With a firm belief in the inherent worth and capacity for growth within every person, Gretchen provides a space where clients can feel seen, supported, and empowered. She brings warmth, compassion, and humor to the counseling relationship. She has worked as a clinical social worker for more than 17 years in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, community mental health, and university counseling centers.
Gretchen uses a collaborative and culturally affirming approach in her work with children, adolescents, families, and adults. Her primary areas of specialty are trauma and attachment, and she has specialized training in EMDR, as well as training in somatic, mindfulness-based, and relational approaches. She also has extensive experience helping clients navigate anxiety, grief, perfectionism, and burnout, as well as concerns related to military and Veteran experiences, healthcare professionals and first responders, and adoption and foster care.
In addition to her clinical work, Gretchen is passionate about mentoring and supporting emerging therapists as they develop their clinical skills and work toward licensure. As Clinical Director at Samaritan Counseling Center of Atlanta, she provides consultation, clinical supervision, and training to members of the clinical team.
Gretchen also provides continuing education and professional workshops for mental health professionals and organizations. She offers engaging, experiential learning opportunities on topics including trauma, attachment, nervous system regulation, self-compassion, and clinical practice. She is available to provide customized workshops and continuing education for organizations, agencies, universities, and professional groups.
Education & Training
- Master of Social Work, Concentration in Marriage & Family Therapy — University of Georgia
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) — Georgia
- Clinical Supervisor Certification — Texas
- EMDR Certified
- Hakomi Level I and II Trained
- Theraplay Foundational Practitioner
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Level 1 Trained
Gretchen is in-network with UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Oscar.
Contact her at 404.228.7776 or grees@samaritanatlanta.org