Gary Stofle, LISW-S, LICDC-CS, BCD
About Me
I have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate the challenges of substance use, recovery, and low motivation that can interfere with living a meaningful life. My approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and a deep belief in each person’s capacity for change.
I specialize in Motivational Interviewing, a client-centered approach that helps individuals strengthen their own motivation to make meaningful changes. I work with clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about how to move forward—whether related to substance use, anxiety, depression, or difficulty following through on goals. I also integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients build psychological flexibility, manage difficult thoughts and emotions, and take practical steps toward a life aligned with their values.
Whether you are just beginning to explore your relationship with substances, struggling with low motivation, anxiety, or depression, or working to maintain recovery, I offer a nonjudgmental space to do the work that matters most to you.
Academic and Professional Background
I have over 40 years of experience in human services providing direct client care, supervision of direct care staff, grants management, and staff training. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals navigating substance use, as well as related challenges such as anxiety, depression, and low motivation that can make change feel difficult or overwhelming. I have been supporting clients in these areas since the early 1980s, most recently serving as the Division Director for Recovery Services at the VA in Columbus, Ohio. My master’s degree is in Social Work from Columbia University, and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation, a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, and a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (Emeritus). I have substantial expertise in Motivational Interviewing and have been a private consultant and trainer for this treatment since 2000. I have been a member in good standing of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) since 2006.
