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.
Professional experience
35 yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional areas of focus:Relationship issues, Self esteem, 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
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Marikay Gazda. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Great therapist!
Written on Dec 22, 2025 after therapy with Marikay for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and anger management
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.
Written on Oct 08, 2025 after therapy with Marikay for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
One of best of the best. She listens thoughtfully and is so easy to talk to.
Written on Sep 13, 2025 after therapy with Marikay for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, bipolar disorder, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She is so personable and just a beautiful soul
Written on Oct 10, 2024 after therapy with Marikay for 6 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
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.
Written on Apr 03, 2024 after therapy with Marikay for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes
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!
I couldn’t have asked for anyone better!
Written on Mar 12, 2024 after therapy with Marikay for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
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.
Written on Jan 03, 2024 after therapy with Marikay for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Marikay is respectful and offers great support! She was very helpful during a difficult transition in my life.
Written on Dec 22, 2023 after therapy with Marikay for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
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!
Written on Oct 20, 2023 after therapy with Marikay for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, and parenting issues
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.
Written on Aug 26, 2023 after therapy with Marikay for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and self esteem
Yes very nice and kind and i really love hearing from her
Written on May 01, 2023 after therapy with Marikay for 3 weeks on issues concerning addictions, and anger management
Marikay is a gem to see. She always helps me talk through my concerns and address ways to get through them and cope. She has such a lovely warm personality.
Written on Nov 01, 2022 after therapy with Marikay for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She is so sweet, thankful to have her.
Written on May 18, 2022 after therapy with Marikay for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, and coping with life changes
She is the best therapist I’ve had so far!
Written on Apr 19, 2022 after therapy with Marikay for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Marikay is very kind and understanding and is easy to connect with. A pleasure to have treatment and sessions from.
Written on Apr 13, 2022 after therapy with Marikay for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
She’s very easy to talk to and listens.
Written on Mar 17, 2022 after therapy with Marikay for 2 weeks
Marikay is a great listener. Is very kind and has been a great help to me.
Written on Nov 17, 2021 after therapy with Marikay for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and grief
Marikay is the best of both worlds when it comes to therapy - she is endlessly understanding and empathetic, but also knows how to structure therapy so that your conversations are productive. She utilizes evidence-based practice, provides extra resources, and puts the things into words that I can't. She also checks in once a week at least - even if I don't reach out to her. She is a well-rounded, reliable person to have in your corner. I cannot recommend her enough.
Written on Nov 02, 2021 after therapy with Marikay for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
Life saving
Written on Oct 06, 2021 after therapy with Marikay for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Marikay has been super supportive and helpful throughout my journey. She listens to what I have to say and does not try to pressure me into doing something that I am not ready/comfortable for yet. She has helped guide me to being ready to take some plunges that make me nervous/anxious.
Written on Sep 14, 2021 after therapy with Marikay for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
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