Marilyn Traynor, LCSW - Therapist in Illinois

About Marilyn

Marilyn Traynor is a licensed clinical social worker with 40 years of practice in Illinois. She focuses on helping adults who are facing hard moments like depression, anxiety, grief, and major life changes. Her work is grounded in steady, experienced support delivered in plain language.

Parents looking for help with parenting concerns and family stress will find a practical, calm presence. Marilyn listens first and then helps people find workable next steps.

Background and approach

Sessions tend to be collaborative conversations rather than lectures. She helps people sort feelings, set small goals, and try new ways of handling stress and relationships. That may mean practicing new communication habits or learning simple coping tools.

Her experience includes caregiving and aging issues, chronic illness and disability, and compassion fatigue. Marilyn also addresses addictions, codependency, trauma, and intimacy‑related concerns. She works with mood concerns such as bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, and with life problems like career stress, divorce, or blended family adjustments.

Clinically, she draws on methods such as acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment-based work, client-centered approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Marilyn adapts techniques to each person’s needs rather than following a single script. She aims for clear steps clients can try between sessions.

Marilyn provides therapy in English and accepts international clients. Her license is LCSW - Illinois LCSW number 149006091. Practical matters like scheduling and session format are arranged to fit each client’s life.

Therapeutic approaches and online options that fit busy lives

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It focuses on values and small actions that move a person toward a life they care about, which can help with depression, anxiety, and life transitions.

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns in close relationships and how early bonds influence current behavior. It can be useful for people struggling with intimacy, communication problems, and relationship patterns that repeat over time.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Marilyn will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. She often blends techniques so the plan fits the situation rather than forcing a single method.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people with busy schedules or caregiving responsibilities. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation; phone sessions remove the need for video; live chat and text messaging give short, ongoing support between appointments. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent and to practice new skills in everyday life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Marilyn commonly address?

She helps with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, parenting and family problems, addictions, trauma, intimacy issues, and related concerns listed in her profile.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens first, then helps set small goals and teaches coping skills to use between sessions.

How long has she been practicing?

She brings 40 years of clinical experience working with adults on a wide range of emotional and life issues.

What credentials and where is she licensed?

She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149006091.

Which languages are used for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 40 years
Licensed: Illinois
Languages: English

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