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Gayle Bradley-Starkes, LCSW-C, LICSW

Therapist in Maryland

Client-centered therapist using mindfulness approaches

Continue with Gayle

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Gayle Bradley-Starkes

Profile checklist

  • CredentialsLCSW-C, LICSW
  • Licenses listedLCSW-C, Maryland (no. 11165); LICSW, District of Columbia (no. LC302507); LCSW, Virginia (no. 0904003257)
  • NPI number1033329503
  • Experience27 years listed
  • LanguageEnglish
  • Main areas of focusStress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Anger management
  • Approaches includeClient-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy
  • FormatOnline sessions through BetterHelp

Details as listed on the therapist’s BetterHelp profile.

  • 27 years experience
  • Addictions focus
  • Mindfulness and listening

About Gayle

Gayle Bradley-Starkes practices from a client-centered perspective that puts the person's experience first. She encourages people to use their own strengths and insight to move forward. Gayle frames therapy as a collaborative process where the client's goals guide the work.

With 27 years of experience, Gayle helps people manage stress, anxiety, and relationship concerns. She also supports those coping with grief, anger, intimacy-related issues, sleeping difficulties, and addictions. Her work includes attention to issues such as attachment, caregiver stress, blended family challenges, and forgiveness.

Gayle uses mindfulness techniques alongside client-centered methods. That means sessions often focus on noticing thoughts and feelings without judgment, and on finding practical ways to act in line with the client’s goals. Sessions are conversational and paced to the individual's needs.

Her background includes licenses in multiple nearby jurisdictions and many years in clinical settings. She emphasizes clear, down-to-earth communication and practical skills people can use between sessions. Gayle encourages clients to take small steps that build toward lasting change.

People choose Gayle when they want a steady, experienced professional who listens and helps them plan concrete next steps. She frames challenges as problems to be solved together, and she supports each person’s path to clearer thinking and better coping.

Client-centered and mindfulness approaches for online care

Gayle uses client-centered therapy, which means sessions begin with the person's own goals and priorities. The therapist listens closely, reflects what she hears, and helps clients shape practical steps to address stress, relationships, grief, or addictions.

She also integrates mindfulness therapy, teaching simple practices to notice thoughts, bodily sensations, and emotions without judgment. These skills help with anxiety, sleeping problems, and impulsive responses that can affect relationships and recovery.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Gayle will discuss what feels most useful and adapt her methods to match the client's needs, goals, and preferences in an ongoing, collaborative way.

Session formats are not specified in the biography; please confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also means people can continue progress between in-person visits if that fits their schedule. Gayle supports practical planning to help therapy work in everyday life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementCoaching

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderADHD

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPostpartum depressionWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyMindfulness Therapy

Experience

27+ years

Credentials

Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Gayle address most often?

She works with stress and anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, anger, sleeping problems, self-esteem, bipolar and ADHD concerns, and addictions among other topics.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her practice is client-centered and includes mindfulness therapy. Sessions focus on the client's priorities and on noticing thoughts and feelings to guide change.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Gayle has 27 years of experience in mental health practice working with a wide range of concerns and family-related issues.

What credentials and location are listed?

She holds LCSW-C in Maryland and LICSW in the District of Columbia, with LCSW recognized in Virginia, and she practices from Maryland.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Are international clients accepted?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are costs and billing handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started with therapy?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Gayle Bradley-StarkesContinue with Gayle