Gretchen Raring, LICSW, LCSW
Warm, practical therapy grounded in collaboration
- Client centered support
- Tools for lasting change
- Adaptable and responsive care
About Gretchen Raring
Gretchen Raring is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW in NJ, FL, AZ and ND and LICSW in MA) with over two decades of experience supporting people through a wide range of life circumstances. Her background includes work across mental health and addiction services, as well as with individuals impacted by homelessness, incarceration, and the unique needs of veteran populations. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Temple University in Philadelphia and brings that training into thoughtful, practical care for teens, adults, older adults, and couples.
Her work is rooted in a therapeutic relationship that emphasizes acceptance, authenticity, and true collaboration. Gretchen aims to create an environment where clients feel met with warmth and respect while also gaining clear, usable strategies for change. She focuses on helping clients explore their inner experience, understand patterns that may be keeping them stuck, and build skills that support meaningful progress over time.
Gretchen is known for adapting her approach to fit the person in front of her, responding to each client’s strengths, needs, and goals. Together with clients, she identifies techniques that align with what matters most to them, supporting growth, deeper self-understanding, and sustainable steps forward.
Her work is rooted in a therapeutic relationship that emphasizes acceptance, authenticity, and true collaboration. Gretchen aims to create an environment where clients feel met with warmth and respect while also gaining clear, usable strategies for change. She focuses on helping clients explore their inner experience, understand patterns that may be keeping them stuck, and build skills that support meaningful progress over time.
Gretchen is known for adapting her approach to fit the person in front of her, responding to each client’s strengths, needs, and goals. Together with clients, she identifies techniques that align with what matters most to them, supporting growth, deeper self-understanding, and sustainable steps forward.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-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-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Systemic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Gretchen Raring have?
Gretchen Raring has 24 years of experience supporting clients through a wide range of concerns and life situations.
Is Gretchen Raring a licensed therapist?
Yes. Gretchen Raring is licensed as an LICSW and LCSW. License details include MA LICSW LICSW124622 and ND LCSW 6418.
In which languages does Gretchen Raring provide therapy?
Gretchen Raring provides therapy in English.
Where is Gretchen Raring located?
Gretchen Raring is located in New Jersey.
How can I work with Gretchen Raring as my therapist?
Sessions can take place through video calls or phone sessions. Depending on what works best for you, support is also available through live chat or text-based messaging.
Does Gretchen Raring work with international clients?
No. Gretchen Raring does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Gretchen Raring cost?
The cost of therapy can vary based on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Practical, Relationship-Based Therapy - Online and On Your Terms
Gretchen Raring draws from evidence-informed approaches that balance insight with real-world tools. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients notice how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact, and then practice new skills for responding to stress, anxiety, depression, and everyday challenges in a more workable way.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports clients in making room for difficult thoughts and emotions while taking steps toward what matters most. It can be especially helpful for coping with life transitions, persistent worry, and patterns that feel hard to break. Attachment-Based Therapy brings attention to how early and current relationships can shape needs, boundaries, and connection, which can be useful for relationship concerns, self-esteem, and building healthier ways of relating.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Gretchen collaborates with clients to clarify goals, understand preferences, and adjust the pace and tools over time so therapy feels supportive and practical.
Online therapy adds flexibility, making it easier to fit care into a busy schedule. Clients can connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing support to continue in a format that matches their comfort level and day-to-day needs.