- Values focused
- Relationship centered
- Skill building
About Gretchen
Gretchen Raring is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey. She brings 24 years of experience helping people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, grief, and the challenges of chronic illness and caregiving. Her work emphasizes kindness, honesty, and clear steps forward for everyday problems.
Gretchen takes a practical, person-focused approach. She listens for what matters most to each person and matches tools to goals. Sessions combine open conversation with evidence-based methods so clients leave with skills they can use between meetings. She aims to make therapy feel doable, not overwhelming.
Her background includes work across mental health, addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and veteran settings. That variety shaped a flexible style that fits different life situations and stressors. She draws on two decades of clinical experience to recognize patterns and suggest small, realistic changes.
Gretchen uses therapies that focus on values, relationships, thoughts, and emotions to support lasting change. She helps people manage mood concerns, parenting and family stress, intimacy and communication problems, and challenges like ADHD, bipolar mood patterns, or chronic pain. Sessions emphasize steady progress and practical skills.
People who choose Gretchen can expect a collaborative partnership. Together they set goals, try techniques, and adjust plans as life changes. To begin, readers should confirm current session options and scheduling before booking.
Gretchen takes a practical, person-focused approach. She listens for what matters most to each person and matches tools to goals. Sessions combine open conversation with evidence-based methods so clients leave with skills they can use between meetings. She aims to make therapy feel doable, not overwhelming.
Her background includes work across mental health, addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and veteran settings. That variety shaped a flexible style that fits different life situations and stressors. She draws on two decades of clinical experience to recognize patterns and suggest small, realistic changes.
Gretchen uses therapies that focus on values, relationships, thoughts, and emotions to support lasting change. She helps people manage mood concerns, parenting and family stress, intimacy and communication problems, and challenges like ADHD, bipolar mood patterns, or chronic pain. Sessions emphasize steady progress and practical skills.
People who choose Gretchen can expect a collaborative partnership. Together they set goals, try techniques, and adjust plans as life changes. To begin, readers should confirm current session options and scheduling before booking.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy
Experience
24+ years
Credentials
New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Arizona
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values, even when emotions are strong; it is useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Emotionally-Focused Therapy focuses on relationships and the emotions beneath conflict, making it a fit for intimacy and communication struggles. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Gretchen will collaborate with each person to decide which methods match their goals and preferences. Treatment plans are adjusted over time based on what helps and what doesn’t, so clients are active partners in shaping therapy.
If you are interested in online options, confirm the session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce time spent traveling, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also lets people use visual or audio options depending on comfort and bandwidth. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, EFT, and CBT techniques to work effectively in an online setting while helping clients practice skills between sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Gretchen commonly address?
She supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, parenting strain, addiction concerns, chronic pain and illness, ADHD, bipolar mood patterns, and related life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is warm and practical, combining open listening with concrete tools. Sessions mix exploration of feelings with skills clients can use between meetings.
How long has she practiced and what experience informs her work?
She has 24 years of clinical experience and has worked in mental health, addiction services, homelessness support, incarceration settings, and with veterans.
What credentials does she hold and where is she located?
She holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and practices from New Jersey.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she take international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How can someone get started with this therapist?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.