Greg Moore, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Greg is currently accepting new clients for in-person and virtual sessions.
My "Why"
My childhood was fairly standard with no major complaints. By high school, I had lots of friends, I was engaged in extracurriculars, and, if there wasn't anything else going on, I was probably bagging groceries at Publix so I could pick up a video game or grab food with friends. I was a bit of a clown, always trying to bring humor into situations. Even with being gay and coming out, I had several groups of supportive friends and things went smoothly. I ended up graduating with honors and was going to college with a bunch of credits under my belt. I should have felt on top of the world.
But I didn't. Most of my friends were going to a different school across the state while I was staying local. I was forced to quickly move out and learn how to "adult" on my own. I had to learn how to create structure when no structure existed. In less than three months, between the feelings of isolation, incompetence, stress, and some bad choices, I crashed. I stopped going to classes. I lost my job. I had no money. I felt like no one could help me. I felt like I couldn't even help myself. I didn't know where the "old me" had gone. I later learned that the "old me" hadn't gone anywhere, I was just finally facing the pain of divorce, feelings of abandonment, threats of death, fears of rejection, and many other issues I ignored for years. I was seeing things as they were, not how I wanted them to be, for the first time.
This took me on a journey that spanned well over a decade. I lived in multiple states, I worked several dead-end jobs, I experienced several failed relationships, and I suffered through a lot of pain. However, it led to a lot of growth, understanding, and encounters with good mentors and therapists who helped empower me to build the tools and direction I wanted in my life. While the journey is life-long, the road is a lot less bumpy these days.
This leads me to a simple why: I believe things can improve and be better. I find fulfilment in growth, whether in myself, fostering it in others, or in helping systems do so.
Three Fun Facts About Me
1. I play several instruments: tuba, euphonium, & flute.
2. I enjoy traveling to new places & want to explore every national park in the country.
3. I have experienced multiple "weird" injuries while somehow also never breaking a bone.
My Favorite Books
- Out of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Men's Lives
- Walt Odets
- I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression
- Terrence Real
- Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples
- Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt
My Hobbies
Enjoying trails with the dog, learning new skills, & finding unique story-telling experiences.
My Journey as a Therapist
In my mid-20s, I settled into unique job where I had a blend of roles, including being a project manager and managing a project team. After several years, a mentor had convinced me to return to school to get a business degree. When the time came to apply to a bachelor's program, I couldn't bring myself to apply to the business program. It wasn't what I wanted.
After much reflection and several hard conversations, I came to realize that I wasn't finding fulfillment in the projects I was completing. I was finding fulfillment in working with individuals and helping them achieve their personal and professional goals. A conversation with a family friend pointed me toward social work and the rest of the story writes itself. I applied to UCF's Bachelor of Social Work program and graduated with a Master of Social Work along with a Certificate in Military Social Work in 2022.
In my years of practice outside of school, I have found myself often working with people trying to discover who they are, people who feel like they don't fit in, and people wanting to reconnect with themselves, with others, and life more broadly. Past clients have shared that what set me apart was that I took the time to listen, understand their problems, and be present with them. They felt like they knew I was always there to support them while not being afraid to challenge them or be direct when appropriate.
My Favorite Superhero
My favorite superhero is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Watching her was the first time I saw a superhero not only grow into their own power and sense of self but also navigate the deeply human tragedies we all experience where no superpowers can make a difference. She was flawed and trying to figure out life, just like the rest of us.
My Favorite Quote
"Believe you can and you're halfway there" -Theodore Roosevelt
Greg's private pay rate is $150/hour. He is currently accepting new clients for in-person and virtual sessions, Monday thru Friday.