Gretchen Raring
Hi, I’m Gretchen Raring—Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW: NJ, FL, AZ & ND; LICSW: MA) with 20+ years of experience helping people face life’s hardest challenges and create meaningful, lasting change. I work with individuals and couples who are ready for more than just talking-I offer a direct, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can be real about what’s going on and start moving forward. My background includes mental health, addiction, trauma, veterans’ issues, homelessness, and the criminal justice system. I’ve worked with people in some of the most difficult situations, and I believe real change is possible for anyone willing to take that first step. Together, we’ll get to the root of what’s holding you back-connecting patterns, emotions, and experiences so things start to make sense. From there, we’ll build practical tools you can actually use in your day-to-day life. This is a space for honest conversations, real insight, and meaningful change-at a pace that works for you.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
We’ll walk through your background, what’s been weighing on you, and what made you decide now is the time to reach out. I’ll also share how I work and make sure you have space to ask any questions. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to show up. This is a space to be heard, understood, and met without judgment. From there, we’ll start connecting the dots and begin shaping a plan that feels realistic, personalized, and aligned with what you actually want for your life.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach is both collaborative and results-driven. I help you gain clarity—but more importantly, I help you create meaningful, lasting change. I’m known for my deep compassion, authenticity, and ability to create a space where you feel truly seen, understood, and at ease. Clients often describe me as insightful, patient, and highly attuned-allowing for a level of trust that makes deeper work possible. I integrate that emotional depth with thoughtful, practical guidance. Together, we move beyond surface-level insight to identify patterns, shift what’s no longer serving you, and develop strategies that translate into real life. Every client is different. I meet you where you are-while helping you expand beyond it-with a pace and approach that feels both supportive and intentional. At the center of my work is a strong belief in your capacity to grow, evolve, and create a life that feels aligned, grounded, and fully your own.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with individuals who feel stuck-but know they’re capable of more. Many of my clients are navigating pivotal moments-relationship challenges, career shifts, or periods of uncertainty where something needs to change, even if they’re not exactly sure how yet. They’re looking for clarity, direction, and a way to move forward with intention. They’re often thoughtful, high-functioning individuals who have achieved a lot on the outside, but internally feel inconsistent, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. They don’t need surface-level advice-they want deeper understanding, structure, and accountability that actually leads to change. My work is especially effective for those who are open to honest self-reflection, willing to have real conversations, and ready to take an active role in their growth. Together, we identify patterns, strengthen self-awareness, and build practical strategies that translate into everyday life-so you can follow through, regain momentum, and step into the version of yourself you already know is there.
Specialties
Top specialtiesLife Transitions
Mood Disorders
Self Esteem
Addiction
Anger Management
Anxiety
I identify as
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Arizona
Accepts
Aetna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT helps you see how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Together, we’ll identify patterns that may be holding you back and develop practical strategies to manage stress, reduce negative thinking, and create positive change. It’s collaborative, goal-focused, and gives you tools that last beyond our sessions
Positive Psychology
I use Positive Psychology to help you build on your existing strengths, cultivate inner strength, and create a more fulfilling, meaningful life. This approach isn’t about ignoring challenges or forcing positivity—it’s about noticing what’s already working within you and using those strengths to support growth and well-being. Together, we’ll explore your values, strengths, and sources of meaning, helping you reconnect with the parts of yourself that inspire confidence, motivation, and purpose. I’ll guide you in developing habits that enhance emotional balance, gratitude, self-compassion, and realistic optimism.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
We focus on your goals, strengths, and resources rather than dwelling on problems. This practical, collaborative, and future-focused approach emphasizes what’s possible and how positive change can happen. Together, we’ll clarify what you want to achieve and identify small, actionable steps that move you toward your goals. I help you recognize patterns of success you already have and build on them to create solutions that fit your life and values.
Strength-Based
This approach focuses on your unique strengths, talents, and resources rather than just problems. Together, we’ll explore what’s already working in your life, apply your strengths to challenges, set meaningful goals, and create solutions that fit your values. The result? Greater confidence, motivation, and a stronger sense of agency to shape the life you want.
Couples Counseling
Relationships can be one of the most meaningful-and most challenging-parts of our lives. If you and your partner feel stuck in the same patterns, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, you’re not alone. I bring a warm, down-to-earth approach to our work and collaborate with both of you to better understand what’s happening beneath the surface-not just the arguments, but the patterns driving them. Together, we focus on improving communication, rebuilding connection, and creating a relationship that feels more supportive and understood. And if your path is leading toward separation, I also help couples navigate that transition with respect-especially when children are involved-so you can build a healthy, cooperative co-parenting relationship.