Where Gary stands
- Credentials
- LISW
- License
- LISW, Ohio / I.2103221-SUPV
- NPI
- 1063951556
- Experience
- 10 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Ohio
About
- ACT informed
- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness practice
About Gary
Gary Ratliff is an Ohio-licensed independent social worker (LISW) with 10 years of experience in mental health and addiction care. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, low self-esteem, depression, and addictions. He also addresses concerns such as codependency, grief, sleep problems, career strain, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
Gary frames work around conversations that matter. Sessions focus on what is happening now and on small practical steps a person can try between meetings. He uses methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and client-centered approaches to guide those conversations.
In practice he listens for patterns that keep people stuck - for example chronic people-pleasing, trouble saying no, or staying in relationships that drain energy. Then he helps people notice those patterns and test different responses. Therapy can include exercises to change unhelpful thoughts, skills for managing strong emotions, and mindfulness practices to steady attention.
Gary has worked across mental health and addiction settings, which informs how he supports people dealing with substance issues alongside mood or trauma symptoms. He aims for straightforward language and clear next steps rather than jargon. Sessions emphasize practical skills and choices people can try between meetings.
People who want to start are invited to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session. The approach is collaborative and focused on identifying doable changes that fit a person's life.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages noticing thoughts and values, then taking small actions that match what matters. It can help with getting unstuck by focusing on meaningful steps rather than trying to push away difficult feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and uses structured exercises to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, and problem habits. Mindfulness Therapy brings attention to the present moment through simple practices that reduce reactivity and improve focus, which can help with stress, sleep, and emotion regulation.Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will discuss different methods and decide together which techniques fit a person's needs, goals, and preferences. That collaboration means the plan can shift as someone learns what helps them most.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into a busy week, make it easier to schedule a shorter check-in, or avoid travel time. Online conversations still allow for skill practice, behavioral experiments, and mindfulness exercises that carry over into daily life. If you want to know which session formats are offered now, check the platform options when you sign up or ask before your first appointment.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Ohio
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, depression, addictions, and related concerns such as codependency and grief.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses practical conversation and skills work drawing from ACT, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and client-centered therapy to help people try different responses to old patterns.
How much experience does he have?
He has 10 years of professional experience in mental health and addiction fields.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an Ohio LISW and practices in Ohio.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule your first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.