Raheem Lay, LCSW, LISW — Therapist in Ohio

Hi there, I'm Raheem!

I help people strengthen their emotional intelligence, deepen empathy, and break free from the "buttons" that trigger shame, rejection, control, abandonment, and failure. My approach gives clients the tools to manage emotions, build healthier connections, and create lasting change in their lives.

My focus

I work with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen emotional intelligence and relationships. I help adults and teens manage depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship stress using Dialectical Behavior Therapy for emotion regulation and Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma recovery.

My approach

I listen to your story without judgment and explore patterns that trigger you and affect your relationships. Together, we build practical skills in emotional intelligence and empathy to manage emotions and improve connections. It's active, collaborative, and centered on your real-life needs.

My communication style

My communication style is direct, clear, and compassionate. I focus on creating a space where clients feel heard and understood without judgment. I balance empathy with honesty, making sure feedback is both supportive and practical so clients leave each session with insight and tools they can apply right away.

My journey to mental healthcare

I've always wanted to understand people and what drives behavior. I spent time in the Armed Services working as a therapist, helping service members and families through difficult times. After losing a close battle buddy in combat, I knew I wanted to focus my life on helping others face trauma, manage emotions, and find a way forward.

My goals for you

I help clients reach their goals by breaking them down into clear, manageable steps. We set specific targets together, then use evidence-based approaches like DBT and CPT to build skills and challenge unhelpful patterns. I keep clients accountable while providing steady support, so progress feels consistent and meaningful.

Our first session

The first session is about getting to know you and your story. We go over what brings you in, your history, and what you want to work on. I ask questions, listen closely, and gather the details I need to understand your situation. It's not about quick fixes; it's about starting with a clear picture so we can set the right direction together.

I identify as...

Male
Prefer Not to Respond

Expertise

Specialties

Anxiety

Borderline Personality

+ 10 more

Treatment approaches

Behavioral Activation

Dialectical (DBT)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 3 more

Focus populations

Educators

Military/Veterans

Police/Fire/First Responders

Single Mother

+ 4 more

Therapy types

Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Cigna
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 26 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Tennessee At Knoxville.

Sessions

Video session

60 minutes

Raheem Lay