Marilyn Traynor, LCSW
Experienced Illinois LCSW for life transitions
- Depression and anxiety care
- Grief and life transitions
- Midlife and aging support
About Marilyn Traynor
Marilyn Traynor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with four decades of clinical experience helping adults navigate difficult emotional terrain. She focuses on common and complex concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief, and significant life transitions, offering compassionate, depth-oriented counseling that supports healing and renewed purpose.
Her practice is especially attuned to the needs of midlife and older adults, including those coping with caregiver stress, aging-related concerns, and chronic health challenges. Traynor works with a wide range of issues from workplace stress and relationship problems to trauma recovery and self-esteem rebuilding, helping people develop resilient coping strategies and clearer direction.
Known for thoughtful, individualized care, she creates a supportive space where clients can explore painful feelings, strengthen practical skills, and reconnect with personal values. Her approach honors each person’s unique history and resources while guiding steady progress toward meaningful change.
Her practice is especially attuned to the needs of midlife and older adults, including those coping with caregiver stress, aging-related concerns, and chronic health challenges. Traynor works with a wide range of issues from workplace stress and relationship problems to trauma recovery and self-esteem rebuilding, helping people develop resilient coping strategies and clearer direction.
Known for thoughtful, individualized care, she creates a supportive space where clients can explore painful feelings, strengthen practical skills, and reconnect with personal values. Her approach honors each person’s unique history and resources while guiding steady progress toward meaningful change.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Marilyn Traynor have?
Marilyn Traynor has 40 years of clinical experience.
Is Marilyn Traynor a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which identifies her as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: IL LCSW 149006091.
In which languages does Marilyn Traynor provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Marilyn Traynor located?
She is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Marilyn Traynor as my therapist?
You can work with Marilyn Traynor through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Marilyn Traynor work with international clients?
Yes, Marilyn Traynor works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Marilyn Traynor cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with Marilyn Traynor. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Marilyn Traynor
Marilyn Traynor integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment-Based Therapy alongside client-centered principles to support clients in online formats. ACT helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and then take actions that align with their values - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns formed in early relationships to improve current connections and emotional regulation, which can help with intimacy, parenting, and abandonment-related concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, nonjudgmental listening, and collaboration so clients feel heard and can build confidence and self-understanding.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic work. Marilyn collaborates with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the focus as progress unfolds. This collaborative process helps tailor care to the individual rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit varied schedules and life demands. For people balancing caregiving, health concerns, work, or geographic barriers, remote sessions make consistent access to licensed professionals and therapists more achievable while maintaining continuity of care.