I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Illinois and Alabama with over 13 years of experience working as a social worker/therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction, co-dependency, interventions and family dynamic issues. I also have experience working with individuals going through various medical diagnosis as well their caregivers from diagnosis to end of life and grief and loss therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults.
My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Infidelity, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-harm, Social anxiety and phobia, Trichotillomania, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
IL LCSW 149013908
AL LICSW 4865C
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Gretchen Shay. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Gretchen is a wonderful, caring therapist who goes above and beyond for her clients.
Written on Mar 04, 2024 after therapy with Gretchen for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
The best step I ever took to seek help! She’s worth it!
Written on Jun 24, 2023 after therapy with Gretchen for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
Amazing therapist
Written on Oct 31, 2022 after therapy with Gretchen for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, and adhd
I started BetterHelp with a different therapist who was fine, but I am over the moon that I decided to switch and was matched with Gretchen! She listens to my concerns and provides unbiased feedback and is great at giving “homework” to ensure I’m using what I’m hearing/ learning! She is legitimately the best therapist I have ever had. (I’ve been in therapy for 18 years). Would HIGHLY recommend!
Written on Oct 14, 2022 after therapy with Gretchen for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and eating disorders
Gretchen is fantastic. Her demeanor and attention to detail are really appreciated. I can tell she is thinking about solutions and gives me things to think about between sessions.
Written on Sep 28, 2022 after therapy with Gretchen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and grief
Gretchen is absolutely wonderful. She's knowledgeable and able to connect with you as a person. I very much enjoy working with her!
Written on Jul 19, 2022 after therapy with Gretchen for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue