- Compassionate listener
- Practical coping tools
- Focus on meaning
About Marikay
Marikay Gazda, LCSW, offers steady, compassionate care for adults facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and major life changes. She writes short-term and long-term plans with each person and focuses on practical steps you can try between sessions. Her tone is calm and straightforward, aimed at people who want clear help without jargon.
Gazda has practiced social work for 35 years in Illinois and brings experience supporting people with aging and geriatric concerns, chronic illness and pain, and caregiver stress. She also helps those struggling with attachment issues, panic attacks, loneliness, and questions about life purpose. Sessions often address communication problems, self-esteem, guilt, and forgiveness.
Her work centers on listening first, then collaborating to set realistic goals. She uses Client-Centered Therapy to follow the client’s lead and build trust. She also draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to change unhelpful thoughts and uses emotionally-focused and psychodynamic perspectives when exploring relationship patterns and past influences.
Clients can expect practical tools for coping, strategies to manage panic and anxiety, and support through grief and end-of-life concerns. Gazda emphasizes developing self-love and resilience while honoring each person’s pace.
Overall, she aims to walk alongside people during hard transitions, offering steady support and skills for everyday life. Before booking, confirm current session options and scheduling details to ensure they fit personal needs.
How these approaches guide online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person’s experience and lets the client set the pace, which can be helpful when approaching grief, life transitions, or questions about meaning. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at unhelpful thoughts and habits and teaches concrete skills to reduce anxiety, panic, and depressive symptoms. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people recognize and shift patterns in relationships and intense emotions, useful for attachment concerns and communication problems.Finding the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist works collaboratively to match methods to each person’s needs, goals, and preferences. Over a few sessions, she will discuss what feels most helpful and adjust the plan as work progresses.
The profile does not list specific online formats, so please confirm current session options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They can also let someone keep appointments during medical treatment or caregiving duties. Ask about the available session types and scheduling details when you complete the matching questionnaire.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this therapist help with?
She helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, panic attacks, and major life changes. Other focus areas include caregiver stress, chronic illness, loneliness, and self-esteem concerns.
What is the therapist’s general approach in sessions?
Her approach is person-centered and collaborative, starting with listening and then setting practical goals. She blends client-centered work with CBT and emotionally-focused ideas as needed.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
She has 35 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. That background includes work with aging issues, hospice and end-of-life counseling, and long-term caregiving challenges.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
The therapist is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices in that state. The profile lists Illinois as the therapist’s location.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking to learn whether phone or video sessions are available.
How does pricing or cost work for therapy here?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Specific rates depend on which subscription and scheduling choices are selected.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.