Gayle Bradley-Starkes , MD, LCSW-C, LICSW

Gayle Bradley-Starkes is a Maryland-based licensed clinician with 27 years of professional experience supporting adults through a range of life challenges. She blends medical and clinical social work training to help people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, grief and loss, trauma, addictions, sleep difficulties, attention and mood concerns, and issues related to intimacy and self-esteem. Gayle holds an MD, which indicates a Doctor of Medicine degree, and maintains clinical social work licenses listed as LCSW-C and LICSW, both of which reflect advanced training and credentialing in clinical social work.

Her practice is grounded in the belief that each person is the expert on their own story and brings strengths that can be applied to overcome current challenges. She emphasizes a collaborative stance that honors personal resilience while offering tools and perspective to support coping and growth. Taking the step to seek therapy takes courage and commitment, and Gayle views that decision as the beginning of a pathway toward personal development. She offers steady professional support as clients work toward clearer communication, improved emotional regulation, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of self.

Client-Centered and Mindfulness-Based Care Online

Gayle Bradley-Starkes integrates client-centered therapy and mindfulness therapy into her online practice to meet a variety of needs. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening deeply, reflecting your experience, and helping you identify your own goals and solutions; it is often helpful for relationship concerns, communication challenges, self-esteem work, and navigating life transitions. Mindfulness therapy introduces practical attention and awareness skills to reduce reactivity and build emotional resilience, which can be beneficial for stress, anxiety, anger, and difficulties with sleep.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work, and Gayle approaches this collaboratively. She partners with each person to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time to support progress in a way that feels authentic and manageable.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for people balancing work, family, caregiving, or health constraints. These options can make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access timely support, and practice skills between sessions while working with a licensed professional who tailors treatment to the individual.