Meet The Team

Founder

Crystal Gayle, Ph.D., LSSP

Crystal Gayle, Ph.D, LSSP is the founder of Gayle Psychology PLLC. She is a Texas licensed psychologist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Gayle is passionate about using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work with clients to begin to live their best lives. She is specialized in treating OCD and other related disorders, such as skin picking and hair pulling. She also treats mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, in addition to school and parenting challenges. Dr. Gayle also conducts psycho-educational assessments. Dr. Gayle is also passionate about training the next generation of psychologists and mentoring them on how to succeed in private practice.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Danielle Davis, Psy.D

Danielle Davis, Psy.D. is a Post-Doctoral Fellow who enjoys working with older adolescents, adults, families, and couples. She uses an evidence-based, collaborative, and multi-cultural approach. Dr. Davis believes in creating an honest and nurturing therapeutic environment while creating a strong rapport with each client as they strive towards meeting treatment goals. She utilizes evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and client-centered therapy to help individuals become the best version of themselves. Dr. Davis enjoys working with older adolescents and adults with challenges related to anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, trauma, adjustment concerns, ADHD and executive function concerns, and work-related stress.

Educational and Career Background
Dr. Davis earned her master’s from the College of New Rochelle in New York and obtained her
doctorate degree from The Texas School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University,
Dallas. Her doctoral training focused on utilizing CBT to treat anxiety, depression, behavior problems, stress, anger, and trauma. She has provided therapy and assessments across the lifespan in urban and rural communities in Texas, juvenile and adult correctional facilities. Dr. Davis completed her pre-doctoral internship at Rose Street Mental Health in Wichita Falls, Texas, where she conducted child, adolescent, and geriatric neuropsychological assessments, in addition to individual therapy and group therapy with special populations. She is supervised by Crystal Gayle, Ph.D., LSSP.

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Julia Bickerstaff, LPC-A, Supervised by Renee Osborne, LPC-S, and Dr. Gayle

Julia Bickerstaff, LPC-A, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults and finds importance in providing a welcoming and safe therapeutic environment for all of her clients. Before working at Gayle Psychology, Julia worked as a therapist in Maryland, where she received specialized training in treating anxiety disorders, OCD, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), and other related disorders. She also has experience treating body image and self-esteem concerns as well as mood disorders such as depression. Julia is very passionate about providing her clients with psychoeducation and challenging the stigma about mental health. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and acceptance-based interventions to teach adaptive skills, problem-solve, and empower the client. She strives to form a collaborative relationship with her clients, work towards meeting their individual needs, and improve their overall well-being.

Educational and Career Background

Julia graduated from the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Studio Arts. She then received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gannon University (Erie, PA). During her time in both undergraduate and graduate school, Julia worked in a variety of settings to gain more clinical experience and discover her passions. She has worked with individuals in childhood through adulthood in inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, school-based settings, and research domains. Julia published a paper as the first author with a research team at the University of Pittsburgh that explored the effects of blogging on adolescents and young adults with anxiety and/or depression symptoms. This experience sparked her initial interest in further treating anxiety and mood disorders, which influenced her to pursue a graduate degree in counseling. Julia completed her master’s-level practicum and internship in Erie at Mercyhurst University’s counseling center. She provided individual therapy to college students as well as delivered psychoeducation and organized campus outreach programs. While working with students, she frequently addressed feelings of anxiety, panic, overthinking, and worry, which inspired her to specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD.Julia is supervised by Renee Osborne, LPC-S and Crystal Gayle, Ph.D., LSSP.

Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology

Marvin K. Braggs, MBA

Marvin, is fourth-year clinical psychology doctoral student at California Southern University. He is a board-certified counselor, driven by a passion for reshaping mental health and well-being through innovative approaches.

Marvin's journey into the realm of mental health began with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Columbia College. Furthering his education, he earned an MBA in Strategic Leadership with a focus on Healthcare Management from the University of Denver. Currently, Marvin is in the final stages of his PsyD at California Southern University, seamlessly merging his business background with a passion for mental health.

Marvin's commitment to mental health was ignited by personal experiences dealing with the challenges of suicide and drug addiction among friends and loved ones. This became the driving force behind his mission to establish a refuge for those seeking solace beyond family circles, grounded in warmth and professionalism.

Marvin's therapeutic approach seamlessly integrates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. His goal is to offer a safe haven for individuals navigating the complexities of a multicultural, stressful, and sometimes traumatic world.

