Marikay Gazda

Marikay Gazda, LCSW, focuses on helping people who feel isolated, overwhelmed, or stuck during big life changes. She works with individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief, caregiver strain, and the aches of aging. Her tone is steady and compassionate, aimed at people who need practical support and clear next steps.

With 35 years of experience as an Illinois licensed clinical social worker, she draws on a mix of approaches to meet each person where they are. Sessions aim to improve communication, reduce feelings of emptiness, and rebuild self-esteem. She pays particular attention to the stresses that come with chronic illness, cancer caregiving, and end-of-life concerns.

Marikay uses client-centered listening to understand what matters most. She also works with cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thinking and try different actions. Emotionally-focused ideas help when relationship feelings are central, and psychodynamic questions can uncover patterns from the past.

Clients can expect straightforward work: naming the problem, trying small changes, and reviewing what helps. She supports people learning to forgive themselves, manage panic, and find more purpose in daily life. Her long experience includes helping people navigate grief and hospice-related issues with care and respect.

Her practice is grounded in compassion and practical tools. Marikay aims to walk beside people through difficult times while helping them build coping skills they can use after sessions end.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Marikay combines client-centered listening with focused strategies to help people feeling isolated or overwhelmed. Client-Centered Therapy means the therapist follows your lead, listens closely, and helps you find your own solutions. This approach is useful when someone needs understanding, validation, and time to sort through emotions.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions fit together. CBT breaks problems into small, workable steps so people can try new behaviors and notice what changes. This can be helpful for anxiety, panic, and downward thinking patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Marikay will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort level. She checks in regularly and adjusts the focus if something isn’t working, so therapy stays practical and relevant.

Session logistics should be confirmed before booking because specific formats are not listed in the profile. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Ask about current session options when you schedule so you can plan sessions that fit your routine.