Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with approximately 15 years experience. My primary focus has been working with children, teens, adults and families. I seek to establish a relationship with a client through a respectful, caring approach and help them identify their strengths and needs to achieve their goals. I also enjoy working with young adults making the transition from adolescence to adulthood and have worked with clients who are struggling with life changes, grief and loss. I begin with a client centered approach but also utilize behavioral & cognitive therapy and mindfulness activities to help manage stress, anxiety and anger. I have also worked with numerous families who have children diagnosed with ADHD, behavioral problems, anger and anxiety.

Welcome! I want you to know I am so glad you reached out for help, that is very courageous and wise. The willingness and desire to do something different is fundamental to growing. You are right to hope that things can change and will get better. This is work we can’t do alone and the results are not instantaneous, though with effort and a little faith I’m sure you will discover the answers you seek. There is not really a typical problem. I treat people, not a diagnosis! This is about you. Mine is a client-centered approach, emphasizing strengths-based and goal-focused therapies. My role is in providing a safe space for you to explore what you are experiencing. Everyone’s journey is different. We will explore strategies together finding out what works for you. This may require a little thinking outside the box, using your innate creativity to learn about yourself. As a father to an LGBTQ+ child I understand how difficult navigating identity can be in a slowly shifting culture. Your comfort and peace of mind when seeking counseling are important and I strive to create an understanding environment regardless of where you come from and who you are. Here is a little information about me. I graduated in 2009 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Since then, I have worked in a variety of positions treating a diverse range of issues, most recently as a substance abuse counselor. With all the co-occuring issues that predate and accompany addiction, I have learned that primarily my clients are people who just want to be happy. I have worked in both outpatient and residential treatment programs, utilizing an arsenal of evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, REBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness and other approaches. Before social work, I had a long career in television news. Working as a street photographer and editor helped me develop deep empathy for the complexities of peoples’ struggles in all walks of life. Helping to change the world through storytelling inspired me to help change the world one person’s story at a time. From my professional and personal experience, I can guarantee, that though it may be tough at times, you will benefit from the journey. Now is your opportunity to use the present moment to grow and meet a stranger, the real you. So what’s going on with you, why have you sought out help?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years in the Chicagoland area. I have experience working with individuals impacted by mental health, trauma, substance abuse, HIV, grief/loss and homelessness. I am passionate about my work because I feel everyone has the capacity to learn, change and create a better quality of life. I approach my clients with holistic counseling to look at all areas of their life to create strategies to meet your needs. I also integrate cognitive behavioral, solution focused, trauma informed care and strengths perspective into our sessions. I recognize it is not easy to be vulnerable and can be uncomfortable to open up to a stranger about very personal issues. I am honored to be that person and will greet you with empathy ,patience, honesty and no judgement. I look forward to starting this journey with you!

Hello! Welcome to our BetterHelp Community and congratulations in taking that courageous first step in feeling better! My name is Marikay Gazda and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1991. Through these many years I have provided counseling to those experiencing feelings of generalized anxiety, depressed thoughts, feelings of isolation, chronic or life threatening medical conditions, end of life issues, caregiver stress and fatigue and general life transitions. As a Certified Grief Counselor I have worked with individuals struggling in their feelings of grief and loss who feel stuck in moving on. But I have also found that those physical and psychological responses felt in grief is not unique to a death, as loss can be found across the board in relationships, health, a job or simply an empty nest. Those feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms can certainly be generalized to any type of loss as it impacts an individual's ability to engage in a full and happy life. My demeanor is warm, compassionate, interactive and positive. I consider the client/therapist relationship to be the most important element to a successful therapy experience. As a clinician, my approach is client centered, goal oriented and grounded in a strengths perspective. I use the models of Emotional Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy in helping my clients understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behavior and creating goals to effect a change. In my work with grief and loss the Duel Process Model teaches a client to regularly "take breaks" from their feelings of loss while the Continuing Bonds Model works towards creating new meaning and a new relationship within the loss. My goal as a therapist is to partner with you in an empathetic and safe space and that each interaction leaves you hopeful that change can occur. I wish you all the peace that your day can bring knowing that you have taken that first step in feeling better.

