- Guilt and shame
- Body image
- LGBT affirming
About Gretchen
Gretchen Van Blair is a Washington LMHC with six years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, eating concerns, and struggles with self-esteem. She also supports those dealing with guilt and shame related to relationships, faith, or past choices.
Gretchen focuses on practical ways to shift how people relate to themselves. She helps clients notice patterns tied to attachment and abandonment and practice kinder self-talk. Conversations also cover body image, communication problems, and setting boundaries at work and in relationships.
She brings an affirming approach for LGBTQ+ clients and attends to the interplay between trauma, isolation, and daily functioning. Sessions may include looking at how past wounds affect current choices, and building small skills for clearer communication and calmer days. She uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide this work.
Gretchen is direct and straightforward in session. She works with people who want to understand how control issues, forgiveness, or perfectionism feed guilt and shame. Practical steps are a part of the process, such as changing self-critical habits and trying new patterns in relationships.
Her practice also addresses caregiver stress, chronic illness, and pregnancy-related concerns. People who want to begin can expect clear next steps and an emphasis on problem-solving alongside emotional processing.
How evidence-based approaches translate to online work
Gretchen describes her practice as grounded in evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. One common approach she uses helps people identify and reframe self-critical thoughts, which can reduce the intensity of guilt and shame and make everyday choices feel clearer. Another direction looks at attachment and abandonment patterns, helping clients recognize how early relationship experiences affect current trust and communication.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjust the plan as understanding grows. The therapist-client relationship and practical goals shape which techniques are emphasized over time.
If you prefer online sessions, confirm the exact session formats before booking since they are not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also lets people try therapeutic techniques between sessions in their everyday settings, which can help bridge what happens in session with day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she focus on?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, eating concerns, self-esteem, and related areas such as guilt and shame.
How would she approach feelings of shame or guilt?
She uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help people notice patterns, change self-critical habits, and practice different ways of responding to painful feelings.
What experience does she bring to this work?
Gretchen has six years of experience as a clinician working with anxiety, trauma, and identity-related concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a Washington LMHC and practices in Washington state.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.