Marvin's dedication extends beyond conventional counseling, creating a secure sanctuary for self-exploration. He incorporates personality tests to assist individuals in understanding their strengths and flaws, aligning their careers with their authentic selves.

Marvin's practice isn't just about providing counseling; it's a personalized journey toward resilience, self-discovery, and a more fulfilling life. He goes the extra mile, incorporating innovative practices to make therapy a transformative experience.

In the pursuit of excellence in psychotherapy, Marvin is supervised by Crystal Gayle, PhD, LSSP as he hones and improves skills with unwavering dedication.

Advanced Doctoral Practicum Student in Clinical Psychology

Inger Meekins, MS

Inger is a fourth-year clinical psychology doctoral student at Capella University. She has 10 years of teaching experience working with all school-age children (PreK-12th Grade). Prior to teaching, Inger worked as a clinical specialist in the juvenile justice system with children and adolescents ages 10-17. In her role as a clinical specialist, Inger provided intensive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills training to the juveniles and their families through a REACH curriculum. Additionally, she provided 24-hour availability to families in case of emergency or crisis situations. She also improved rehabilitation outcomes by developing and implementing individualized treatment plans for juvenile offenders and enhanced facility safety by conducting thorough security checks and addressing potential risks promptly.

Although Inger is passionate about working with children and adolescents, she also enjoys facilitating services for adults. She is passionate about building a strong therapeutic alliance that enables clients to feel secure, vulnerable, and most of all themselves. Inger’s therapeutic approach integrates CBT, person-centered therapy, and client-centered therapy. She believes in a humanistic approach, it is important to emphasize the personal worth of the individual, the centrality of human values, and the creative and active nature of human beings. The humanistic approach integrates person/client-centered therapy by recognizing and trusting human potential, providing clients with empathy and unconditional positive regard to help facilitate change.

Inger is from New Orleans, Louisiana. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Texas College in Tyler Texas. During that time, she received the distinction of honor roll. Additionally, Inger has a master’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in juvenile justice from Southern University at New Orleans. Currently, Inger is in the final stages of obtaining her doctorate in psychology from Capella University. She has been inducted into The International Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi), and in The National Society of Leadership and Success. She also made the president’s list at Capella University: Spring 2021, Summer 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2021 and Winter 2022. Inger is supervised by Crystal Gayle, Ph.D., LSSP.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Advanced Doctoral Practicum Student

Krystal Nicodemus, LPC

Krystal is a nationally certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), she is completing her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Capella University. Krystal specializes in treating mood disorders, trauma, post-traumatic stress, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and substance abuse. She completed her practicum and internship working with correctional clients employing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to enhance client functionality and reduce recidivism. She currently works in a private practice setting. Krystal has completed an EMDR training course and offers EMDR therapy as a treatment modality for trauma, PTSD, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual and physical abuse, disturbing memories, complicated grief, and addictions. She is dedicated to fostering a warm, empathetic environment where clients feel safe and supported in processing their experiences. She empowers individuals to develop adaptive coping strategies, build resilience, and overcome challenges, guiding them toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a strong belief in the potential for recovery and growth, Krystal collaborates with each client to help them achieve their personal goals.

Krystal's journey into clinical psychology began as an enlisted military service member, where she specialized in Psychological Operations (PSYOP). PSYOP operators work with cultural leaders to promote social cohesion, reduce cultural conflicts, and empower communities toward resilience and advancement. Her early interest in cultural competency, human behavior, and the social dynamics of communities sparked her passion for multicultural awareness. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, which enables her to incorporate biological insights into her clinical work. Krystal earned a CACREP-accredited master’s degree in clinical mental health from Capella University in 2020, and driven by a passion for knowledge, she is now pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology to further deepen her understanding of the human experience.

Administrative Assistant

Sophia Velasquez, B.S.

Sophia Velasquez is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in Child Learning and Development. As an administrative assistant, she manages the schedules of new clients, produces material for the Gayle Psychology website and LinkedIn, distributes appointment reports to professional providers, and various other administrative duties.

Sophia aims to obtain a Master's in Counseling, empower young people from marginalized communities, and guide them in overcoming personal and cultural obstacles in an uncertain and ever-changing world. She feels that providing psychological solace at an individual level has a cascading effect on families and societies, fostering compassion and opening doors for constructive change.

Interested in Training with Us?

See our Opportunities Page for more information!

or email direactly at: crystal@gaylepsychologypllc.com