Gretchen Raring, LICSW, LCSW - Therapist in New Jersey

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Attachment based work

About Gretchen

Gretchen Raring is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 24 years of experience. She is based in New Jersey and works with adults on issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, addiction, grief, and blended family issues.

Gretchen draws on client-centered methods to make sessions practical. She listens for what matters most and then offers tools people can use between meetings. That might look like learning new communication habits, tracking thoughts and behaviors, or practicing small steps to reduce avoidance.

Her work also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help with difficult feelings and unhelpful thinking. Attachment-based ideas inform conversations about closeness, boundaries, and trust. Emotion-focused methods are used when relationships and intimacy are central concerns.

Gretchen has experience across mental health, addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and veteran settings. That background informs how she notices stressors linked to life circumstances and practical barriers people face.

Sessions focus on clear goals and skills that fit everyday life. She aims for straightforward conversation, honest feedback, and concrete strategies. People who want help sorting emotions, improving communication, or managing major life changes may find this approach useful.

Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It focuses on values and small committed actions that move someone toward a life they care about. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and teaches practical techniques to change patterns that maintain anxiety or depression.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively with each person to choose methods that match their goals, preferences, and day-to-day life. That might mean trying a skills-based strategy for a few weeks and then shifting to attachment-focused conversations if relationship patterns become central.

Session formats are not specified in the available biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten commutes, or choose a shorter check-in when time is tight. Some formats are simpler when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to use video. Ask about session length and delivery options when you schedule so sessions fit your routines.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Grief Intimacy-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-morbidityCodependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issues Forgiveness Guilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issues Midlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualityWomen's issues Workplace issues Young 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

Listed in

New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Arizona

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addiction, grief, blended family issues, and related concerns listed in her specialties.

What is her therapy style like?

She uses client-centered conversation combined with practical skills. Sessions mix listening, reflection, and specific tools to practice between meetings.

How much experience does she have?

She has 24 years of experience across mental health, addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and veteran settings.

What credentials and location are listed?

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

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with international clients?

She is not accepting international clients at this time.

How does pricing work?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.