Meet Meredith Garcia-Zaruba, LCSW

Practice Manager + Staff Therapist

Meredith Garcia-Zaruba is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Women Studies and Gender Studies degrees from Loyola University Chicago. Meredith received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Human Sexuality from Indiana University Bloomington. Meredith is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She is the practice manager of Light on Anxiety’s Chicago locations: Lakeview, Ravenswood, River North and Lincoln Park.

Meredith has a passion for the mind body relationship; specifically how physical and mental health are connected. Her therapeutic approach utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),  mindfulness and recognition of being gentle with the mind and body throughout life’s journeys and transitions. Meredith has clinical training and experience working with clients experiencing symptoms associated with OCD, Phobias, Social Anxiety, Depression, Body Dysmorphic Disorder and other anxiety related disorders.  Meredith believes taking care of the whole body is essential to a flourishing well-being. Meredith is mindful of cultural responsiveness and utilizes a strengths-based approach to collaborate with her clients. For therapy inquires, please email [email protected].

In her free time, Meredith loves to explore the Chicago restaurant scene, attend group fitness classes and spend time with her husband and mini dachshund, Oscar.

Meredith has made me very comfortable in helping me express certain feelings I’ve held in for so long. With her help I’ve been able to change my behaviors and become someone that is looking forward to living life.

— LOA Patient

Education:

Loyola University

Master of Social Work

Master of Arts in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies

Indiana University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Specialization in Human Sexuality

Clinical Interests:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)ADHD & Executive FunctioningAgoraphobiaBody Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Contamination OCDCouples CounselingDepressionExposure and Response Prevention (ERP)Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)LGBTQIA+ CommunityMind-Body TherapyMindfulnessMotivational InterviewingMulticultural CounselingObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)PerfectionismPerinatal & Postpartum AnxietyPhobiasPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Relationship OCDSelf-EsteemSex & AnxietySocial AnxietyWomen's Health

If you are looking for therapy, medication or combined mental health treatment, learn more about how Light On Anxiety can create a custom individual treatment plan to fit your goals.

Success Stories

Get Anxiety Fighting Tips
to your Inbox!