Couples Counseling Therapists in Iowa City, IA
I’m passionate about helping individuals, couples, and parents/caregivers who want to navigate stress, anxiety, fear, anger, perfectionism, and overwhelm, break cycles, understand and integrate past wounds, increase confidence and connection to self and others, and create a thriving life. My approach is holistic and designed to cultivate lasting change for adult individuals and partners navigating relationship challenges seeking to integrate mind, body, and lived experiences for overall life satisfaction and improved mental wellness.
I’m passionate about helping individuals, couples, and parents/caregivers who want to navigate stress, anxiety, fear, anger, perfectionism, and overwhelm, break cycles, understand and integrate past wounds, increase confidence and connection to self and others, and create a thriving life. My approach is holistic and designed to cultivate lasting change for adult individuals and partners navigating relationship challenges seeking to integrate mind, body, and lived experiences for overall life satisfaction and improved mental wellness.
Dr. Scott Liu (Huan-Chung S Liu, Ph.D.)
Psychologist, PhD, LP, HSP
Verified Verified
Iowa City, IA 52240 (Online Only)
Scott is interested in working a broad range of concerns including depression and anxiety, identity and self-esteem issues, emotional expression (EQ), relationship, marriage/family concerns, men's issues, sexual trauma, sexual addiction, academic skills, and career concerns.
As a generalist, Scott finds that he works from an integrative lens, naturally leaning towards a client-centered, strengths-based, and multicultural perspectives. Often, he likes to integrate aspects of Interpersonal Therapy, family systems, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral theories with the bio-psycho-social framework. With extensive college counseling center experience (18+ years), Scott enjoys working with this population and understands the difficulties that often emerge during this transitional process (identities, relationships, self-awareness, etc.). Scott believed no concern is too big or too small to seek support.
Scott is interested in working a broad range of concerns including depression and anxiety, identity and self-esteem issues, emotional expression (EQ), relationship, marriage/family concerns, men's issues, sexual trauma, sexual addiction, academic skills, and career concerns.
As a generalist, Scott finds that he works from an integrative lens, naturally leaning towards a client-centered, strengths-based, and multicultural perspectives. Often, he likes to integrate aspects of Interpersonal Therapy, family systems, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral theories with the bio-psycho-social framework. With extensive college counseling center experience (18+ years), Scott enjoys working with this population and understands the difficulties that often emerge during this transitional process (identities, relationships, self-awareness, etc.). Scott believed no concern is too big or too small to seek support.
Fannie K Hungerford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, tLMFT, RYT-500
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
I offer sessions for couples and individuals (ages 13 and up), integrating body and breath-based tools with collaborative and client-centered psychotherapy to invite clients to reclaim and expand their capacity for healing and transformation.
I welcome you as you are. Leading with authenticity and connection as core values, I endeavor to bring truth and heartfelt engagement to each therapeutic encounter. Working with somatic based practices, creative exploration, inquiry, and collaborative dialogue, I am committed to supporting individuals and couples in leading more integrated and easeful lives. Normalizing the full-spectrum of the human experience and emotional field, my approach to psychotherapy is one guided by honesty, existential query, love, and the wisdom of the body so we may more fully inhabit the present moment.
I offer sessions for couples and individuals (ages 13 and up), integrating body and breath-based tools with collaborative and client-centered psychotherapy to invite clients to reclaim and expand their capacity for healing and transformation.
I welcome you as you are. Leading with authenticity and connection as core values, I endeavor to bring truth and heartfelt engagement to each therapeutic encounter. Working with somatic based practices, creative exploration, inquiry, and collaborative dialogue, I am committed to supporting individuals and couples in leading more integrated and easeful lives. Normalizing the full-spectrum of the human experience and emotional field, my approach to psychotherapy is one guided by honesty, existential query, love, and the wisdom of the body so we may more fully inhabit the present moment.
Lexys Vaillancourt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52245
Waitlist for new clients
I focus on supporting queer and neurodivergent people, couples, children, and families. My clients often face challenges in understanding their identities, navigating relationships, or belonging in their environments. They seek not only to address specific issues such as communication breakdowns, emotional dysregulation, or life transitions but also aim to achieve deeper self-understanding and acceptance. Utilizing systemic and humanistic therapies, I offer a compassionate space where clients can explore their needs and goals. Together, we will work to foster stronger connections, enhance self-esteem, and improve overall well-being.
I focus on supporting queer and neurodivergent people, couples, children, and families. My clients often face challenges in understanding their identities, navigating relationships, or belonging in their environments. They seek not only to address specific issues such as communication breakdowns, emotional dysregulation, or life transitions but also aim to achieve deeper self-understanding and acceptance. Utilizing systemic and humanistic therapies, I offer a compassionate space where clients can explore their needs and goals. Together, we will work to foster stronger connections, enhance self-esteem, and improve overall well-being.
Leslie Caton Frey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
Feeling stuck in a relationship, job, or past experience? Maybe you don't understand why you feel the way you do or why you can't stop doing something that hurts or start doing something you want. Maybe you're dealing with something really painful that you need to work through but don't know how. You're the expert on your life, your strengths, and what you need to thrive. Sometimes you - and all of us - just need a little help to see it.
