Gretchen Shay, LCSW, LICSW
- Stress and anxiety support
- Addiction and recovery help
- Family and relationship work
About Gretchen Shay
Her work also includes supporting individuals facing medical diagnoses and their caregivers through treatment, end-of-life issues, and grief and loss. Shay brings experience addressing parenting challenges, relationship struggles, eating and body-image issues, trauma and abuse, and the practical and emotional strains of life transitions.
Her therapeutic manner is warm and interactive, grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and she avoids stigmatizing labels. She integrates cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive techniques and customizes conversations and treatment plans to match each person’s unique needs. Shay emphasizes collaborative care, helping clients identify goals and develop practical strategies to manage stress, improve relationships, and build coping skills.
She frames the decision to begin therapy as a courageous first step and offers supportive, empowering guidance for those ready to pursue greater well-being.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Therapeutic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Gretchen Shay have?
Gretchen Shay has 14 years of experience as a social worker and therapist.
Is Gretchen Shay a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credentials LCSW and LICSW, indicating licensure as a clinical social worker in Illinois and Alabama. License details are IL LCSW 149013908 and AL LICSW 4865C.
In which languages does Gretchen Shay provide therapy?
Gretchen Shay provides therapy in English.
Where is Gretchen Shay located?
Gretchen Shay is located in Alabama.
How can I work with Gretchen Shay as my therapist?
You can work with Gretchen Shay through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Gretchen Shay work with international clients?
Gretchen Shay does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Gretchen Shay 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 is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and online care with Gretchen Shay
Gretchen Shay draws on client-centered therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the client's experiences and goals guide the process. This approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration to help people build self-awareness and identify what matters most to them.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and to develop practical strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT is action-oriented and focuses on skills that can reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) is another tool she employs to strengthen attachment and emotional connection in relationships by helping people recognize and reshape patterns of interaction that create distance or conflict.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Shay works with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals and tailors the therapeutic style and techniques accordingly so treatment fits the individual or family.
Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain consistent care, fit sessions into busy lives, and access support from home or another convenient location while working with licensed professionals and therapists.