PuttingFamilyFirst

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GS Portrait of Gretchen Shay
Online therapist

Gretchen Shay

Compassionate social worker for families

Book with Gretchen
Credentials
LCSW, LICSW
Experience
14 years
Licensed in
Alabama, Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Gretchen

Gretchen Shay is a licensed social worker who helps parents and families manage stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, and relationship strains. She treats issues like parenting challenges, eating and body image concerns, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes. Her approach feels practical and straightforward for worried parents seeking clear steps forward.

Gretchen uses a warm, interactive style in sessions. She listens without judgment and works to understand each family’s story.

Background and approach

Conversations focus on what is happening now and on realistic changes that can reduce stress at home. Her training includes client-centered methods and cognitive behavioral strategies that help people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Gretchen also draws on emotionally-focused techniques to address attachment and relationship patterns, plus motivational interviewing to support commitment to change.

Gretchen holds LCSW and LICSW credentials and has 14 years of experience. She is licensed in Illinois as IL LCSW 149013908 and in Alabama as AL LICSW 4865C. She has supported people facing medical diagnoses and caregivers, and has worked with children, adolescents, and adults.

Sessions are offered through video calls, phone, live chat, or text messaging. Costs vary with location and subscription terms can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

Approaches that guide online family and parenting support

Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening and understanding each family member’s perspective. It helps parents and caregivers feel heard and builds a respectful space to talk about what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks down patterns of thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical tools to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change reactions that contribute to conflict.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy, or EFT, concentrates on attachment and emotional bonds. It can help parents and children notice how emotions affect interactions and learn new ways to connect. These approaches are chosen to match the specific needs of each family rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with the family to identify goals and will adjust methods based on needs, preferences, and what’s most helpful. That collaborative process includes checking in about progress and shifting techniques if needed.

Online sessions are offered by licensed professionals via video, phone, live chat, or text messaging to provide flexible options. These formats let parents schedule support around busy routines, continue care from home, and use different ways of communicating depending on comfort and situation. Online work focuses on practical strategies families can use between sessions.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)

Attends to the emotions underneath a recurring argument or distance, and to the attachment needs driving them. Often used where a relationship keeps returning to the same painful loop.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
Common areas include stress, anxiety, depression, parenting and family problems, addictions, trauma and grief. Additional focuses include body image, blended family issues, and forgiveness.
How would you describe the therapy style?
The style is warm and interactive, with respectful, non-stigmatizing conversation. Sessions aim to be practical and focused on changes that improve daily family life.
What background does the therapist have?
She brings 14 years of experience as a social worker and therapist. That experience includes work with children, adolescents, adults, and caregivers facing medical diagnoses and end-of-life concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
Credentials are LCSW and LICSW. Licenses are IL LCSW 149013908 and AL LICSW 4865C, and practice is based in Alabama.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available online?
Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
14 years
Licensed
Alabama, Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

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