Gretchen Bateman, LPC

What originally drew you toward becoming a therapist?

After over a decade in the corporate world, I realized what I loved most was helping people, not companies. I was often the person my coworkers and peers turned to when they were overwhelmed, struggling, or feeling alone. Providing a caring and judgment-free space for someone in their toughest moments brought me a sense of purpose that 'climbing the ladder' never could. Becoming a therapist was a natural transition, and I'm deeply grateful to every client who trusts me with their mental health journey.

Who might feel especially understood by the way you approach therapy?

People often come to me when they're navigating a neurodivergence diagnosis later in life, experiencing major life transitions, struggling with job stress, grieving, or other stressors. My approach is validating, affirming, and focused on balancing acceptance with sustainable ways to move forward.

What makes the therapeutic space you create feel different from other spaces in a client’s life?

I hope my therapeutic space feels like a soft place to land, slow down, and be your most genuine self. I want showing up to sessions feels like a long sigh of relief after a hard day. Though the work of therapy can be challenging sometimes, I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where clients have the autonomy and support they need to do it.

How do you help someone move away from asking, “What is wrong with me?” and toward understanding what they have adapted to or survived?

In psychology, we often hear words like "diagnosis," "disorder," and "deficit" to describe mental health conditions. Though a common language helps us communicate about these conditions with one another, these words can make you feel like something is "wrong" with you. What I hope to help clients understand is that our brains and bodies are VERY good at adapting to situations to keep us safe. Unfortunately, sometimes those adaptations that once kept us safe end up causing problems later on. My goal is to help you understand and appreciate how your mind and body have worked together to protect you up to this point, while discovering new, healthier ways to navigate life's stressors moving forward.

Is there a lived experience that gives you a perspective you intentionally bring into your work?

As a woman diagnosed with ADHD later in life, I have lived the challenges of burnout and exhaustion while navigating a complex healthcare system. I bring this personal perspective to my practice to validate and support neurodivergent adults seeking help learning to "unmask" and live more authentically.