Marikay Gazda

Marikay Gazda is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience. She helps people who are feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed by caregiving, or facing major life changes. Her work often addresses grief and the emotional strain that comes with illness, aging, or end-of-life concerns.

She focuses on clear, compassionate conversation. Sessions center on understanding what matters to each person and building practical ways to cope. She helps clients name painful feelings like guilt, shame, or emptiness and then looks for small, manageable steps forward.

Marikay draws from approaches that include client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, emotionally-focused methods, psychodynamic thinking, and solution-focused strategies. Those tools are used to improve communication, reduce panic symptoms, and strengthen self-regard. Treatment plans are shaped around the client’s needs and goals rather than a fixed formula.

She has substantial experience supporting older adults and people living with chronic illness or cancer. Caregiver stress and geriatric concerns are frequent topics in her practice, as is hospice and end-of-life counseling. Her style is steady, respectful, and aimed at helping people find meaning and purpose.

Clients can expect a collaborative relationship where feelings are heard and practical coping skills are taught. The emphasis is on dignity, realistic goals, and building resilience during difficult transitions.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and responding to what each person values. The therapist follows the client’s lead and helps clarify goals and feelings, which can be useful for grief, life transitions, and caregiving stress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with practical experiments. It is often used for anxiety, panic, depression, and improving day-to-day coping skills.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding and changing patterns in emotional responses and relationships. It can help people work through attachment wounds, grief, and difficulties in communicating needs.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to choose techniques that match their needs, goals, and comfort level. That means adjusting methods as progress is made rather than sticking to one style.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow follow-up check-ins that are shorter when needed. Talk with the therapist about what will fit your life and daily routine so sessions support your goals without adding strain.