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.
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
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
IL LCSW 149.004372
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.
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
This experience was needed to see other people are struggling similarly to me. It’s a weight off my chest. Marikay is amazing and is always willing to provide feedback regardless of what is happening in my life. I’m blessed to have her in my journey to health.
Written on Mar 29, 2024 after therapy with Marikay for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, anger management, career difficulties, 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