“I will comfort you, I’ll take your part when darkness comes and pain is all around.” Simon and Garfunkel’s lyric in “Bridge Over Troubled Water” describes tough times and the very present and healing support offered to provide comfort - the comfort necessary to overcome tough times. Everyone has troubled water – troubled times where you need to find a safe place to “ease your mind;” a place where your voice will be heard, and your story valued. Reaching out to find this safe place and support can feel scary and vulnerable, but it can also lead to exciting growth, self-knowledge, and the power to create a better life. I am committed to listening to my client’s stories without judgment or assumptions, and meeting them exactly where they are in their life journey. I listen carefully and actively, and provide thoughtful feedback so we can explore the concerns, and develop strategies together; strategies that are unique to the client and their life story, and that empower the client to make their own best choices for their life journey. I have a master’s degree from University of Illinois-Springfield, and a Marriage and Family Therapy Endorsement from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. In addition, I completed the Clinical Education in Psychosocial Care program through Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. I have a keen interest in working with individuals and families as they negotiate major life changes such as family building, relationships, grief, and aging. I am motivated to help each client reach their own potential, and to create their best life. My personal approach to therapy is to develop synergy with the client, a collaborative process that creates a safe, positive, and empowering environment for creating meaningful change. Through this, the client can safely explore, question, discuss, and learn without being judged. Join me as we venture into your life’s journey and create the story you envision.

I enjoy working with people with a variety of motivations for starting therapy. While I specialize in working with postpartum moms and intended parents experiencing infertility, I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. I work with individuals and couples. My job isn’t to tell someone what to do or how to think. Sometimes, my job is to hold heavy emotions, thoughts, memories with you. Sometimes, it’s to sort out the big box of thoughts you’re carrying around and decide what to keep and what to move away from. I am passionate about normalizing the challenges of new parenthood, the deep pain of infertility, and the discomfort that can be a part of the journey we’re all on to live closer to our most well selves. We may share silence, questions, or laughter together. I encourage my clients to bring their whole selves into our work, and humor is usually a big part of that! My approach to therapy is to employ evidenced-based interventions. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Wellness Recovery Action Plans and Exposure Response Prevention. I integrate the tenets of many clinical treatment modalities to meet each patient’s unique needs. You’re the expert in your own story, I’ll pull out my toolbox and we work together to fine tune what will meet your specific needs! I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Trinity Christian College and completed my Master’s degree in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois-Chicago. Before becoming a full-time therapist, I worked at nonprofits across the city with experience in domestic violence, refugee resettlement, and housing. I am always pursuing training to become a more skilled clinician, I am currently in process of completing my Perinatal Mental Health Certification.

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with over 5 years of professional work experience. I obtained a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands and have worked as a clinician in community mental health and private practice. I have experience providing mental health services to adults who have experienced depression, stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, and career difficulties. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that helps to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to create more meaningful life experiences. I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment in order to promote a safe space for you to heal. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support you in discovering inner resources and techniques that can provide a sense of relief and inspire self-empowerment. If you also wish to explore and integrate the Creative Arts Therapy avenue, we can integrate art/music/movement materials. These modalities can aid in self-expression, promote deep relaxation, mood elevation, and visualization of inner strengths and goals.

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed psychotherapist in Illinois. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I’m an LCSW with 8 years of experience helping clients navigate trauma, loss, and the complexities of new or existing medical conditions. I use a strengths-based approach to help you make sense of what feels overwhelming and to support you through the challenges you face. I believe that the only way out is through, and while this journey can be challenging and painful, I’m here as a guide to help you reach the other side. Seeking help takes courage, and I’m truly grateful that you’ve chosen to take this important step.

I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with clients who are coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.