Licensed clinical social worker recordAlabama
Gretchen Shay, LCSW, LICSW
Alabama
Licensed clinical social worker - stress and relationships
Continue with GretchenCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW, LICSW
- Licensed in Alabama
- LICSW, licence 4865C
- Licensed in Illinois
- LCSW, licence 149013908
- NPI
- 1962731968
- Experience
- 14 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Alabama
These details come from information Gretchen supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction support
- Family dynamics
About Gretchen
Gretchen Shay is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois and an LICSW licensed in Alabama with 14 years of experience. She helps people handle stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship problems, parenting strain, grief, trauma and eating concerns. She also supports clients facing compassion fatigue and life transitions.
Her work is direct and interactive. Sessions focus on practical steps people can use between meetings. She prefers clear conversation over jargon and concentrates on daily routines, family interactions, and what is getting in the way of feeling better.
Gretchen blends approaches to match what each person needs. This includes client-centered work that follows the client's lead, cognitive-behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, and emotionally-focused methods to look at relationship patterns and attachments. Motivational interviewing and narrative techniques are used when people need to strengthen motivation or reframe their personal story.
She has experience with a wide range of family-related topics, including blended family issues, family of origin concerns, divorce and separation, and parenting stress. Gretchen also works with people facing medical diagnoses and supports caregivers through illness and grief.
Her meetings are practical and goal-oriented. People looking for help can expect conversations that identify small, manageable changes, homework when useful, and ongoing check-ins about what is working. She asks clients to bring examples from daily life to shape the work together.
BHow sessions work
How her approaches apply to online work
Client-Centered Therapy follows the person's concerns and priorities, giving space to talk about what feels most urgent. It helps when someone needs practical support and a clinician who listens and responds to what comes up. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with stress by teaching specific skills and exercises to practice between sessions. Emotionally-Focused Therapy looks at patterns in close relationships and attachment needs. It can help people who want to change how they relate to partners or family members and repair connection.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Gretchen will help clients decide which methods to try based on their goals, daily life, and preferences. That decision is collaborative and can change over time as progress is reviewed.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow a shorter check-in when needed. They also let people use quieter surroundings or avoid being on camera when that helps. Talk with Gretchen during the matching process about the practical setup that will work best for daily life and caregiving responsibilities.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
Alabama, Illinois
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
Gretchen works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief, trauma and eating issues among other related concerns.
How would you describe her approach in sessions?
She uses a practical, interactive style that focuses on clear conversation and doable steps. Therapy blends client-centered work with cognitive-behavioral and emotionally-focused methods.
How many years has she practiced?
She has 14 years of professional experience as a social worker and therapist.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds the credentials LCSW and LICSW and is licensed in Illinois (LCSW) and Alabama (LICSW).
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers