Marikay Gazda, LCSW

Marikay Gazda is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of practice. She works with people who are managing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and the pressures that come with life changes and caregiving.

She often supports older adults and people facing chronic illness. She also helps those dealing with isolation, end-of-life concerns, and the emotional strain of caregiving. Sessions focus on practical steps to manage symptoms and day-to-day challenges.

Her approach is straightforward and person-centered. Conversations look at current problems, patterns from the past, and skills that can reduce distress. Techniques draw on cognitive behavioral ideas, emotion-focused work, and psychodynamic perspectives when helpful.

Marikay pays particular attention to communication, relationships, and building self-regard. She works with people coping with guilt, shame, emptiness, or a loss of purpose. She also addresses panic, attachment concerns, and the emotional effects of cancer or chronic pain.

In sessions, she aims to help people develop realistic coping plans and clearer next steps. Work may include short-term focused goals as well as deeper exploration of long-standing patterns. People looking for practical support around aging, caregiving, or life transitions often find this approach useful.

How her approaches translate to online work