Gretchen Raring, LICSW, LCSW

Gretchen Raring is a licensed social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, addiction, and other life changes. She brings 24 years of experience and a straightforward, warm style. Gretchen aims to meet each person where they are and help them move forward one step at a time.

She uses a client-centered approach that combines practical tools with close listening. Sessions often involve talking through challenges, learning skills to manage strong feelings, and trying new ways of relating to others. Gretchen emphasizes collaboration - she works with clients to set goals and pick techniques that fit their needs.

Her background includes work in mental health, addiction services, homelessness support, incarceration settings, and veteran services. This range has shaped a flexible approach that adapts to different life circumstances and stressors. Gretchen has a Master of Arts in Social Work from Temple University and holds the LICSW and LCSW credentials.

Gretchen also supports concerns linked to aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, blended-family dynamics, and related challenges. She combines acceptance-based methods with practical coping strategies so clients can manage day-to-day problems more effectively.

People who choose her often want a mix of empathy and down-to-earth guidance. Sessions focus on building skills, clarifying values, and improving relationships. To start, she asks clients to identify a few concrete goals and then develops a plan together.

How her approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages identifying what matters most and taking small actions that align with those values while learning to live with difficult thoughts or feelings. It can help with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce distress; it often helps with anxiety, sleeping problems, and mood concerns. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at relationship patterns and emotional bonds, helping people change how they connect with partners and loved ones.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Gretchen collaborates with clients to choose what fits best based on goals and preferences. She may combine methods so sessions match the problem at hand and each person’s pace.

The original biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules demand them. It also allows continuity of care when real-life circumstances change. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and attachment work to remote conversations so people keep progressing toward their goals.