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Lisa Marcus, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker • Illinois LCSW 149.015628 • Certified EMDR Therapist
If you feel stuck and worn out, like no matter what you do nothing really changes, you do not have to figure it out alone. I work with adults and couples through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and the big changes life brings, in person in Wheaton or online across Illinois.
Feeling lost and ready for something to feel different?
No matter what you do, nothing really changes. You feel overwhelmed and confused, like you've lost your way and don't know where to go from here. That kind of stuck is exhausting, and wanting something to feel different is a good enough reason to reach out.
I work with adults and couples who are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and big life changes, maybe a sudden shift in a relationship or your health, or something heavy you've been carrying for as long as you can remember. Whatever it is, we'll take it on together.
When we meet, nothing needs to be rehearsed or ready. My style is flexible and curious, with a creative streak, and sessions have a loose structure. We work with whatever walked in with you, balancing the things you want to move toward with plenty of room to slow down and reflect.
I'm trained in a range of approaches and lean on whatever fits you best, including EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, and a person-centered way of working. In plain terms, that means getting to know yourself more honestly, making sense of how hard experiences have shaped you, and building more trust with yourself and your body. I believe a lot of healing starts in the relationship you have with yourself, and that your body can be one of your best guides.
Over time, many of my clients feel less lost and more at home in their own skin.
The rest of my life is pretty simple: music, my yoga mat, long walks in nature, and time with the people I love.
One way to picture our work: you're the one driving the car, and I'm the passenger beside you, pointing out the rest stops and safe spots along the way.
Feeling unsure about starting therapy, even before we meet, is part of it for almost everyone. Mostly, I just want you to be able to relax and be yourself here. My office is in Wheaton, and I also meet with clients all over Illinois online.
If working together sounds like a good fit, the first step is a free 15-minute call with our care coordinator. They can go over my availability and set up your first session.
What I help with
I work with adults and couples across a range of concerns. Each area links to more on how that support works.
Anxiety
Quiet the racing thoughts and the constant sense of bracing for what's next.
Learn more →Depression
Find your way back to energy, connection, and a sense of meaning.
Learn more →Trauma & PTSD
Process what happened in a safe, paced way, with EMDR when it fits.
Learn more →Grief & Loss
Carry what you've lost in a way that still leaves room to live.
Learn more →Life Transitions
Find your footing through change, in a relationship, your health, or your sense of self.
Learn more →Couples & Relationships
Work through a sudden shift or a long-standing pattern, together.
Learn more →Other things people bring to me: a sudden change in health or circumstances, perinatal and postpartum seasons, self-trust and self-worth, and reconnecting with your body. Serving Wheaton, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Downers Grove, and Carol Stream.
Tools I draw on
I'd call myself an eclectic therapist. I lean on whatever fits you best, and these are the methods I return to most often.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, to help your brain process stuck memories so they lose their grip.
Read the article →CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to notice and shift the thought patterns that keep anxiety and low mood going.
Read the article →ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to make room for hard feelings and move toward what matters to you.
Read the article →Internal Family Systems
IFS, to meet the different parts of you with curiosity instead of conflict.
Read the article →Alongside these, I work in a person-centered and trauma-informed way, so you build more trust with yourself and your body as we go.
What getting started looks like
First-time therapy can feel like a big step. Here is how it tends to go.
A free 15-minute call
Talk with our care coordinator, ask questions, and check that we are a good fit. No pressure.
Your first session
You set the pace. I listen, learn what brought you in, and we map out what you want to work toward.
Steady work together
Regular sessions, in person or online, building tools and insight at a rhythm that feels right for you.
Questions, answered
Do you offer online therapy?
What ages do you work with?
What happens in a first session?
Do you take my insurance?
What happens if we are not a good fit?
Do I need to take medication to be in therapy?
Ready to take the first step?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation and find out if working with Lisa feels right for you.
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Find Me in Wheaton, IL
We're located just south of Manchester Rd on County Farm Rd, a few minutes from Downtown Wheaton, Cantigny Park, and the DuPage County Complex. Our space offers quiet, private therapy rooms and a calm waiting area. Many clients split sessions between in-person and telehealth depending on the week.
We offer both in-person sessions at our Wheaton office and online therapy to clients across Illinois, including throughout DuPage County and Kane County. Proudly serving Wheaton and the surrounding communities: Glen Ellyn, Winfield, Carol Stream, Warrenville, West Chicago, Naperville, Downers Grove, Lombard, Glendale Heights, Aurora, Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Elgin, and the western suburbs of Chicago.
Hours