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.

Through this Q&A session, Dr. Gray delves into topics like medication use, her career path, therapeutic approaches, and the integration of resilience and holistic wellness into mental health treatment. As a Clinical Assistant Professor, she bridges the gap between teaching and clinical practice, challenging antiquated ideas and inspiring future healthcare providers to transform the mental health landscape. Her commitment to community partnerships and education initiatives reflects her dedication to reducing stigma and normalizing mental health conversations.

Join us as we dive deeper into the impressive capabilities of Marissa. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover all that she has to offer.

1. Why should someone meet with a medication provider?

Psychiatric medication is provided when a patient exhibits clinical symptoms that warrant medication intervention. That decision is made within the patient-provider relationship and in conjunction with counseling.

2. What led you to become a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?

I wanted 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.

3. What are the best habits of a great psychiatric nurse practitioner?

I believe in co-developing trust within the care provider-patient relationship by reminding the patient that they know their body best.

4. What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I utilize therapeutic techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Integrative Medicine, and Biofeedback.

5. With a specialization in resilience and holistic wellness, could you share insights into how these aspects are integrated into mental health treatment and their significance in fostering overall well-being?

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.

6. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Mental Health Nursing, how do you bridge your roles in teaching and clinical practice to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of mental health?

I bring real life into the classroom, challenge antiquated ideas of mental health, and inspire future health care providers to change the world! We know our current medical system does not promote whole-mind and body wellness; it is more of a fast-food band-aid chain. I want to be that change in practice and partner with my patients for lasting, restorative results.

7. With a focus on advocacy and community networking, how do you envision contributing to the broader mental health landscape, both locally and beyond?

I am currently working with The Institute of Interdisciplinary Memphis Partnerships to Advance Community Transformation and University Schools on two local grants to establish accessibility to inclusive and equitable mental health services. My dream is to continue to work with local Memphis communities as well as grow public mental health medical-legal partnerships globally.

8. In your role at Forward Counseling, how do you tailor mental health strategies to individual needs, recognizing the unique aspects of each patient's journey?

Clinically, mental health has so many categories that unfortunately put people's lived experiences in a box. I challenge that perspective in each session and prioritize actively listening to what the person's words and body are communicating to develop a treatment plan.

9. As someone deeply involved in education, how do you perceive the role of knowledge and awareness in reducing stigma surrounding mental health, and how can community education initiatives contribute to this goal?

This is my number one priority in teaching. Humans are unique, and yet we are all in it together. Reducing the stigma of mental health cannot just be a trend; work must be done to normalize it and also reduce the fear in those who have never lived with it or had a loved one experience mental illness. I offer student and community simulations to begin to close that gap by reducing that fear of the unknown.

10. What advice would you have for someone uncertain about medication?

I would say that it makes sense to be uncertain. Medication can be a scary thing to try. I want to provide education on the medication, side effects, co-created goals of treatment, and how often we can check in throughout the process.

11. Do you typically recommend medication?

Each person is unique, and their treatment plan is developed within the care provider-patient relationship. If medication is recommended, I want the patient to know that it is ultimately their choice.

12. What coping methods might you suggest during a session with someone who wants to learn how to improve their mental health without medication?

Coping methods only work if they are the right fit for that person. I have also noticed that coping methods shift throughout the seasons of our lives. Whereas walking, journaling, or listening to music might have been effective for a time, now they don't seem to work as well. It is important to keep building new coping skills while checking in to see what is working well now.

13. How should a new client prepare for the first session?

It is helpful to know past and current medical history, personal goals, and any other person that you would like to include in the process.

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