Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Depression
How Gary works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LISW
- Licensed in
- Ohio
- Years in practice
- 10
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Gary
Gary Ratliff is a licensed independent social worker with ten years of experience in mental health and addiction care. He focuses on everyday problems like stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and motivation. He aims to meet people where they are and work alongside them toward practical change.
He uses clear, person-focused conversations to learn what matters most to each person. That conversation shapes a plan that fits daily life rather than one-size-fits-all techniques.
Background and approach
Sessions are built around realistic steps people can try between meetings. Gary draws on several evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and acceptance and commitment ideas. These methods are used to help manage upsetting thoughts, reduce reactivity, and build values-based goals.
Dialectical behavior skills and client-centered listening are added when emotional regulation or motivation is a focus. Over a decade in the field has included work across mental health and addiction settings. That background informs a practical, down-to-earth style that emphasizes respect and sensitivity.
He adapts pacing and tools depending on the person’s situation and goals. People who come for help with anger, trauma, life changes, grief, sleep issues, or substance concerns often find concrete coping tools and clearer next steps. Gary encourages small, steady changes that add up over time.
What Gary works with
Everything Gary lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Gary's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Sleeping disorders
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Blended family issues
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Codependency
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Dependent personality
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
Approaches Gary lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches you can use online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice painful thoughts without getting stuck in them and then choose small actions that reflect their values. It can be helpful for stress, anxiety, and life changes by shifting focus from fighting feelings to building meaningful routines.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. It uses clear steps to test unhelpful beliefs and try new behaviors, which can reduce anxiety, depression, and impulsive reactions like anger.
Client-centered therapy emphasizes respectful listening and collaboration. The therapist follows the person's lead, offering reflection and support while the person decides their goals and pace.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Gary will discuss these methods with each person and together decide what fits best based on needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative choice helps shape practical exercises and homework between sessions.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make scheduling easier. Video lets people see cues and practice skills in real time, phone can be a quicker check-in or better with limited bandwidth, and messaging supports brief updates or ongoing coaching. These options make therapy more flexible for busy schedules and varied needs.
Questions people ask about Gary
What concerns does this therapist address?
He helps with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, addictions, sleep problems, grief, ADHD, and related issues like codependency and chronic pain.
What is his general therapy style?
He uses a practical, person-centered style that blends cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment ideas, and dialectical behavior skills as needed.
How much experience does he have?
He has ten years of professional experience working in mental health and addiction fields.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds an LISW credential and is licensed in Ohio.
Which languages are supported and are international clients seen?
Sessions are offered in English, and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.