Therapists for college students near Iowa City, IA

I approach my work with acceptance, humility, and curiosity. Developing a shared sense of curiosity helps to put words to feelings and thoughts that may underlie distressing experiences. When we begin to understand together not only how those thoughts and feelings came to be, but also what function they serve now, it becomes possible to imagine new ways of being. In the creative space between us, I help make room for those visions to come to life. I hope to foster therapeutic relationships that feel safe, collaborative, and empowering. I engage with the interaction between the social world and our inner lives so we can appreciate the complexity of what keeps people stuck. I am sensitive to cultural and individual differences as part of this complexity. I am often a good fit for people who want to learn about themselves and their relationships as part of making enduring changes. Any change begins with a tentative extension into the space between what is and what could be. I'm ready to meet you there.

Principles Counseling Group is your trusted partner in mental health and well-being. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and licensed to operate throughout the state, we provide comprehensive therapy services for families, couples, and individuals. Our team of dedicated professionals strives for ethical excellence and inclusive care, offering online sessions to fit your needs. At Principles Counseling Group, we are committed to helping you navigate life's challenges with compassion and expertise. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. Our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring a supportive and nurturing environment for growth and healing. Whether you are seeking support for personal issues, relationship challenges, or family dynamics, we are here to help you achieve your goals and enhance your overall well-being.

Many of the adults I work with are capable and self-reliant but feel stuck, and pushing through alone isn’t working. If you’re unsure about therapy, that’s okay. We’ll keep it grounded and practical. My approach is collaborative, direct, and focused on clarity and meaningful forward movement. I work with adults (18+) navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, relationship stress, and identity shifts, with additional experience supporting autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. I’m also comfortable addressing significant distress, including suicidal thoughts, in a serious and responsible way. I accept Wellmark/BCBS and private pay, and offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

My practice is based on the belief that everyone should have access to a trained counselor who greets them with unconditional positive regard and creates a nonjudgmental space to collaborate. I aim to empower you to grow while working toward your goals and build upon the resilience and strengths you have already cultivated throughout your life. In our collaboration, I see you as the expert on your life, whereas I bring knowledge of evidence-based tools that provide you with techniques to enhance insight, self-awareness, and coping strategies concerning your therapeutic goals.

My priority from the start is building a relationship where they feel comfortable talking to me as though I am a trusted friend. I consider it an honor that they are putting their faith in me to help them during a time of vulnerability. I do not take this lightly. I want everyone to feel as though the plan developed was centered around their priorities. Throughout my career, I’ve found I enjoy working with those who experiencing distressing symptoms related to their mood and how this may impact their relationships around them. It’s important not just to look at the symptoms that one is experiencing but also how that’s impacting the most important aspects of their life.

I believe that the relationship between provider and client is one of the most critical components of the healing process. I see each client as a unique individual with their own experiences, perspectives, and needs. I understand that seeking mental health care can be a vulnerable and challenging experience, and I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space for my clients. My decision making is rooted in evidence-based research, and I take pride in providing care that is up to date and forward thinking. I practice with the belief that medications should be prescribed thoughtfully and with restraint, and that they should be integrated with other therapeutic interventions to most effectively promote healing and recovery. I have seen the powerful and life changing effects that medications provide when they are part of a comprehensive treatment plan. As a PMHNP I am skilled in diagnosing psychiatric conditions and in developing personalized treatment plans that integrate medication management, supportive counseling, and lifestyle changes. I enjoy working with adults who are struggling with mood, anxiety and attention deficit disorders.

Are you looking for renewal? I believe in transformation through renewal of your mind, body, and spirit. I've worked for 16 years as a Christian in the mental health field, 4 years as a therapist. I am passionate about supporting couples, and individuals with depression, anxiety, adjustment/life changes, stress management, low self-esteem, and school challenges. A large area of my work has been devoted to helping individuals through trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. I approach counseling with a strengths-based lens, incorporating elements from especially cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, and narrative therapies.

I am a clinical psychologist, and my background is in helping people through anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues. I love to assist my clients in exploring their strengths and values, so that we can collaboratively find ways for them to get unstuck and to live satisfying, meaningful lives. I think that connection and belongingness are vital to our work together, and strive always to meet people where they are with compassion. Taking this person-centered approach, I use my training and experience in proven therapies to help my clients find new approaches to the pain they face. I meet each client with respectful curiosity, and a desire to create the trust that is necessary to healing. The central focus of my practice is to provide a safe place for my clients to heal from painful experiences, using evidence-based psychotherapies. I primarily use a cognitive-behavioral approach, helping my clients to recognize the connections among their thoughts, emotions, and actions, to find a new path forward. If you are looking for ways to recover and grow in the face of painful challenges, I offer a nonjudgmental, accepting place to do this life-changing work. Please get in touch if you are interested in learning more!