Gretchen A. Smith
MSW, LISW, CP
Words of encouragement play an important role in the therapeutic relationship. Gretchen strives to use her words wisely as she discovers, with her clients, their potential for making positive change in their lives.
Gretchen earned her BA in Sociology from Muskingum University and immediately answered a call to ministry with college students through the Coalition for Christian Outreach. After three years, she went to The Ohio State University where she earned her Master of Social Work degree focusing her preparation in working with children and families. As a licensed clinical Social Worker she has spent over 30 years working in agencies, private practice, and schools, and she has served as a registered supervisor for Social Work licensure in South Carolina.
Through the years, her therapeutic passion has always been to help people identify and overcome barriers so that they are enabled to make positive life changes by understanding and leveraging their God-given strengths, abilities and talents.
Gretchen has worked extensively with all ages of people; if she had to choose she would say children and families are still her favorites. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Reality Therapy, Systemic and Strategic Family Therapy she works to empower families and individuals to make choices in their lives that will help them to make positive change. She works on a strengths based perspective using the attributes that define each person as an individual. She sees families as intricate webs where each life affects others. Ages 3+
Gretchen is a long time member of NACSW and NASW.