Gretchen graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications and spent more than two decades in the television industry before shifting her focus to the world of mental health. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University, Gretchen bring a wealth of life experience, empathy, and a genuine understanding of what it means to face life’s challenges to her therapeutic work.
Gretchen is passionate about working with school-aged children and teens, particularly as they navigate the transition into junior high and high school – a time often marked by shifting social dynamics, increased academic pressure, and the challenge of finding one’s place in a larger environment. She is committed to helping young clients find their voice and build resilience in the face of adversity. She also enjoys working with young athletes who may feel overwhelmed by performance expectations – helping them strengthen their self-confidence and emotional well-being both in and out of their sport. Gretchen often incorporates music into sessions as a creative outlet for emotional expression and uses humor to build connection and ease.
In addition to her work with youth, Gretchen supports adult clients working through complex family dynamics, parenting challenges, and maintaining work-life balance. Having navigated the demands of a high-pressure career while raising children, she understands the toll that stress can take – and the power of therapy in reclaiming joy and purpose.
Gretchen’s therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with added influence from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She integrates elements from Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Expressive Arts Therapy to create a flexible, client-centered experience. She values helping clients live in alignment with their personal values – embracing who they are rather than striving to fit into someone else’s version of success.
Known for her authenticity, warmth, and collaborative style, Gretchen creates a space where clients – whether children, teens, or adults – feel truly heard and empowered to take meaningful steps toward change.