Today we’d like to introduce you to Audra Gillis LCSW-C, LICSW, CBT, CHT.
Hi Audra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a social worker for 32 years and have been in private practice since 2007.
I am a Howard University graduate with specializations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Hypnotherapy. My areas of expertise include women’s issues, depression, stress management, self-esteem concerns, relationship and communication challenges, as well as anxiety disorders.
Currently, I serve as a Practicum instructor for Social Work students at the University of Maryland.
Beyond my work as a relationship therapist, I have delivered presentations at universities, faith-based institutions, organizations, and to general audiences on topics such as stress, depression, and domestic violence. My clinical experience spans residential, educational, and private practice settings, including facilitating groups for children affected by domestic violence, families experiencing loss due to AIDS, working within inpatient facilities for firefighters and first responders, and serving as Clinical Director of an outpatient mental health clinic.
My therapeutic style is interactive and solution-focused, aimed at offering support and practical guidance to help patients navigate personal challenges effectively. I employ integrated methodologies and techniques to deliver personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs. With empathy and insight, I collaborate with clients to build upon their strengths and achieve their desired personal growth.
My guiding philosophy is: “Healing the whole you—mind, body, and spirit.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road, but it has been a meaningful one. In private practice, I have had to learn how to be both a clinician and a business owner — often through trial and error. There have been seasons of financial uncertainty, shifting insurance policies, and the emotional weight of holding space for others while managing my own life. Burnout and boundary setting have also been challenging. However, each struggle has pushed me to grow in resilience, clarity, and purpose. The journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into a stronger, more grounded practitioner.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I combine hypnotherapy, creativity, and writing in my practice to encourage deeper healing. Through hypnotherapy, patients can find clarity and calm beneath their conscious thoughts, while my creative methods allow me to craft meaningful imagery, tools, and interventions that connect on an emotional and spiritual level. At my patients’ request, I have developed and published a journal, and I am currently working on a couple’s communication journal and two books designed to offer lasting guidance, reflection, and practical support outside of therapy sessions.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My mother and sister have been my greatest supporters, motivating me to pursue new endeavors—whether launching my private practice or exploring my creativity through writing.
During my second year of graduate school at my field practicum with Prince George’s County Department of Social Services, I was fortunate to have a supervisor who would become both a mentor and friend. Even now, at 95 years old, she inspires me with her unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for helping others, constantly pushing me to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trinitywholistic.com/
