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Gretchen Raring, LICSW, LCSW

Based in New Jersey Online sessions

Practical, compassionate therapy for stressed parents

Book with Gretchen
Years in practice
24
Credentials
LICSW, LCSW
Licensed in
New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Arizona
Languages
English
Focus
Stress, Anxiety
Focus
Relationship issues
Focus
Self esteem
About

About Gretchen

Gretchen Raring is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 24 years of experience. She focuses on helping people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, relationship strain, and life transitions. Gretchen aims to be warm and practical in sessions so clients can use tools right away.

She takes a down-to-earth, collaborative approach. Sessions begin by clarifying what matters most to the client and setting simple, achievable goals.

Background and approach

Gretchen blends talking, skill practice, and short exercises so people leave sessions with something they can try between meetings. Her practice draws on a few evidence-based approaches. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice thoughts and choose actions that match their values.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to identify unhelpful thinking and test new behaviors. Attachment-based ideas and client-centered listening guide the way she builds trust in sessions. Gretchen has worked in many settings over two decades, including mental health, addiction services, and support for people experiencing homelessness and incarceration.

That range shaped a flexible style that adapts to each person’s situation and strengths. She describes her role as a partner who helps clients find clarity and practical steps forward. Sessions are offered from New Jersey and are conducted in English.

Gretchen uses phone, video, live chat, and text messaging to connect with clients, allowing work to continue between appointments when useful.

Focus areas and approaches

What Gretchen works with

Everything Gretchen lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Gretchen helps people with.

Approaches Gretchen lists

Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.

Online support

Therapeutic approaches and online options

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages noticing thoughts and choosing actions that align with personal values, which can help with anxiety, parenting stress, and life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like low mood or sleep problems. Attachment-Based Therapy emphasizes understanding emotional needs and relationship patterns to improve connection and communication.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked before, then suggest approaches to try together. Sessions can shift over time to match what the client finds most helpful.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people use visual cues and more in-depth conversation. Phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging support brief check-ins, skill practice, and ongoing coaching between appointments. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and continue progress outside scheduled sessions.
Questions

Questions people ask about Gretchen

What concerns does she address related to parenting?

Her practice includes parenting issues along with stress, anxiety, sleep problems, grief, addiction, and relationship strain. Sessions focus on practical strategies parents can use day to day.

What is her general therapy style?

She blends acceptance-based and cognitive techniques with client-centered listening. The work combines reflection with concrete exercises and behavior changes to try between sessions.

What kind of background does she bring to therapy?

She has 24 years of experience across mental health, addiction, homelessness, and incarceration services. That background informs a flexible, down-to-earth approach.

What credentials and region are listed for this clinician?

She holds MA LICSW and ND LCSW credentials and practices from New Jersey.

Which languages are offered and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available for online work?

Clients can meet by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on need and preference.

How are costs handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on therapist availability.

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