Gretchen Raring, LICSW, LCSW

Gretchen Raring is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, addiction concerns, and big life changes. She brings a calm, straightforward presence to sessions and focuses on practical steps that can make daily life easier. Her style balances warmth with clear tools so people can try things between meetings and notice what helps.

Gretchen trained at Temple University where she earned a Master of Social Work. She has 24 years of experience across community mental health, addiction services, work with people experiencing homelessness, incarceration settings, and veteran-serving programs. That range informs a flexible approach that adapts to each person's situation.

In sessions she pairs listening with action. Conversations look at how thoughts, feelings, and relationships shape choices. Then she introduces simple strategies people can use right away to cope better and gain more control over daily stressors. She honors individual strengths while addressing barriers to change.

She uses several evidence-informed methods, including acceptance and commitment strategies, cognitive-behavioral techniques, attachment-focused ideas, emotionally focused work, and a client-centered stance. These help with mood, relationship patterns, and long-term habits that keep people stuck.

Gretchen works with teens, adults, older adults, and couples. She practices in New Jersey and conducts sessions in English. If you're unsure whether she is the right fit, it's easy to begin with a brief match and see how it goes.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Gretchen uses acceptance and commitment strategies and cognitive-behavioral tools to help people notice what matters and change unhelpful patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people focus on values and take small action steps even when feelings are difficult. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches simple ways to challenge thoughts and try new behaviors that reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Gretchen will work together with each person to decide which methods match their goals and preferences. That collaborative planning means techniques are adjusted as needs change so therapy stays practical and useful.

Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, avoid travel time, and use shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. They also allow people to continue work with a licensed professional even when life circumstances change, while keeping focus on clear goals and usable tools.