Gretchen Vanderlinden-Wang, LICSW

Practice philosophy: I deeply believe in each person's ability to emotionally heal, once they have access to effective resources, tools, and support. I practice with a trauma-informed lens and focus on establishing safety first in the therapeutic relationship, and then in other relationships. I also take a person-in-environment approach to mental wellness.

What are you passionate about and why? I am passionate about helping people to heal from adverse life experiences of all kinds. I work hard to establish safety in the therapeutic relationship. I am also passionate about social justice and being a support to those who are organizing movements to create collective change.

If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be? A musician or community organizer

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? In elementary school I remember telling my teacher that "Someday, I would like to sit in an office and listen to people talk about their problems." And, the rest was history!

What is something you have learned from your patients? I have learned that it is NEVER too late to create change or start something new.

What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? I enjoy the challenge of connecting with those who have very different life experiences or stories than my own.

What is the best thing you've done for your health or the best health advice you've received? Regular exercise, in whatever form you can do it, provides incredible mental health benefits, and also increases your ability to mindfully experience the present.

What are you most proud of? I am proud of my perseverance in living each day with mindfulness. And, I am proud of my daughter!

What are a few of your personal achievements? I have run a 5K, taken pipe organ lessons, sang in several professional choirs, learned to speak Mandarin Chinese proficiently, and gave birth to my daughter!