My name is Gretchen Raring and I am a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-NJ, FL, AZ & ND, LICSW-MA). I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work at Temple University in Philadelphia. I have over 20 years experience of specializing in treatment, outreach, and engagement with the mental health, addiction, homeless, incarcerated and/or veteran’s population. Clinical managerial and program development experiences focusing on the seriously mentally ill involved in the Criminal Justice System. My key strengths are successful in outpatient therapy, community outreach, community collaboration leader, and history of successful program development. As a therapist, I believe in therapeutic relationships based on deep acceptance, genuineness and collaboration towards personal development. I believe the needs and abilities of each individual are different and work with you to determine what approaches and techniques are most in line with your needs and strengths. My goal through therapy is to empower and motivate you to make positive changes towards the goals established while we are learning how to have a better understanding of ourselves. In my work with individuals, teenagers, young adults, families and couples, I use an eclectic approach depending on what will be effective. This may include humanistic therapy, CBT, trauma recovery model, supportive therapy, psycho-dynamic, integrative and/or emotion focused therapy. Please reference the full list below of the different therapeutic approaches that I use depending on the goals that are established together in therapy. I specialize in the treatment of mood and adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss and PTSD. Prioritizing self first by focusing on building and/or strengthening your self-esteem, self-love, self-care, silencing inner critic and/or work towards finding your authentic self. Please see the full list below that outlines what areas of experience and focus items we can work towards together as a team. I recognize and respect the courage it takes to make that first step and seek help, and it is a privilege to me to accompany you/teen/couple/family on your journey.