Marikay Gazda
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Illinois therapists accepting new clients
Donna BeichelLCSW · 33 years experienceSelf esteem · Stress, Anxiety · Coping with life changesWork with Donna
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About Marikay
As an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth. My practice centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, grief, and the unique challenges of aging and caregiving.
I bring deep compassion to working with older adults, individuals facing chronic health conditions, and those experiencing significant life changes. My approach focuses on building self-love, improving communication, addressing isolation, and helping clients rediscover their sense of purpose and meaning.
My therapeutic work spans a wide range of sensitive areas, including panic disorder, attachment issues, caregiver stress, and end-of-life counseling. I’m committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, heal from past experiences, and develop resilient coping strategies.
Through a compassionate and person-centered approach, I aim to support individuals in transforming feelings of emptiness, guilt, and shame into opportunities for personal growth and healing. My goal is to walk alongside you as you navigate life’s most challenging moments with strength and dignity.
What Marikay helps with
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Grief
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Stress, Anxiety
Show 14 more areas
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Attachment issues
- Cancer
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Communication problems
- Emptiness
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Self-love
How Marikay works
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
What clients say
- “When I first started with Mari I clicked with her wisdom and insightfulness that I was looking for. She addresses my weekly issues with Thoughtful messages to help me along and to see a clearer insight. We have become good friends and I know I can tell her just about anything. So glad that I met her !”
- “Awesome therapist, listens well and I love her structure!”
- “Marikay is wonderful and easy to talk to<br /> It's a relief to find a therapist that listens and talks to you. She's very pleasant and patient.”
Show all 15 reviews
- “Great therapist!”
- “Recently started my therapy journey and I am happy with Marikay. I find myself opening up to her easily and feel that she is genuinely interested in helping. I'm looking forward on navigating what's been on my mind and how to help myself.”
- “One of best of the best. She listens thoughtfully and is so easy to talk to.”
- “She is so personable and just a beautiful soul”
- “Marikay is always positive, reinforcing, and helpful. I never feel judged. I had a therapist once who said something to me in a session and I felt judged. Marikay is l experienced in her field and does a great job.”
- “This experience was needed to see other people are struggling similarly to me. It’s a weight off my chest. Marikay is amazing and is always willing to provide feedback regardless of what is happening in my life. I’m blessed to have her in my journey to health.”
- “She is amazing I don’t know how to describe it but it’s like I can talk to her about anything and know she’s not judging me but understanding me and my mind and then she gives me tools and things to help me! <br /> <br /> I couldn’t have asked for anyone better!”
- “Marikay Gazda is truly a kind soul that is an active listener with true clinical knowledge of when to nudge you into expanding feelings or challenging thoughts. This person alone is why I would recommend or return to the Betterhelp.”
- “Marikay is respectful and offers great support! She was very helpful during a difficult transition in my life.”
- “Marikay is such a thoughtful listener. She is supportive, encouraging and offers helpful suggestions. I came to therapy overwhelmed by motherhood and my many life responsibilities. I feel Marikay understands me and also give me suggestions to make life more joyful!”
- “Marikay was wonderful and really helped me navigate my grief after losing my husband. She was very caring, supportive and I was very comfortable talking to her.”
- “Yes very nice and kind and i really love hearing from her”
These reviews represent a few of the most recent positive reviews from the therapist's clients on BetterHelp. Some people's experience may be different.