Key details
- CredentialsLISW
- LicenseLISW, Ohio / I.2103221-SUPV
- NPI1063951556
- Experience10 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationOhio
About
- ACT and CBT
- DBT skills
- 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 substance issues. He also addresses concerns like sleep trouble, career strain, and coping with life changes.
Gary uses straightforward conversation and practical strategies rather than jargon. He adapts sessions to what each person needs and focuses on clear goals. Sessions look at what keeps old patterns running and what small steps help change them.
His background includes work across mental health and addiction settings, which informs his approach to problems tied to behavior and motivation. He draws on cognitive and mindfulness tools to help people notice thoughts and respond differently. Dialectical ideas are used when people need skills for managing strong emotions and impulsivity.
Sessions often mix acceptance-based work with cognitive techniques so a person can both face difficult feelings and shift unhelpful thinking. Gary also uses client-centered methods to let the person set priorities and pace. Practical skill-building, such as emotion regulation and communication practice, is a common focus.
People consult him for a range of life difficulties including grief, relationship stress, chronic illness struggles, and issues around addiction and recovery. He supports exploration of values and everyday routines that influence mood and behavior. The main aim is clearer choices and more manageable responses to stress and anger.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small committed actions toward those values while learning to live with difficult thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing practical behavior changes to reduce distress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills teach concrete techniques for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better interpersonal behavior.Choosing the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Gary will discuss goals and preferences with each person and together decide which methods to emphasize. That collaborative planning helps make sessions feel practical and focused from the start.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It also lets people practice skills in the settings where problems happen, such as work breaks or at home, so tools learned in sessions can be tried immediately.
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 concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, depression, addictions, grief, sleep problems, career issues, bipolar, ADHD, and related concerns.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a mix of client-centered conversation and skills-based approaches. Sessions combine practical exercises with guided reflection.
How much experience does he have?
He has 10 years of professional work experience in the mental health and addiction fields.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is an Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and practices from Ohio.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and 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 anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.