Gary Ratliff, LISW

Ohio LISW helping with stress and trauma

Stress and anxiety support
Trauma and abuse care
Addiction and recovery help

About Gary Ratliff

Gary Ratliff is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) practicing in Ohio with 10 years of experience in the mental health and addiction fields. He brings a practical, empathetic approach to helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem concerns, depression, addictions, and a wide range of life challenges including grief, career transitions, and coping with chronic illness.

He combines evidence-informed methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to tailor conversations and treatment plans to each person’s needs. Gary emphasizes respectful, sensitive, and compassionate care and focuses on building an individualized plan that addresses both immediate concerns and longer-term goals. His work also includes support for relationship and family issues, LGBT-related concerns, sleep difficulties, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and stress related to caregiving and compassion fatigue.

Recognizing that taking the first step toward change requires courage, Gary has supported people through those early decisions and the ongoing work that follows. He centers collaboration and practical strategies so individuals can pursue greater balance, resilience, and clarity in their lives.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem Depression

Also Specializes In

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefSleeping disordersCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentBlended family issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Gary Ratliff have?

Gary Ratliff has 10 years of professional experience in the mental health and addiction fields.

Is Gary Ratliff a licensed therapist?

Yes. He holds the LISW credential, which stands for Licensed Independent Social Worker. License details: OH LISW I.2103221-SUPV.

In which languages does Gary Ratliff provide therapy?

Gary Ratliff provides therapy in English.

Where is Gary Ratliff located?

Gary Ratliff is located in Ohio.

How can I work with Gary Ratliff as my therapist?

You can work with Gary Ratliff through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Gary Ratliff work with international clients?

Gary Ratliff does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Gary Ratliff cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Approach-Focused Care for Online Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify personal values and build psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and commit to meaningful actions - it is often helpful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma-related difficulties. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, empathetic therapeutic relationship in which the therapist provides support and reflects the client's experience to foster insight and self-directed growth.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Gary works collaboratively with people to determine which methods align best with their needs, goals, and preferences. He integrates techniques when appropriate and adjusts the plan as progress and feedback guide the work.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit care into busy schedules and to maintain continuity during life changes. Licensed professionals can use these modalities to deliver structured treatments, skills training, and ongoing support while accommodating different communication preferences and accessibility needs.

Ready to start therapy with Gary Ratliff?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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