- Compassionate listening
- Goal focused work
- Evidence informed tools
About Gary
Gary Ratliff is a licensed independent social worker with 10 years of experience in mental health and addiction care. He focuses on helping people cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, anger, low self-esteem, addictions, grief, and sleep difficulties. Gary works to create respectful, compassionate conversations tailored to each person's needs.
He uses practical, down-to-earth methods to help people manage day-to-day struggles. Sessions often include clear problem-solving, skill practice, and gentle reflection. Gary draws on approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, client-centered methods, and mindfulness to shape the work.
Clients bring many kinds of concerns, from relationship and family stress to career strain, chronic illness, or feeling stuck after loss. Gary also helps people facing issues like codependency, impulsivity, substance use, or questions about life purpose. He emphasizes personal goals and small, achievable changes that add up over time.
Conversations are adjusted to fit each person's pace and comfort. Gary listens for what matters most and then helps set straightforward steps toward clearer thinking and better routines. He encourages realistic practice between meetings and tracks progress together.
Gary practices in Ohio and provides care in English. He supports people who want to improve sleep, manage mood, or rebuild motivation after difficult events. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on availability.
Approaches that translate to online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then choose meaningful actions. It can be useful for persistent anxiety, stress, or when life changes feel overwhelming. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and tests new ways of thinking and acting to reduce distress. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and unhelpful habits. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to calm the body and steady attention, which can support sleep, emotional regulation, and stress reduction.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Gary will help figure out which methods fit best based on needs, goals, and personal preferences. The process is collaborative and can combine elements from different approaches as progress unfolds.
Confirm the current session options before booking, since formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by removing travel time, offering shorter check-ins when needed, and allowing sessions during breaks or evenings. It also lets people practice skills in their everyday settings and brings therapeutic tools directly into routines like sleep and relaxation practice.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Gary help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, depression, addictions, grief, sleeping issues, career strain, bipolar concerns, ADHD, and related life changes.
What is his general approach in sessions?
Gary combines acceptance-based work, cognitive-behavioral strategies, DBT skills, client-centered talk, and mindfulness to address thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in practical ways.
How long has he worked in mental health and addiction?
He has 10 years of professional experience in mental health and addiction fields.
Where is he licensed and located?
He is an LISW licensed in Ohio and practices there.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients schedule sessions?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to start working with him?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.