Dr. Raheem Lay, LCSW-S, BCD

Dr. Raheem Lay, LCSW-S, BCD, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 23 years of clinical and military experience. He specializes in understanding why adults repeat the same emotional patterns and has developed the 5 Button Reset Framework, which identifies recurring emotional triggers: Control, Rejection, Abandonment, Failure, and Shame. His approach is applied in individual and couples therapy, coaching, organizational consulting, military settings, and educational programs. Dr. Lay is also the author of Empathy Has No Rank and the host of the EQ Conversations podcast. As founder and CEO of EQnect, a virtual mental health and emotional intelligence platform, Dr. Lay leads clinical services, mentorship, and supervision for mental health professionals. His work emphasizes emotional accountability, relational repair, and practical tools for behavioral transformation, bridging the gap between emotional insight and meaningful change. He has served extensively in the United States Air Force, providing mental health support, crisis intervention, and leadership guidance to thousands of service members and their families. Dr. Lay earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Mississippi, a Master of Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He holds board certification in advanced clinical social work and is a certified emotional intelligence life coach. Throughout his career, he has combined clinical expertise, military experience, and innovative frameworks to help individuals and organizations break destructive patterns, improve emotional intelligence, and foster healthier relationships.

• University of Mississippi - Bachelor of Science - BS, Social Work
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville - Master of Social Work - MSW, Clinical/Medical Social Work
• University of Southern California - Doctoral , Clinical Social Work

• Advanced Clinical Social Work
• Certified Emotional Intelligence Life Coach
• Certified Empathy Instructor
• Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapy Lvl I, II, III
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy
• USAF Behavioral Health Optimization Program (BHOP Integrated Care Certified)

• • Best in Medicine Recipient, America’s Best in Medicine.
• Black Leaders Worldwide 2026 Men To Watch Awards Recipient.
• • National Leadership Identification Committee Representative, Alamo Branch, National Association of Social Workers, Texas Region.
• • Board Certified Diplomate, Clinical Social Work.
• • Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor.
• • Military Service Recognition for over two decades of service in behavioral health leadership roles.
• Academic and Professional Recognition for teaching, supervision, and clinical leadership.

• NASW
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated

• • Provide pro bono or reduced fee clinical supervision for early career therapists.
• • Lead community workshops on emotional regulation and relationship repair.
• • Facilitate support groups for veterans and military families.
• • Serve in advocacy and leadership roles with the National Association of Social Workers.
• • Mentor clinicians of color pursuing licensure and leadership.
• • Offer short term consultation during community crises.

Empathy has No Rank
AMazon KDP · Sep 11, 2023