Meet Your Risework Therapist: Introducing Shannis Gray
At Risework Therapy, we believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for growth, and that starts with getting to know the person who’s holding space for your journey. In our “Meet Your Therapist” blog series, we’re proud to introduce the compassionate, skilled professionals behind the scenes here at Risework Therapy.
This week, we’re excited to feature Shannis Gray, MSW, RSW. Shannis is a Registered Social Worker for clients in Prince Edward Island & Nova Scotia, providing virtual sessions. With over nine years of experience, Shannis provides holistic, culturally grounded care to individuals, families, and groups navigating grief, trauma, and a wide range of mental health challenges.
About Shannis
Shannis offers virtual sessions, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and exploring their unique paths toward healing. Her approach blends Indigenous healing methods with western therapeutic modalities, creating a deeply integrative and reflective space for growth.
She is guided by the belief that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process and invites clients to explore what healing looks like for them.
Shannis’s work is grounded in compassion, safety, and collaboration. She creates a therapeutic space where mind, body, spirit, and community are all recognized as essential parts of the healing process.
Specialties:
Trauma
Grief
Anxiety
Depression
Emotion Regulation
Somatic Practices
“I’m caring, compassionate, reflective and deeply committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where people can be themselves. I believe in people's strengths and resilience and bring steady grounding energy that helps clients feel supported and empowered in their healing journey. I like to meet people where they are at and truly believe that they are the experts of their own lives.”
Therapeutic Approach
In sessions, Shannis listens deeply and reflects with curiosity, helping clients reconnect with their strengths while also making space to hold their pain. She often incorporates somatic and mindfulness-based practices to support clients in feeling present and grounded.
“In sessions, I listen deeply and reflect with curiosity, helping clients reconnect with their strengths while also making space to hold their pain. I often incorporate somatic and mindfulness-based practices to support clients in feeling present and grounded. My approach is compassionate yet empowering. I see therapy as a shared journey, where I am walking alongside clients while they discover and define what healing looks like for them.”
Therapeutic Modalities Shannis Uses
“My approach is holistic and flexible, blending Indigenous healing methods with evidence-based modalities to support each person’s unique needs.”
Shannis draws from:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Somatic / Polyvagal Approaches
Psychodynamic Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Brain Spotting Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
At the Heart of Shannis’s Work Are Her Core Values:
Compassion, Respect, Collaboration, Holism, Cultural Grounding, Safety, and Empowerment.
We Asked & Shannis Answered
What inspired you to become a therapist?
“My passion for this work began early. When I was a teenager I had my share of challenges, and I began meeting with my first therapist, who also happened to be an Indigenous Therapist. She inspired me deeply and showed me the power of being truly heard and seen. My early experiences with my first therapist planted the seed for the work that I do today. Not only was it representation in the field but it also paved the way for how I approach therapy through a blended approach.”
What led you to your specific area of focus/speciality?
“My focus on trauma work and grief is rooted in my own lived experiences, growing up as a mixed native person and navigating the impacts of trauma. This journey shaped my desire to support healing within my own community and beyond.”
How would you describe yourself or your personality?
“I am caring, compassionate, reflective and deeply committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where people can be themselves. I believe in people's strengths and resilience and bring steady grounding energy that helps clients feel supported and empowered in their healing journey. I like to meet people where they are at and truly believe that they are the experts of their own lives.”
How do you create a safe and supportive environment for your clients?
“I create a therapeutic space rooted in safety, trust, and respect, where clients feel safe to be themselves, share openly, and begin to heal at their own pace.”
What’s something you wish more people understood about therapy?
“Showing up to therapy is an act of courage. I wish more people understood that therapy is not about being 'broken' it's about being human and recognizing that we could benefit from support speaks to a person's awareness and demonstrates insight. Vulnerability is one of the greatest strengths we can bring into the healing process.”
What’s something clients might be surprised to learn about you?
“One thing people are often surprised to learn about me is that I am Mi'gmaq First Nation from Listuguj, and my culture deeply influences the way I understand and support healing.”
How do you take care of your own mental health?
“I look after my mental health by moving my body (being intentional with my movements), practicing mindfulness, staying connected to my culture and community, spending time with my fur babies, and using mother nature to regulate my nervous system.”
What would you say to someone who’s nervous about starting therapy?
“It's ok to feel nervous, it's actually very natural to feel that way when we begin something new, especially as meaningful as therapy. Just showing up for yourself is already a big step. We will go at a pace that feels safe for you.”
What is something personal about you that you'd be interested in sharing with our blog audience/new referrals?
“Something that I think is important to share is that I am a therapist, and I have a therapist too. Therapy isn't just for moments of crisis; it's also a space for reflection, growth and caring for our mental health, just like we care for our physical health. I can't expect my clients to value their well being if I don't model the same in my own life. Having my own therapy reminds me of what it feels like to sit on the other side of the room and allows me care for myself so I’m able to show up for others.”
What do you hope clients take away from working with you?
“I hope clients leave our work together with a deeper sense of connection to themselves, insights, clarity in their healing journey, and a toolbox of resources to support them in navigating life's challenges.”
Final Words for Anyone Considering Therapy
Healing is not a one size fits all, Shannis invites clients to discover together what healing looks like for them.
Connect with Shannis
If you’re looking for a therapist who offers compassionate, culturally grounded, and holistic care, Shannis Gray might be a wonderful fit.
