Therapists in Cedar Rapids, IA

Genuineness and empathy are incredibly important in the therapeutic relationship. Having over 20 years of social work experience, I believe my knowledge and experience will help assist you to find the solutions you need to feel better and more settled in your unique circumstances. You are brave to take the first step in finding a therapist, and I'm excited to work with you as you start your journey.

I see counseling as an opportunity to create new possibilities rather than addressing a series of rights and wrongs. I believe that change is most notable when we challenge the faulty thoughts and perceptions we have about ourselves, others, and the world around us. By learning to challenge our thinking we can have greater interpersonal relationships, self-image, and create a more persuasive and stable pattern of moods. I am trained in strategies to assist in ongoing dedication to the identified problem outside of the counseling session. It is essential that counseling relationships are collaborative.

When faced with relationships, family, employment, or personal emotional difficulties, it is hard to know who to trust. Family, friends, and co-workers might have well intended advice, but it is not what you really needed to feel better. You need a safe place to heal from past trauma, ongoing mental illness with someone who truly listens and is knowledgeable. The idea of therapy can be scary for some, but with the right provider, you can feel more confident, self-compassionate, and able to cope with those challenges in life.

Hello and welcome to my profile! If you are new to therapy, struggling with current life stresses, have unresolved issues in your past or simply want to dive further into your capacity for self awareness, please reach out for support! Together we can structure sessions to address what may be preventing you from being your best self. Whether your progress needs to include improved relationships, increased motivation, stronger sense of self-worth, greater career or home success, a reduction of painful emotions or unwanted behaviors; I will strive to help you learn to relate to yourself & others in new, often healthier ways.

Stacy Grooms is a graduate of Mt. Mercy University, having earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in August of 2021. Stacy strives to offer a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, safe, and nonjudgmental. Stacy is excited to work with couples and families as well as individual adults, teens, and children. Particularly couples with fidelity, communication, and intimacy issues. Families in times of turmoil. Individuals with panic disorders, personality disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.

I believe that every person deserves an opportunity to learn how to heal and invest in themselves. Beginning therapy can be an intimidating process that’s unique to everyone. While life is full of unexpected trials and tribulations, therapy can give you the tools to manage, learn, and grow from these challenges. My goal is to ensure that you feel comfortable and heard throughout our sessions together. I am committed to accepting all of what you bring into the therapeutic space, welcoming all thoughts, feelings, and experiences that might be weighing on you during this time.

I am a licensed masters social worker/therapist (LMSW) who has worked in a variety of settings such as inpatient, outpatient, youth shelters, adult shelters, and community based therapy settings. After experiencing Hurricane Katrina, I chose to focus my studies on how to help my clients process and move through their traumatic experiences. My passion is teaching clients the skills and tools they need to improve their lives while connecting them with a better understanding of who they are and where they want to go. Everyone is important and deserves a nonjudgmental, comforting space and the support to figure things out.

Everyone has their own story or life experiences. I assist clients with helping them process through this, challenging negative thought patterns, develop coping skills, and help resolve these previous experiences or emotions affecting them. I hope to provide a different view of the things that you are looking to address or explore in order to help you move forward in life successfully based on goals that you have set forth for yourself personally and professionally.

I have worked in the human services field for over 14 years. I have experience working in a community mental health clinic, providing assessment/psychiatric evaluation in the ER & ICU, providing group counseling to individuals with PTSD and DID, and providing counseling to adolescents, adults, and couples. My experience includes working in school settings with at-risk youth struggling with behavioral issues and mental health diagnoses. I specialize in providing care for those with sexual abuse histories, sexual assault, domestic violence, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, self harm and/or suicidal ideation.

Trauma comes in many forms. Whether it's the death of a loved one, abuse & violence, DHS involvement, a bad break-up, chronic illness, criminal justice involvement, chemical dependency, or loss of parental rights; experiencing trauma can feel very isolating. You might find yourself feeling detached from others or having difficulty with developing authentic connections with people. Maybe you feel lost and uncertain about how to carry on. Or maybe you're finding yourself lashing out at others with little or no reason. Somedays it can feel like nobody understands your pain or how broken you feel.

We all have a story to tell, and no one story is the same as the next. We are all humans out here trying to do the best we can with what we have and what we know; however, sometimes we forget that we don’t need to do it alone. In exchange for you telling your story, I will provide you with a safe and inclusive experience. I can be a sounding board with new perspectives, a provider of encouragement that challenges you to see and seek your true potential, and/or an advocate who holds you accountable in working towards a better life.

I believe that you are the expert of your life and that as your therapist, I would offer an outside perspective to assist with reframing and providing interventions for in-between sessions to help you make the most of your therapeutic experience and achieve your goals. Everyone deserves to have opportunities to grow and be their best version of themselves, regardless of self-perceived or societal-imposed limitations. Talk therapy is highly effective, however I also like to emphasize research-based treatment modalities and provide tangible feedback and interventions that are realistically applicable to the individual.

My direct phone is 319-364-5106. My areas of special interest are grief counseling and helping those coping with anxiety, depression, life transitions, spirituality , relationship issues, existential struggles, and recovery from domestic violence. I have years of experience doing individual, premarital, and couple therapy. I am especially sensitive to those who've had losses and are coping with sadness, sorrow, or grief. My clients tell me I have exceptional listening skills and the ability to make each person feel valued. I value each person's story and honor it as I help people find meaningful, healthy, and productive lives.

You are the meaning maker, the ever persistent expert of your life and experiences. Your unique humanity will be given space here. If you are curious to explore the profound power of choice, the expansive space between a naturally programmed reaction and your authentic chosen response, and in deepening an authentic connection to yourself and others, this may be the space for you. I seek to honor your autonomy and provide a space where creative expression, curiosity, and ingenuity might collide to present you with new avenues to explore. Let’s release expectations, and bravely explore the possibilities of your authenticity together.

“Your doubts create mountains. Your actions move them.” – Mel Robbins. The journey of life is filled with challenges. When depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or significant life transitions enter the picture, it can feel overwhelming. Coping with the flood of emotions and the sense of isolation that often accompanies stress and loss can be daunting. Trying to tackle these issues alone or ignoring them may only intensify the emotional turmoil. However, you don't have to navigate this path solo. Therapy offers a supportive and collaborative space where we can explore your unique personality, values and strengths.

Claire believes therapy is a collaborative experience and encourages you to discover and make the choices that are right for you. You might have multiple areas in your life (work, home, relationships) you are trying to manage, and are not sure where to start. You might have multiple mental health concerns and struggle to know where to start. We will take time to explore your urgent needs and long term needs and develop a plan together that aligns with your goals, values, and priorities. At North Star Psychological Center, we offer mental health groups as well. If you need more support we have services to fit your needs.

I am a licensed independent social worker with over 15 years experience. I have provide therapy services to toddlers with their parents, children, adolescents, teens. I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) trained in Adlerian Play Therapy and have specialized training in the evidenced based treatment of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). My office provides a PCIT suite to offer PCIT services effectively. I am also trained in trauma informed Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).

I assist clients to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability and ptsd stemming from life transitions and traumas. I focus on providing compassionate care in a safe and judgment-free space where you can heal, find acceptance, and explore different strategies for daily living to address your unique challenges.

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.