LCSW

Marikay Gazda, LCSW

Therapist in Illinois

Marikay is a LCSW therapist in Illinois.

35+ years of experience
Focus areas include Stress, Anxiety, Grief
Approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

See availability and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Marikay

Marikay Gazda is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience supporting adults through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. She focuses on helping people navigate depression, anxiety, grief, and the many adjustments that come with aging and caregiving, bringing steady compassion and practical tools to each step of the process.

Her practice emphasizes building self-love, strengthening communication, and addressing feelings of isolation so clients can rediscover purpose and meaning. Marikay works with a broad range of concerns, including panic disorder, attachment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, and hospice and end-of-life counseling, always tailoring care to the individual’s circumstances.

Adopting a person-centered stance, she helps clients transform experiences of emptiness, guilt, and shame into opportunities for growth. Her work also addresses relationship challenges, compassion fatigue, low self-esteem, and questions about life purpose with attention to both emotional depth and practical coping strategies.

As a licensed clinician, Marikay draws on decades of practice to support older adults and those facing health-related or caregiving stress, guiding them toward greater resilience and dignity while honoring their life stories.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Marikay integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address a wide range of emotional concerns. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening carefully and creating a respectful, empathetic environment so the person feels heard and understood - this approach is well suited to grief, isolation, and life transitions. CBT offers practical strategies to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and can be especially helpful for anxiety, panic, and depression.

She also draws on elements of emotionally-focused therapy to explore attachment patterns and relational dynamics when relationships or caregiving roles are central to the concern. Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic work - Marikay collaborates with each person to determine what fits best given their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies over time as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Marikay is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules, mobility limits, and caregiving responsibilities. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and access support from home or on the go, while allowing therapists and clients to focus on meaningful progress together.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Marikay Gazda have?

Marikay Gazda has 35 years of professional experience.

Is Marikay Gazda a licensed therapist?

Yes. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). License details are IL LCSW 149004372.

In which languages does Marikay Gazda provide therapy?

Marikay provides therapy in English.

Where is Marikay Gazda located?

Marikay is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Marikay Gazda as my therapist?

You can work with Marikay through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Marikay Gazda work with international clients?

Marikay does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Marikay Gazda cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with this therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.