Therapists in Batavia, IL

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 obtained my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in 2016. I have 24 years of experience in social work. My experience includes working with adults, children, teen parents, and teens who face challenges in their lives to reach their fullest potential. My belief is therapy is a safe space to explore and work toward positive outcomes, assisting clients to achieve their therapeutic goals and alleviate stress. I have worked with clients regarding domestic violence, co-dependence, anxiety issues, and parenting topics. In the past I have advocated on behalf of clients which allows the client and families obtain greater success toward their goals. As your therapist, you and I will build a relationship of trust and understanding to work through the issues that are important to you. My work in client home settings, as well as a behavioral hospital and in clinical assessment have included several modalities. I am proficient in Cognitive Behavioral theory, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma work, Stress Management, complicated grief interventions.

I strive to take the stigma, fear, and jargon out of addressing your mental health needs. Helping others is my passion and I am grateful you have the courage to reach out for help. My goal is to empower you to process your emotions, view your thoughts and actions in a more productive manner, and have fulfilling relationships. Let's focus on your strengths not your problems/concerns. Finding a therapist you trust and “click with” is critical, not all therapists are right for you. Take your time and ask questions. Therapy must be tailored to you! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor with 12 years of experience as a hospital-based outpatient counselor (rehabilitation, mental health, substance use). I have a broader strengths-focused perspective on chronic disability and related systems/processes. I have helped individuals adapt to new disability (i.e. serious mental health, multiple sclerosis), adjust to many life struggles and circumstances (i.e. anxiety, divorce), cope with serious mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia), maintain substance use recovery, and generally work toward optimal life functioning (i.e. improved relationships and school/work accomplishment). I use client-centered and top-down Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy with motivational enhancement and positive psychology/mindfulness techniques. I'm trained in Gottman Method for marriage relationship counseling. I am training to become more experienced in bottom-up techniques to better support clients with trauma (such as somatic experiencing) I am married with a blended family with 4 children, one child on the autism spectrum. I am a 24 year Veteran of the U.S. Army and well versed in military/veterans culture and VA healthcare.

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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 licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am looking forward to our work together.

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 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage; you are amazing!

I bring extensive experience from various settings, including treatment centers, community programs, group therapy, and correctional facilities, where I've had the privilege of working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. My approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies, tailored to support meaningful behavioral changes. I deeply understand the mental health challenges that can emerge from incarceration and the unique stressors that accompany the journey of rebuilding life afterward. I’m also dedicated to supporting the family members and loved ones of those struggling with addiction or incarceration, helping them navigate their own emotional journeys with compassion and care. Additionally, I work closely with parents and families of children with complex behavioral issues, providing guidance and support to help them create a nurturing environment for their child’s growth and well-being. In addition to this, I have experience helping clients through significant life transitions, such as starting a family, navigating college, or going through a divorce. I understand how overwhelming these changes can be and am here to provide empathetic support and practical tools to help my clients find stability and confidence during these times. I’m committed to walking alongside my clients and their families as they navigate these difficult transitions, offering understanding and support every step of the way.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois, with 25 years of professional work experience. I have worked in Chicago as a therapist providing individual, couples and and family counseling. As a native Chicagoan, I truly understand how the hustle and bustle of urban living can impact one's life. I strive to be the best me that I can be, and to live a life filled with peace, joy and prosperity. I incorporate this in my practice utilizing a strength based approach that includes solution focused therapy. I am a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Master's in Social Work. I have experience working with clients experiencing relationship issues, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I strive to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.