- Emotion-focused work
- Cognitive behavioral tools
- Caregiver and aging issues
About Marikay
Marikay Gazda is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people manage depression, anxiety, grief, and the stresses that come with caregiving and aging.
She often helps clients who feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure of their life purpose. She also addresses panic symptoms, attachment concerns, chronic illness or pain, and the emotional fallout from serious medical issues. Communication problems, guilt, shame, and rebuilding self-love are frequent topics in her sessions.
Her approach draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy, client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, psychodynamic ideas, and solution-focused work. Sessions tend to center on identifying painful emotions, tracing how they affect behavior, and trying small practical steps to change patterns. Conversations are direct and aimed at clearer understanding and manageable change.
Gazda has long experience supporting people through end-of-life and hospice concerns, caregiver strain, and the emotional impacts of aging. She pays attention to how past relationships shape current feelings and interactions. Practical coping skills are paired with attention to deeper emotional themes.
People considering work with her are given space to outline what matters most to them. The focus is on clarifying goals, improving communication, and building day-to-day strategies for more stable mood and less isolation.
How her approaches translate to online work
Emotionally-Focused Therapy focuses on identifying and naming strong emotions and the patterns they create in relationships and daily life. It helps people see how feelings drive reactions and supports clearer emotional expression. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and following the client’s priorities, giving space for people to set their own goals and pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss your goals and preferences and together you will decide which methods to try. Sessions can blend emotion-focused exploration with concrete behavioral steps so the work both feels meaningful and leads to clear changes.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, since specific formats are not listed in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some formats also require less bandwidth or let you avoid being on camera, which can help when focus or energy are limited. Licensed professionals adapt timing and methods so therapy fits practical daily demands without promising a particular service.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, caregiver strain, and issues related to aging, chronic illness, and life changes.
What therapeutic styles does she use?
Her work draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy, client-centered care, cognitive behavioral techniques, psychodynamic ideas, and solution-focused methods.
How long has she practiced?
She has 35 years of clinical experience working with a range of emotional and medical concerns.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois.
Does she work in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
Which session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific session formats.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin the process?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.