Meet Lexi Marks, LSW: A Compassionate Therapist for Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Life Transitions

By Tiffany Todd, LCSW

At IVPC, we believe in spotlighting the unique voices and approaches each of our clinicians brings to the team. Today, we’re excited to introduce one of our newest team members, Lexi Marks, LSW, through a conversation that captures her passion, perspective, and hopes for the clients she works with.

IVPC: What inspired you to become a therapist?

Lexi: Being a therapist is something I’ve always felt drawn to. It started from a deeply personal place—growing up with anxiety and then finding relief through therapy. That experience changed everything for me. I remember how isolating anxiety felt as a kid, and therapy gave me the skills to cope, build confidence, and feel understood. That healing process made me passionate about helping others. I went on to major in psychology in college and knew I wanted to create that same safe, supportive space for others.

IVPC: Can you tell us a little about your professional background?

Lexi: I graduated with my master’s in social work in May of 2024. During my program, I interned at a private practice where I gained experience working with clients of all ages, though I spent a lot of time with kids. I worked with children struggling with OCD, anxiety, and depression, often using play therapy and helping them build self-esteem. I also spent time with adolescents, using psychoeducation to teach them about mental health and coping. After that, I worked at another therapy practice where I saw clients ranging from age nine to their 50s. I supported people through grief, social anxiety, boundary issues, childhood trauma, and relationship challenges. 

IVPC: What types of clients or concerns do you feel most drawn to?

Lexi: I work best with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma (especially from childhood), grief, social anxiety, and self-esteem issues. I’m especially passionate about helping people in transitional life stages, like early adulthood, where there’s often a lot of uncertainty and change. I’m also interested in continuing to grow as a clinician.

IVPC: How would you describe your therapeutic style?

Lexi: My approach is very client-centered. I focus on building trust and rapport first, because that’s the foundation of any progress. I often use CBT with clients experiencing anxiety or intrusive thoughts, but I also incorporate DBT skills, mindfulness, strengths-based approaches, and psychoeducation. I love helping clients shift how they view their anxiety—seeing it more as something we can understand and work with, rather than something to fear. I also use motivational interviewing and always keep trauma-informed care at the center of my work. I meet clients where they are, especially when it comes to trauma, and I never push someone to open up before they’re ready.

IVPC: What can clients expect when working with you?

Lexi: Clients can expect a warm, non-judgmental space where they feel supported and heard. I want to help them understand their patterns, build self-awareness, and take small steps toward change. Progress isn’t always obvious or linear, so I try to help people recognize those shifts and give themselves credit for the work they’re doing—even when it feels slow. Therapy doesn’t have to be about big breakthroughs all the time; sometimes it’s just about noticing and honoring the small wins.

IVPC: You mentioned the importance of self-care. Can you say more about that?

Lexi: I think of self-care as something that sustains us mentally, emotionally, and physically—especially when life gets overwhelming. I talk with clients about self-care as intentional practices that promote resilience, whether that’s setting boundaries, getting enough rest, or finding joy in small daily moments. I also encourage grounding strategies like deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, and body scans to help clients reconnect with themselves.

IVPC: Do you have a piece of advice you often find yourself sharing?

Lexi: I often remind clients that healing isn’t linear—it’s full of ups and downs. One hard day doesn’t erase your progress. Real growth is made up of small steps, little mindset shifts, and moments of self-compassion. I also emphasize that setting boundaries and being kinder to yourself are powerful acts of care, even if they feel uncomfortable at first.

IVPC: What do you enjoy most about being a therapist?

Lexi: Honestly, witnessing how resilient people are. Every client has a unique story, and I feel honored to be a part of their journey as they reconnect with themselves and build lives that feel more aligned. Seeing clients grow, shift their perspectives, and find more fulfillment—it’s incredibly meaningful to me.

IVPC: What do you hope clients take away from their time with you?

Lexi: I hope they leave feeling more empowered and more in tune with who they are. That might mean recognizing how past experiences shaped them, learning to be more compassionate toward themselves, or building stronger relationships. Whatever the goal, I want clients to feel supported and to believe that change is possible—even if it takes time.

IVPC: Is there a personal motto or guiding belief that shapes your work?

Lexi: One that really speaks to me is connection heals. We’re not meant to do life alone. Meaningful connection—whether in friendships, relationships, or therapy—has the power to create safety, healing, and change. I try to bring that spirit into the therapy room. Even just knowing someone is truly with you in the hard stuff can make a huge difference.

Interview edited for length and clarity

InnerVoice Psychotherapy and Consultation is located in Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL and provides telehealth services for anyone living in the state of IL.

Book with Lexi here.