- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Life purpose
About Marilyn
Marilyn Medow is an Illinois licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and family concerns, and she lists life purpose among her focus areas.
Marilyn began her career working in domestic violence, child welfare, and crisis intervention. That early work gave her a long history with trauma and safety planning. Over decades she added broader clinical experience and uses what she has learned day to day in sessions.
Her style adapts to the issue a person brings. She listens for patterns around attachment, abandonment, control, and communication. Then she and the client try practical ways to change how those patterns play out in everyday life.
Clients often bring worries about midlife transitions, relationship breakups, caregiver stress, chronic illness, money problems, or a sense of being stuck about purpose. Marilyn talks through concrete steps, decision points, and small behavior changes that can reduce overwhelm and move someone toward clearer choices.
Marilyn trained at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, and earned a master’s degree from Smith College. She draws on a wide range of clinical tools without relying on a single fixed method. Her work emphasizes steady, practical change rather than quick fixes.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions work
Marilyn describes her work as drawing on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address trauma and relationship patterns. One common focus is on attachment and abandonment patterns - identifying how early relationship experiences shape current reactions and learning new ways to relate that reduce repeated conflict and isolation. Another emphasis is on trauma work and crisis intervention, using practical steps to manage distressing memories, interrupt intense reactions, and increase stability in daily life.Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. She will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they try methods and adjust based on what reduces symptoms and helps with decision-making about work, relationships, or health-related changes.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Many people choose online sessions because they fit more easily into a workday, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or avoid travel time. Online work can make it easier to keep continuity during moves or when living outside the therapist's state, but the specific session types available should be checked when scheduling.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and family concerns, and also addresses related issues like attachment, abandonment, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and midlife transitions.
How does she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
Her approach adapts to each person. She listens for recurring patterns and then helps identify concrete steps and small behavior changes to reduce overwhelm and clarify next steps.
What is her clinical background and experience?
She has 35 years of professional experience, starting in domestic violence, child welfare, and crisis intervention, and has worked extensively with trauma.
What credentials and where does she practice?
She is an Illinois LCSW and practices from Illinois.
Can people who speak other languages work with her?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does accept international clients.
How much do sessions cost and how are payments handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.