Gretchen Blycker
Gretchen Blycker
Locations Rhode Island Therapists Jamestown Therapists Gretchen Blycker
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Vetted

Gretchen Blycker(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Rhode Island
Sexual and relational health-Sexual trauma treatment-Compulsive sexual behaviors/problematic pornography use-

See Gretchen's Details for:

Accepting in-person & online

Out-of-network with insurances

$0-$200

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your plan qualifies.

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Professional statement

Dr. Gretchen Blycker, PhD, LMHC, LMT, RYT, welcomes individuals and couples seeking a holistic, mindful approach to sexual health and overall wellbeing. Her clientele includes adults from diverse backgrounds who are interested in exploring authentic self-expression, healing from past experiences, improving relationships, or cultivating greater balance in their lives. Dr. Blycker is especially attuned to those navigating issues related to sexuality, intimacy, trauma, and personal growth, and she creates an inclusive, affirming space for all identities.

Drawing from over 30 years of professional experience, Dr. Blycker integrates expertise as a clinical sexologist, embodied contemplative therapist, licensed massage therapist, Tibetan Yoga teacher, and adjunct faculty member at the University of Rhode Island in Human Sexuality. Her unique background allows her to blend knowledge from four distinct health professions, offering clients a truly comprehensive and integrative therapeutic experience. She has developed the Mindful Model of Sexual Health—a framework that organizes the dynamic interplay of body, mind, and energy, and provides personalized, mindful tools for navigating the complexities of sexual health, relationships, and self-understanding.

Dr. Blycker’s therapy approach is rooted in mindfulness, compassion, self-inquiry, and respect for each client’s values and lived experience. She works collaboratively with clients to investigate core beliefs, sexual behaviors, and relational patterns, with the goal of fostering greater self-awareness, resilience, and satisfaction. Her model is inclusive and adaptable, supporting the multiplicity of authentic sexual expressions and honoring the inherent wholeness and interconnectedness of each individual.

Dr. Blycker offers both in-person sessions at her Jamestown, Rhode Island office as well as telehealth sessions for clients. She is committed to providing a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where clients can explore, heal, and grow at their own pace.

Message to clients

I welcome you reaching out to schedule a 10-minute phone call for help in determining if working together would be a supportive fit. I want you to know that therapy with me is a collaborative, compassionate, and mindful process. My hope is that you will discover the ongoing benefits of mindfully managing your sexual health—not just as a set of behaviors, but as an empowering journey toward greater balance, authenticity, and wellbeing. Mindful management means developing skills to identify what specifically promotes health for you, as well as what leads to imbalance. This approach is holistic, integrating both body and mind, and supports you in cultivating your authentic sexual self.

In our sessions, we will explore your personal values and beliefs, and practice mindful inquiry into your sexual self. You’ll learn how to skillfully manage your personal erotic energy, experiment with new ways of experiencing and understanding yourself, and deepen your awareness of what feels healthy, safe, and aligned with your values. This process is conscious and self-respecting—very different from repeating old patterns that may have brought short-term pleasure but resulted in longer-term harm or disconnection.

My hope for you is that therapy will be a space where you can reflect, heal, and grow. Together, we’ll identify and address any influences—such as past trauma, shame, or behaviors that conflict with your values—that may be affecting your sexual wellbeing. I am here to support you in making informed choices that lead to both immediate and lasting contentment.

Work and Education

Private practice, Psychotherapist, 2009 - Present
University of Rhode Island, Instructor for Human Sexuality course, 2009 - Present
Center for Sexual Health, 2008 - 2012
International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, 2012
Hakomi Experiential Psychotherapy Training, Advanced graduate training in mindfulness-based psychotherapy, 2006
Seattle Massage School, Licensed Massage Therapist, 1994

International Institute of Clinical Sexology, PhD in Clinical Sexology, 2025
Salve Regina University, Masters in Holistic Counseling, 2003

Licensure

Rhode Island: MHC00503

Languages

English

Specialties

Sexual and relational health - Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy addressing concerns about sexual functioning, sexual behavior and feelings, as well as intimacy and relationship issues. Concerns addressed in sex therapy may include: desire, arousal, erectile functioning, rapid ejaculation, anorgasmia, painful intercourse (vaginismus, dyspareunia), compulsive sexual behavior, history of sexual abuse, infidelity, sexual boundaries, communication, sexual orientation, gender expression, and trust and safety.

Sexual trauma treatment - In sexual healing and recovery, creating safety, healing trauma, establishing trust, repairing relationships, and creating healthy connections are essential. Sexual recovery is a process of evolving the meaning of sexuality. The goal is the integration of sex and love, body and mind. The pathway to integration is through intimacy rather than intensity.

Compulsive sexual behaviors/problematic pornography use - Although there is no single behavior pattern that defines compulsive sexuality or sex addiction, the common themes are problems with intimacy. In addition, there may be a relationship/attachment disorder or a history of trauma or abuse. Possible indicators involved with offline/online sex and love addiction include: loss of control, compulsive behavior, efforts to stop, loss of time; preoccupation, inability to fulfill obligations, continuation despite negative consequences, escalation, losses, withdrawal. People with attachment and intimacy disorders may experience a disconnection between love and sex. Because there is a disconnect, the risk is that sex is not used in the service of love, but rather in the service of medicating. People who have a compulsive relationship with sexuality use sexual behavior to produce a charge of gratification and to escape internal discomfort. Some people might not be available for connected sex because the always accessible fantasy images of pornography, hooking up with others, or the escape in romantic stories feel “safer” than being in an intimate relationship. Opening one’s heart and being vulnerable to sexually connect authentically with another requires tremendous courage, safety, and trust.

General expertise

Treatment approaches

Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples
  • Parents
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours

Insurance

Gretchen Blycker is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.

Out-of-pocket fees

Get reimbursed for sessions with Gretchen Blycker

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your health insurance plan qualifies.

  • Individual sessions:$200 (60min)
  • Sliding scale:$150 - $200
  • Couples sessions:$225 (60min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing

Client testimonials

"Gretchen responded within 24 hours, and I was able to get an appointment within a week."
- Zencare client • August 2022
"She was a big help I will be calling her back Thank you"
- Zencare client • February 2023
"It was a short call that went very well. I should have an appointment soon! Thanks!!"
- Zencare client • April 2025
"Things have worked quite well so far through 2 sessions. I can provide more info later."
- Zencare client • April 2025
Reach out to Connect

Small steps make a big difference. Start by connecting with Gretchen Blycker today.