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Licensed
Online Counseling
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MSW;, LCSW Marikay Gazda

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

Mental health conditions are real, common and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Marikay Gazda is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

More about me

Licensing: MSW;, LCSW Years in Practice: 35 State: Illinois

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.

About online counseling

Online counseling allows you to receive care from an online mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Try online counseling with Marikay Gazda

Chat now
Issues
Stress Anxiety Grief Depression Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue Relationship issues Self esteem
Languages Spoken
English

Services offered

Professional, confidential, and judgment-free

Messaging
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Phone
Video

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Please note: It can take up to 24-48 hours to be matched to a therapist.

Reviews for Marikay Gazda

Overall Rating

(19 reviews)
Rate Marikay How was your experience?

Overall

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.

Apr 03, 2024

Overall

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.

Mar 29, 2024

Overall

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!

Mar 12, 2024

Overall

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.

Jan 03, 2024

Overall

Marikay is respectful and offers great support! She was very helpful during a difficult transition in my life.

Dec 22, 2023

Overall

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!

Oct 20, 2023

Overall

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.

Aug 26, 2023

Overall

Yes very nice and kind and i really love hearing from her

May 01, 2023

Overall

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.

Nov 01, 2022

Overall

She is so sweet, thankful to have her.

T.A.·May 18, 2022

Overall

She is the best therapist I’ve had so far!

B.R.·Apr 19, 2022

Overall

Marikay is very kind and understanding and is easy to connect with. A pleasure to have treatment and sessions from.

M.O.·Apr 13, 2022

Overall

She’s very easy to talk to and listens.

K.I.·Mar 17, 2022

Overall

Marikay is a great listener. Is very kind and has been a great help to me.

T.O.·Nov 17, 2021

Overall

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.

J.U.·Nov 02, 2021

Overall

Life saving

M.I.·Oct 06, 2021

Overall

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.

S.A.·Sep 14, 2021

Overall

Marikay not only has the framework that you expect from a therapist such as listening skills, perspective thinking, and understanding of cognitive psychology/behaviorism...but also is willing to be flexible and make the time to work around your schedule to be available.

M.I.·Sep 13, 2021

Overall

Marikay Garda is a god send! She has one of the most influential and helpful people in my life.

M.I.·Jun 07, 2021

Benefits

Affordable, convenient, and accessible, Marikay Gazda offers counseling online

  • Affordable: Pay a low flat fee.
  • Convenient: Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
  • Available now: There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.