About Marilyn
Marilyn Medow brings 35 years of practice to her work in Illinois. She is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW - who focuses on common and painful struggles like stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and family conflict. Her tone is direct and compassionate, and she aims to make starting therapy feel manageable for people who are nervous about taking that step.
Her early career focused on domestic violence, child welfare, and crisis intervention.
Background and approach
That background gave her a long history of working with trauma and safety concerns. Over time she broadened her clinical range and now draws on many evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each person. In sessions she looks for practical ways to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
She helps people spot patterns that keep them stuck and try small, doable changes. Conversations are straightforward and centered on what feels most pressing to the client in that moment. She also pays attention to life transitions and relationship stressors.
Topics she commonly addresses include attachment and abandonment concerns, caregiver strain, problems with communication and control, body image, and grief or forgiveness work. Chronic illness, pain, and money-related stress are also within her scope. Marilyn earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point and her master’s degree from Smith College.
She says her own experience with therapy informed her decision to help others heal. She accepts clients from Illinois and international clients, and she offers a range of online formats to fit different needs.
How evidence-based techniques translate to online care
Marilyn uses well-established therapeutic techniques to guide people through stress, trauma, and relationship concerns. One common approach focuses on understanding how past attachment or abandonment experiences shape current reactions; this helps people notice patterns in relationships and try new ways of connecting. Another approach targets trauma and crisis work by helping people stabilize, manage intense feelings, and gradually process painful memories at a pace they can tolerate.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. She collaborates with each person to match methods to their needs, goals, and comfort level. That means checking in often and adjusting focus when something isn’t helping or when priorities shift.
Online formats let therapy fit into busy lives. Video calls are close to an in-person session and work well for deeper conversations. Phone sessions can be simpler when internet bandwidth is limited or for people who prefer not to use video. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for short check-ins, coping support between sessions, or when someone needs flexible timing. These options make it easier to maintain regular contact and keep momentum toward goals.
Frequently asked questions
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What is her professional background?
What credentials and location are on file?
Are sessions available in other languages or to international clients?
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
Also works with
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Depression
- Divorce and separation
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self esteem
- Self-love
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Experience
- 35 years
- Licensed
- Illinois
- Languages
- English