- ACT interventions
- CBT strategies
- Mindfulness skills
About Gary
Gary Ratliff is an Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with 10 years of experience in mental health and addiction services. He works with adults on common struggles such as stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, low self-esteem, depression, and addiction. Sessions are grounded in practical conversation and skills rather than labels.
In the room he uses several evidence-informed approaches. He draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take steps that matter. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to find and shift unhelpful thinking patterns. Mindfulness and elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy are included to build emotional regulation skills.
He supports people facing life transitions, grief, career strain, sleep problems, and the effects of chronic pain or illness. He also addresses impulse control, codependency, forgiveness, and isolation. LGBT-related concerns and parenting issues such as fatherhood are part of his work when individuals bring them up.
Gary frames therapy as straightforward talk plus practical tools. Sessions typically alternate between discussing patterns that cause problems and practicing new ways of responding. He emphasizes clear steps people can try between meetings to test what helps.
He asks for openness about goals and what has or has not worked before. That input guides which techniques he prioritizes, and how he structures treatment over time.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small, workable steps toward those values. It can be useful for anger, motivation, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thought and behavior that worsen stress or mood problems. It is practical for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and impulsivity. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and build calm; it pairs well with skill-based work for anger and emotion regulation.Choosing a therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. He will discuss goals and preferences, try techniques that fit those goals, and adjust the plan based on what helps. That way the focus is on usable skills and clear next steps rather than abstract theory.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm the current options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into work breaks, manage childcare, or reduce travel time. Phone sessions can be a shorter check-in when bandwidth or camera use is difficult. Overall, online work can make it simpler to practice skills between meetings and to bring real-life situations into discussion without changing the core clinical approach.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, depression, addictions, grief, sleep issues, career stress, bipolar, ADHD, and related life changes.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses straightforward conversation combined with practical tools from ACT, CBT, DBT skills, and mindfulness. Sessions mix discussion with skill practice.
How much professional experience does he have?
He has 10 years of professional work experience in mental health and addiction fields.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He holds an Ohio LISW credential and practices out of Ohio.
Which languages are supported and can international clients work with him?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking; the biography does not list specific session formats.
How does his pricing work?
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 a first session.