- 10 years experience
- Ohio LISW
- Focus on codependency
About Gary
Gary Ratliff is an Ohio-licensed clinical social worker who focuses on practical, down-to-earth help for people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. He has 10 years of experience in mental health and addiction settings and aims to meet people where they are. Gary emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in sessions.
He adapts conversations and plans to each person's needs instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. Sessions look at everyday challenges like sleep trouble, grief, career strain, and relationship patterns such as codependency. Gary also addresses issues like anger, low self-esteem, bipolar symptoms, and ADHD-related struggles.
His work draws on several clinical approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered methods. He combines skills from these approaches with mindfulness and strategies to manage impulses or addictive behaviors. The goal is to build useful tools people can use between sessions.
Gary explains options in clear language and focuses on small, practical steps people can try at home. He encourages honest conversation about what feels useful and what does not. That collaboration shapes each treatment plan and helps clients set realistic, achievable goals.
People who reach out will be supported through change without judgment. Gary aims to create a space where clients can talk through painful experiences, test new ways of coping, and work toward more stable day-to-day functioning.
Therapeutic approaches and online options
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them, then choose actions that match their values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and changing behaviors to reduce anxiety and depression. Client-Centered therapy puts the client's experience front and center, with the therapist offering empathy and nonjudgmental listening to help people find their own solutions.Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, what has felt helpful before, and preferred ways of working. Together they’ll try methods that fit the person’s needs and adjust the plan if something isn’t working.
Because session formats are not specified in the original biography, confirm current online options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, such as keeping appointments during work breaks, avoiding travel time, or using audio-only check-ins when video isn’t needed. The therapist uses therapeutic methods that translate to remote work, focusing on skills practice, mindfulness exercises, behavior planning, and collaborative problem solving to support progress between sessions.
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 often address?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, codependency, sleep problems, grief, career issues, and related concerns.
What is his general approach in sessions?
He uses a mix of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered therapy, and mindfulness. Sessions focus on practical skills and personal goals.
How long has he worked in mental health?
He has 10 years of professional experience in mental health and addiction services.
Where is Gary licensed and located?
He is licensed in Ohio as an LISW and practices in that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.