Marilyn Traynor, LCSW

Marilyn Traynor is a licensed clinical social worker with 40 years of practice in Illinois who focuses on helping adults through hard life moments. She works with people facing depression, anxiety, grief, and major life transitions. Her style is compassionate and straightforward, aimed at helping someone feel understood and find practical ways forward.

She pays close attention to concerns that often come with midlife and later years. That includes caregiver stress, aging and geriatric issues, chronic pain, illness, and disability. She also addresses work stress, relationship problems, and the emotional strain of chronic health challenges.

Marilyn uses several evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each person. She draws on methods that focus on thoughts and behavior, on building emotional safety, and on values-based action. Sessions often include talking through current struggles, practicing new skills, and planning small steps that fit everyday life.

Clients can expect a calm, respectful space that centers their goals and strengths. Marilyn helps people clarify what matters to them, manage difficult feelings, and rebuild a sense of control after setbacks. Her work is practical and paced to each person’s needs.

Over decades of practice she has supported people dealing with addiction, trauma and abuse, parenting stress, and career pressures. Her aim is to help people become steadier in the face of change and find clearer direction for the next chapter.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify what truly matters to them and take small, meaningful actions even when feelings are hard. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with chronic health issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing behavior patterns to reduce distress and improve daily functioning. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and stress management.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the person to match methods to their goals, needs, and what feels most useful. That can mean blending techniques so sessions are practical and focused on what the client wants to achieve.

Check which online session formats are offered before booking so you know how sessions are scheduled. Many people choose remote therapy to fit appointments into workdays, reduce travel time, or keep check-ins brief when needed. Online sessions can make it easier to keep continuity of care during health challenges and busy schedules, and they let therapists and clients concentrate on skill practice, problem solving, and planning small next steps together.