Behind the Counseling
Mary-Eliza Gray
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Hi, I’m Mary-Eliza Gray, the counselor behind Apricity Horizons Counseling 🌞. I’m a dog mom, coffee enthusiast (the first sip is always the best), and someone who somehow manages to fall asleep on the couch before finishing most shows. Staying active through spin, mountain biking, hiking, or skiing keeps me grounded, while cozy interiors and warm spaces fuel my creative side. I live sober, which has brought clarity and joy into my life, and I’m always practicing giving myself grace instead of chasing perfection.
I am a graduate of Western Colorado University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and earned my Master’s in Professional Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. In my sessions, I utilize evidence-based techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether through cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, or other integrative approaches, I support individuals—and couples—on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth.
My counseling style is rooted in compassion and a person-centered approach. I strive to empower each person with their voice and choice, especially when life presents the unexpected. My goal is to help clients connect with their true selves and live more authentically—with clarity, self-compassion, and integrity. My own life experiences have challenged me to confront shame, cultivate resilience, and discover empowerment, and I bring these insights into the therapeutic space with empathy and understanding.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog, Mocha, as well as exploring the Colorado outdoors through skiing and biking, and relaxing with a good book or music.
How it Started
I started Apricity Horizons Counseling from a single, beautiful idea. The very first time I heard the word “apricity”—the warmth of the sun on your skin on a cold winter day—something in me shifted. It captured exactly what I hoped to bring into people’s lives: a sense of warmth, relief, and clarity during moments that feel heavy or uncertain. That word became the spark that eventually shaped my entire practice.
Before launching my business, I worked in a school counseling role, solely supporting children. For a long time, I believed that was the path I was meant to follow. However, as I progressed in the profession, I discovered that my true passion was helping adults and couples build confidence, balance, and emotional resilience. I loved working with folks who weren’t seeking counseling as a last resort—but instead wanted to invest in themselves, strengthen their relationships, and build healthier patterns before life became overwhelming.
As I slowly started taking clients under my own practice, I realized how deeply fulfilling the work was. Session by session, my small caseload grew. And with each new client, my love for this work—and the vision behind Apricity Horizons—grew too. Eventually, what started as a part-time passion blossomed into my full-time career.
Today, Apricity Horizons Counseling is a one-person practice dedicated to offering intentional, high-quality mental health support for individuals and couples who value growth and want to create meaningful change. Many clients come navigating life transitions, career pressures, relationship challenges, or simply seeking a space to build stronger emotional tools—and they come to therapy not because they’re at a breaking point, but because they want to feel better, do better, and live more fully.
Every part of this practice is rooted in that original feeling of apricity—a warm presence during life’s colder seasons. I’m honored to bring that warmth into the lives of the clients and couples who trust me with their stories.