Family Counseling Therapists in Cedar Rapids, IA

I work with children, teens, adults, & families experiencing a wide variety of issues. I work with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, trauma , behavioral issues, and other diagnoses. My history includes working with children and families who have experienced trauma along with extensive knowledge of working with foster and adoptive children.

I take trust very seriously. I have always been the person others can confide in and know there is not a risk of judgment. I am proud of that and will understand the gravity of your vulnerability and fear of trust. I'm here to listen to your story, and feel it is important that my clients get an education on the therapeutic process, skill building, training, and accountability. As a former Army combat medic with a tour in Bosnia, I hope veterans with will feel they can get relief knowing that I am a battle buddy that can help them get unstuck. Like many veterans I bring a wealth of knowledge of other cultures life experiences.

I am well rounded, working with a wide variety of different clients including adults, children, families , couples, various group settings, the aging population, sensitive populations including LGBTQ+ and disabled, etc.

Now accepting new clients - Therapy can be overwhelming and it is important to me to create a place where you can feel safe to be vulnerable. I provide a calm and laid-back environment to offer an inviting atmosphere for you to discuss your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. This is especially important to me because I know that growth happens outside of our comfort zone. We aren’t always aware of what we can achieve, and I enjoy assisting others in opening their eyes to their full potential. I have a strong belief that being willing to explore the challenging pieces of ourselves will allow us to grow.

Making the decision to seek help is one of the bravest things a person can do and I am proud to be able to offer that help. I believe that change is possible when there is support and compassion present, which is why I use a mixture of therapeutic techniques to elicit those changes. I work with individuals, couples, and families to identify solutions and implement positive changes in the lives of my clients. Utilizing a strengths based approach allows hope to be a building block for that change and shift attention away from perceived weaknesses.

Sometimes putting yourself first is one of the most challenging things to do, asking for help taking care of your mental health feels overwhelming these days. Add in daily stressors of managing schoolwork, job stress, family drama, peer conflict and just struggling to function normally can be too much for children and adults. As adults we may worry about how we look and seem to others, or have some other underlying issue we aren't comfortable sharing with others or may struggle to build deeper meaningful relationships to build our support network. Counseling can offer an outlet to process your concerns outside of that network.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, it is my goal to help any and everyone who needs it. I am a multicultural therapist whose main goal is to assist my clients in being the best person they can be. When you come to Strength in Diversity therapy center you will feel welcomed and accepted no matter your creed, color, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. It is my hope that once you leave my therapy room you will feel rejuvenated, full of life, and ready to take on the world.

My passion in life is to help you thrive. My approach to marriage, family , and relationships is unique because I am keenly aware of how your view of the world, yourself, and how you view others affects all aspects of your life and your relationships. I'm a compassionate straight shooter who will help you reshape your past and set a firm foundation for the future. I focus less on diagnosing you and more on helping you to connect deeply with others and discover solutions to move forward. My desire is for you not to have to come back.

Now Accepting new clients! It is my passion to witness the growth of others towards a self-defined meaningful life. The world can feel chaotic; through life transitions, traumatic experiences, and relationship issues we can begin to feel disconnected and overwhelmed. Asking for help often feels uncomfortable and vulnerable. I believe this is a sign of strength, and I feel grateful that you are here considering my services as a means to heal. I strive to use my skills to empower individuals, couples, and families to share their truth, and facilitate growth. I fully accept who you are just as you are each time you walk in the door.

Do you feel frustrated, anxious, sad, confused, hopeless, or hurt? Do you need something different? Are you ready for change? I work with adolescents ages 12+ and adults that are dealing with a variety of issues that could include depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, addictions, life changes, grief or something else. I work with individuals, couples, families , or groups. Whatever your needs, there IS hope.

My extensive experience of working with clients in a nonjudgmental manner enables me to guide them in discovering and developing their inner strength, awareness, and wisdom. I am passionate about assisting clients and accompanying them on their healing journey. When we work together, the aim is to uncover dysfunctional patterns that are contributing to, or even perpetuating, your challenges. One of the major goals of treatment includes removing both internal and external barriers so that clients can overcome extreme anxiety and foster an environment where they can engage authentically and function from a place of the true self.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! Creative Counseling Group, Plc. is composed of therapists who are dedicated to helping individuals, families , and couples through times of life transitions and crisis. We provide a safe, confident, and comfortable place for you to come and be yourself. We will help you set goals, find solutions, provide feedback, and monitor your progress. Our team provides knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate care. We ensure that clients feel heard and empowered.

I treat individuals, couples, families , and groups. I am experienced working with individuals struggling with Eating Disorders including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder. I also treat Mood Disorders, Anxiety, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Additionally, I provide relationship coaching services to individuals and couples. I work with clients to provide individualized care with an emphasis upon mindfulness, respect and empowerment. I am interested in working with the community to provide Eating Disorder awareness and prevention programs for schools, colleges and professionals.

**Currently Accepting New Clients** Mental health is important now more than ever as increased solitude and stress can only heighten symptoms that are already plaguing individuals, couples, and families . It is increasingly important to take the steps necessary to maintain that health through seeking a trusting and empathetic source of support and connection.

Person-centered. Trauma-informed. Solution-focused. These are the words I choose most frequently to describe my work in the therapy room. My greatest desire is to hold space for every individual that enters space with me, and support each of them as they learn to hold space for themselves. It is my goal to create a counter-cultural environment that allows us to work together to support you, your partner and your family to work to create a healthier framework for your relationships with each other and with yourself.

I believe one of the bravest things you can do is to understand your own story and break free from the traps that hold us back from change. You are brave because you are here. One quote that resonates with me is from Carl Whitaker, who once wrote, “Until you break with your patterns, the rut continues to deepen. Life goes on, but living dies”. Throughout my career, I have witnessed how being unheard and misunderstood creates a sense of feeling judgment and shame. I want to help by creating a space for healing and advancement by honoring that those experiences are a source of pain.

I believe that everyone's capable of experiencing an emotionally healthy and fulfilling life regardless of their unique circumstance. With therapy to find insight into past pain and trauma, wounds old and new can be healed, and tools can be discovered to deal with present and future challenges. My clients are ready to be the agents of change in their lives through their personal growth instead of waiting for the world around them to change. I believe that through therapy with me, individuals have the innate wisdom and courage that can be discovered to find their best paths forward with compassion for self and others.

I look forward to helping you seek greater peace and conflict resolution - helping you find an increased overall life balance. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help them work through former and current conflict and stressors. I use cognitive behavioral techniques to assist in challenging distorted thoughts and patterns. I have a focus in helping those who struggle with depression and anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship or family conflicts, life transitions, and issues surrounding grief and loss.

There comes a time in people’s lives when they aren’t comfortable where they are and want a change. I believe people deserve to live happier lives with renewed hope whether they are experiencing uncomfortable adjustments or have been enduring painful moments in life. It is my hope to meet clients where they are and provide a supportive and accepting environment, while collaboratively working towards the client’s goals. By encouraging individuals, couples, and families to be experts in their own lives, we can create lasting positive change to increase quality of life.