- Years in practice
- 15
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Illinois
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Self esteem
About Laura
Laura Marcum is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has practiced in Illinois for more than 15 years. She focuses on helping people manage worry, low mood, and the pressure of everyday life. She listens with respect and aims to meet each person where they are.
Her work often centers on stress, anxiety, motivation, and building self-esteem and confidence. She also supports people coping with addiction, grief, trauma and abuse, and work-related strain.
Background and approach
Parenting concerns are part of the range of issues she addresses with clients. Conversations in sessions are tailored to each person's needs and goals. She adapts her approach so practical steps and discussion match what a client wants to change.
Sessions focus on specific problems and small, manageable goals that fit real life. Her style is straightforward and compassionate. She aims to make difficult topics easier to talk about and to find realistic ways forward.
Laura encourages people to use their existing strengths while learning new coping strategies. Clients who choose her can expect regular check-ins on progress and adjustments to the plan when needed. She frames therapy as a collaborative process and supports people through the steps of change and recovery.
What Laura works with
Everything Laura lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Laura helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Self esteem
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
How evidence-based techniques work online
Laura uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach involves breaking problems into smaller parts and practicing new skills during and between sessions to reduce anxiety and improve mood. This helps when stress, worry, or low motivation get in the way of daily life.Another approach centers on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new ways of thinking and acting. Clients learn to notice automatic thoughts, try alternative responses, and track what works. This type of work is useful for building confidence, managing anger, and coping with life transitions.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with clients about their goals and preferences, then tailor techniques to match those needs. Adjustments are made over time based on what is most helpful for each person.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls let people have a more conversational session with visual cues, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat is useful for shorter check-ins, and text-based messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy routine.
Questions people ask about Laura
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She helps people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and life changes. Other areas include addiction, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy-related issues, eating concerns, and ADHD.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is direct and compassionate. Conversations are practical and focused on small, achievable steps that fit everyday life.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has over 15 years of professional work experience helping people with a range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds an LCSW credential and is licensed in Illinois.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability. The subscription used for sessions can be canceled at any time.
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