changes that fit daily life. Practical strategies and gentle skills practice may be part of work together.
Gayle has long experience across community and clinical settings. She draws on many years helping adults cope with grief, relationship conflict, and addictive behaviors. That background informs a straightforward approach that balances listening with concrete ways to manage symptoms and rebuild routines.
People often come to her wanting clearer communication, healthier boundaries, or less reactivity tied to old family patterns. She helps people identify those patterns, understand their effects, and test new ways of responding. Progress is approached step by step.
Sessions take place with attention to each person’s goals and everyday schedule. Clients who want to begin can use the site's matching steps to choose online therapy options and schedule an initial meeting.
Using client-centered and mindfulness approaches in online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s own experience. The therapist listens without directing the story and helps the client name goals and strengths. This approach can help with relationship patterns, family of origin issues, and rebuilding confidence.Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention skills to reduce overwhelm. It uses short practices and grounded noticing to reduce reactivity to stress, improve sleep habits, and manage anxiety symptoms. These techniques are practical and can be used between sessions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Gayle will help decide which methods fit best based on the client’s needs, goals, and preferences. That choice is made together, and can shift as progress is tracked.
Confirm available session formats before booking, since formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, shorten a check-in when schedules are tight, or avoid travel time. They can allow regular conversations about family patterns, coping skills practice, and brief behavioral experiments that fit into everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
27+ years
Listed in
Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, anger, addictions, sleep troubles, self-esteem, bipolar and ADHD related issues. Family of origin issues and related family problems are also listed as focus areas.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses client-centered therapy and mindfulness therapy. The focus is on listening to each person’s story and practicing skills that reduce reactivity and improve day-to-day coping.
How much experience does she have?
She has 27 years of professional experience as a mental health practitioner. That experience includes work with grief, relationship conflict, and addictive behaviors.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is licensed as LCSW-C in Maryland and holds an LICSW. Location listed is Maryland.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Specific fees depend on the chosen subscription plan.
How do I get started with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the platform.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.