Therapist profile
Marilyn Traynor, LCSW
LCSW - Life transitions and parenting support
Continue with MarilynAbout
- Depression and anxiety
- Parenting strain
- Trauma and addiction
About Marilyn
Marilyn Traynor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 40 years of experience. She focuses on common concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief, parenting strain, and life changes. She lists addiction, trauma, relationship and family difficulties, and work stress among the issues she addresses.
Her work is aimed at adults who need a steady, experienced clinician to talk things through. She often supports people facing caregiver stress, aging concerns, chronic illness, or the practical strains of parenting. Sessions are framed around real problems and everyday situations rather than abstract theory.
Marilyn uses several well-known approaches to guide conversations and skill building. She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and DBT strategies to teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance. Attachment-based ideas and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) show up when the focus is on relationships and values.
In a typical meeting she helps people name what is happening, try out manageable changes, and practice new ways of handling strong emotions. She also works on communication and problem-solving for those wrestling with family or relationship conflict. Practical coping tools and short-term strategies are offered alongside longer-term reflection.
Her background across four decades means she has experience with a wide range of life stages. People looking for help with parenting pressure, grief, addiction, or chronic stress can expect straightforward discussion of goals, options, and next steps.
How sessions work
Therapeutic approaches and how online work fits in
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small actions that align with what matters to you. It is useful for life changes, low mood, and getting unstuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behavior and introduces practical exercises to reduce anxiety and improve mood. It is often used for depression and worry. Attachment-Based Therapy pays attention to how early relationships shape current patterns and helps people notice and change how they relate to others.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Marilyn will collaborate with each person to pick methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That means trying practical techniques, checking how they feel, and adjusting plans when something is not helpful.
The biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Over video or phone people can practice new skills, review thought records, and bring real-life situations into therapy for timely problem solving.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with depression, anxiety, grief, parenting strain, addiction, trauma, relationship and family problems, and related issues listed in her specialties.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style focuses on practical conversations and skill building using approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, attachment ideas, and client-centered listening.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 40 years of clinical experience working with adults in Illinois on a variety of emotional and life transition issues.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois and practices from that state.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
She accepts international clients; sessions are offered in English.
Which session formats does she offer?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.