Therapists in Waterloo, IA

My desire has always been to be available, assisting anyone who is hurting. You may be facing a life altering health diagnosis, perhaps an accident, loss of a job, marital problems, an addiction, parenting issues, death of a loved one, caregiving; the list is endless. Perhaps you are wrestling with issues that aren't apparent to anyone else, but they are very real to you. It is easy to feel isolated and alone.

Life can be full of unanticipated events that are demanding, painful and uncomfortable. The healing process takes time and effort. I’m committed to helping children, teens, and adults, dealing with challenges. Some challenges include but are not limited to trauma, relationships, boundaries, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, behaviors, and PTSD.

I earned my Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa. I continued my education and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Master of Social work degree with specialization in trauma informed care. During my time at UNI, I gained valuable experience working with children, youth, and families. Outside of college, I worked as a Mental Health Therapist, in the school system, counseling students experiencing concerns with depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, self-identify, self-harm, relationships, and more.

I serve clients in the Cedar Valley. We have often accomplished and experienced a lot in our lives by the time we seek counseling. All of us have periods where we struggle; perhaps we can't sleep, we are stressed to the breaking point and in spite of having people around us, we may feel lonely or depressed. If this is you, you aren't alone.

I provide therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. I use a cognitive-behavioral approach to address presenting problems. This technique is beneficial in helping to treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, relationship issues, etc. as thoughts and feelings lead to behaviors or actions. Treatment services are also provided utilizing trauma informed care and EMDR to help with symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

I work with ages 3 through adulthood: individuals, couples, and families. I have worked with individuals who have: depression, anxiety, Bipolar, grief from any type of loss, ADHD, Autism, stress, anger, divorce, and those who need a third party to talk to without judgement. I am trained in Adlerian Play Therapy for children and adults to reach beyond traditional talk therapy for self-expression/processing when words are hard to find. It is proven that children say much more in play than they have the words for.

** Telehealth Sessions Available** Have you been noticing things like anxiety, sadness or irritation that keep showing up and are making it hard to be around your friends, care for your family or do things you enjoy? Do you need a space to talk about the really hard time you are going through right now? Maybe you have been frustrated, feeling overwhelmed and feel like you can't quite get to the changes that you are wanting? Or maybe you are struggling with your relationship with food and not able to tell anyone what is really going on and how hard it is to change it.

My approach is based on Solution Focus and Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy a collaborative, integrative, holistic and specialized process tailored to individual/Family/Couple needs. People seek therapy for many reasons such as: difficulties in their personal or professional lives caused by current stressors or unresolved traumas, conflicts that cause fear, shame, anger, sadness, helplessness and the inability to concentrate, function, or be fully engaged in life. I work with individuals, couples, & families to help collaboratively tackle the challenges they are facing, through creating new insight and forming solutions to problems and action plans.

Katie is passionate about mental health and wellness for all. She uses a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to create a space where individuals and families are able to experience a sense of safety and connection. Building on these experiences, Katie aims to help individuals understand their own strengths, needs and agency for change. With families, Katie incorporates brain development and attachment theory to build a working alliance with families to identify the specific needs of their child. Katie aims to help families experience connection, attunement and enjoyment as tools to improve and strengthen relationships.

I am a Trauma Informed Specialist. I bring to my practice a unique blend of specialized training and life experiences. It is my belief that many fears, anxiety and behaviors have some form of trauma behind them. To determine the best treatment plan, I use the client's strengths to aid in achieving their goals. I am a Christian and believe that including an individual's faith in God is important for complete healing. I am sensitive to cultural differences and work with individuals from many nations. I have experience working with: PTSD, Addiction Recovery, Family, Couple, Single Parents, Children, and Single Adults.

Living in a rural area, I grew up surrounded by a stigma around mental health needs. My goal is to help dispel that stigma and support anyone who may have mental health needs, especially in my local community. Whether it’s an in-person or tele-health session, you can expect a welcoming atmosphere and a judgment free environment.

I am a bilingual Spanish/English mental health counselor who understands that talking about how you really think or feel is not easy, and sometimes can be scary. Opening up to a stranger takes courage, and I know that taking that first step can be difficult. You might doubt that things can get better, that’s why I want to provide you that space where you feel comfortable and where you can be you. Choosing a therapist is not an easy process, I am committed to developing our therapeutic relationship.

Are you struggling? Are you looking for a counselor with a Christian world view? If so, consider reaching out to our counselor. We believe, you were created for a purpose. Never settle for less than God’s very best for your life! We believe purpose can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Contact us if this is something that resonates with you.

Katie Eastman is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and mental health therapist providing therapy to individuals of all ages. Katie earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa in 2018. Katie is passionate about using a variety of therapeutic modalities to inform her practice.

Trans and Queer community clients are being prioritized at this time due to hostile legislation. If you or someone is not getting the care you deserve because of your gender / sexuality contact me and I promise to get you in as soon as possible - Solidarity. I believe that everyone deserves access to mental health care that is non-judgmental, supportive, and empowering. My practice is grounded in trans-affirming care, utilizing principles of mutual aid and community organizing to create a space where clients can feel seen, heard, and validated.

Welcome! Starting your therapeutic journey can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful. I try to provide a safe, secure, and empathetic environment as we work together to process through difficult emotions and thoughts.