This is Marikay Gazda's avatar and link to their profile

Marikay Gazda

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
Counselor License Type(s): MSW; LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
35 years of experience

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.

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Deborah Beard

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
Counselor License Type(s): MSFT, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

My name is Deborah Beard. I am trained in Marriage & Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I graduated in 1996 with a Masters degree in Science: Family Therapy from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. My previous work experience as a Human Resource Manager and a Professor of Education bring relatable life skill experiences into each of my sessions. I have served as a counselor in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and abuse recovery, relationships, and parenting skills. Any client who has the courage to seek counseling is someone worth celebrating. With gentleness and warmth, I try to focus on each of my clients' strengths to help them in the areas they desire to change. I utilize counseling tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Systemic Therapy as appropriate. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a wonderful foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting you!

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Brittany Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

Hello, My name is Brittany Johnson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. Prior to being licensed I received my B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The majority of my experience has been working with youth of all ages as a school social worker. However, I am more than excited to be expanding my practice to a more individualized clinical based setting. Throughout the years I have worked very closely with my students and their families to manage and overcome challenges including but not limited to stress, anxiety, traumatic experiences, injustices, relationship barriers, mental health diagnosis and various unexpected life changes. Since working with adults on this platform I have also grown a strong passion to support life changes and mental health barriers with them as well! My approach to therapy is very client centered, you come first! I aim to meet people wherever they are while also challenging them to grow at a pace that they are comfortable with. I allow for flexibility to work through what the client feels is important and to collaborate on goals and progress regularly. I completely understand that it is impossible to get to know anyone from a bio. However, I would be honored if you decide to trust me with the commitment of supporting you through this journey. If you feel it is time to take a leap of faith you are probably right. We all have to start somewhere and I am here to walk you through this journey step by step!

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Jody Yeh-Shinbrood

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW,CTMP
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in North Dakota and licensed in both North Dakota and Illinois. I have over 18 years experience working with individuals and families facing many challenges including depression, stress and anxiety, adjustment to life changes, loss and grief, family conflict, anger management, parenting issues, problem solving and decision making. I also have extensive experience working with families of children with special needs as well as experience in medical settings working with individuals and families facing major medical crises and issues. I believe that you already have the strength and ability to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of experiencing the joy and quality of life you deserve. My goal is to provide you with a warm, supportive, and respectful environment where you can safely explore the tools which can help you reach your potential. I believe the therapy experience should be positive, attentive, and validating. I will help you express your thoughts, feelings, emotions and needs and use research based approaches to help you meet your life goals. I believe that the therapeutic process is one in which you will choose your own goals and uncover what you truly value. Together we work on solutions and developing your strengths through motivational interviewing, symptom targeted intervention (STI) and solution focused (brief) therapy which gives you, the client, the power to fix your own problems instead of relying on therapy in the future. I look forward to working with you!

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Glenda Sanders

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
Self esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (ADHD), anxiety and 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 and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Patricia Schofield

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefAnger management
28 years of experience

I'm a therapist licensed in clinical social work with 28 years of professional work experience. In practice I have been successful in helping clients coping with addictions, relationship issues, marriage and family conflicts, grief and loss issues, parenting problems, anger management, motivation and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I see my clients in the light of their capabilities, talents, visions, and hopes. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am here to help you get started.

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Pamela Barrigar

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working with individuals of all ages. I am licensed in Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia and Arizona with over ten years of experience in helping individuals of all ages with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, PTSD, self-esteem, relationship issues and parent/child issues. I use a variety of modalities, for example, client centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I practice as a Christian Counselor, however, I work with individuals from all faith backgrounds with a non-judgmental approach. I know that taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. I am proud of you for taking this step and look forward to walking along side of you on your journey.

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Amy Allen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
18 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 18 years of hands-on experience. My clients come to me for help with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I offer a unique perspective having worked in the school setting with individual students on a variety of topics that address personal and social/emotional issues along with executive functioning skills that directly drive increased success in the academic setting. In addition to counseling, I work with my clients to expand their horizons through career planning including tailored education and training for alternative work environments. Together with my clients, we create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings are shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you on that journey.

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Samantha Donovan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. Substance use disorders and recovery are other areas I am experienced in. 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.

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Dr. Entisar Hamid

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Forreston
Counselor License Type(s): Maa,Edd,Loc
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Forreston

Finding the best therapist close by in Forreston can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Forreston that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Forreston. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Forreston, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Forreston region and in the state of Illinois. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Forreston or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Forreston therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Forreston area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Forreston, elsewhere in Ogle, or in the greater state of Illinois. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Forreston area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Forreston therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Forreston due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Forreston may not take health insurance, some in the state of Illinois may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Illinois you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Forreston online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Forreston, Illinois working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Forreston psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Forreston above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Forreston provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Forreston?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Forreston therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Forreston therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Forreston therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in IL, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 61030 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Forreston counselor?

Before seeing your Forreston therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Forreston therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Forreston licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Forreston counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Forreston, Illinois can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Forreston has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Forreston, Illinois

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Forreston therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Forreston.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Forreston:

61030

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