Feeling stuck in a relationship, job, or past experience? Maybe you don't understand why you feel the way you do or why you can't stop doing something that hurts or start doing something you want. Maybe you're dealing with something really painful that you need to work through but don't know how. You're the expert on your life, your strengths, and what you need to thrive. Sometimes you - and all of us - just need a little help to see it.
I have experience in working with people who have depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship, co-dependency, emotional intensity and various other emotional and mental health concerns.
Most of my adult life I have worked in the mental health field assisting individuals in their journey of finding a path to a healthier and more satisfying life. I have been honored to work with people from various walks of life and assist them in the process of re-discovering their values, redefining the meaning of happiness and reinventing their lives. To me, there is nothing more satisfying than to notice the growth and the positive change taking place in counseling process.
I have experience in working with people who have depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship, co-dependency, emotional intensity and various other emotional and mental health concerns.
Most of my adult life I have worked in the mental health field assisting individuals in their journey of finding a path to a healthier and more satisfying life. I have been honored to work with people from various walks of life and assist them in the process of re-discovering their values, redefining the meaning of happiness and reinventing their lives. To me, there is nothing more satisfying than to notice the growth and the positive change taking place in counseling process.
Celia Dunnington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
Waitlist for new clients
Celia (She/Her) has been providing psychotherapy for over 30 years, and loves the work more than ever. She is ready to support your growth, help you discover your strengths, and help you make sense of the sorrow and confusion that trouble you. Your needs and feelings are the keys to your future well-being. In therapy you will unfold a new relationship to those feelings and needs, to understand what you have been trying to tell yourself, .You will discover how you can approach difficult situations with self-knowledge, self-love and skillful tenacity. It will get better. It might get amazing. Give it a chance.
Celia (She/Her) has been providing psychotherapy for over 30 years, and loves the work more than ever. She is ready to support your growth, help you discover your strengths, and help you make sense of the sorrow and confusion that trouble you. Your needs and feelings are the keys to your future well-being. In therapy you will unfold a new relationship to those feelings and needs, to understand what you have been trying to tell yourself, .You will discover how you can approach difficult situations with self-knowledge, self-love and skillful tenacity. It will get better. It might get amazing. Give it a chance.
I provide therapy for individuals and couples who want to make a change in their lives.
You are probably here because the bottom dropped out and you are worried it is going to get worse. That does not feel good. But you are right, therapy is one way to turn it around. Draw the line and flip the script. The way out is through, dropping the sugar-coated language- it's going to be hard. That may sound dark, but the hope is right behind. The Tao Te Ching says: "the main road is simple, but people love to be sidetracked." Therapy relies on centralizing elements that have been minimized in daily life: listening, speaking authentically, supporting one another, slowing down, being present, and being seen.
I provide therapy for individuals and couples who want to make a change in their lives.
You are probably here because the bottom dropped out and you are worried it is going to get worse. That does not feel good. But you are right, therapy is one way to turn it around. Draw the line and flip the script. The way out is through, dropping the sugar-coated language- it's going to be hard. That may sound dark, but the hope is right behind. The Tao Te Ching says: "the main road is simple, but people love to be sidetracked." Therapy relies on centralizing elements that have been minimized in daily life: listening, speaking authentically, supporting one another, slowing down, being present, and being seen.
I enjoy helping individuals, couples, and families build resilience and thrive through the challenges and changes and losses that life inevitably brings. I offer an empathetic listening ear and a hopeful solutions-focused approach, developing my client's strengths and coping skills to help them meet their therapy goals. I believe that human connection through healthy relationships makes all the difference when we are struggling, and I love working with people to strengthen relationships with those closest to them.
I enjoy helping individuals, couples, and families build resilience and thrive through the challenges and changes and losses that life inevitably brings. I offer an empathetic listening ear and a hopeful solutions-focused approach, developing my client's strengths and coping skills to help them meet their therapy goals. I believe that human connection through healthy relationships makes all the difference when we are struggling, and I love working with people to strengthen relationships with those closest to them.
I also work with individuals who have marital and relationship issues.
For over ten years Caleb has worked with youth and their families, as a school counselor, behavioral health intervention services counselor, and mental health counselor. Caleb founded and currently administrates an after school program for at-risk youth through The Academic and Enrichment Youth Center called "Strive For Success." Caleb works with children, youth, adults, couples and families helping them solve tough problems with a hopeful, solution-focused approach. His desire is to bring positive change to the challenges life can bring. He is an ordained minister and volunteers his time as a ministry director for Lifepointe Christian Faith Center.
I also work with individuals who have marital and relationship issues.
For over ten years Caleb has worked with youth and their families, as a school counselor, behavioral health intervention services counselor, and mental health counselor. Caleb founded and currently administrates an after school program for at-risk youth through The Academic and Enrichment Youth Center called "Strive For Success." Caleb works with children, youth, adults, couples and families helping them solve tough problems with a hopeful, solution-focused approach. His desire is to bring positive change to the challenges life can bring. He is an ordained minister and volunteers his time as a ministry director for Lifepointe Christian Faith Center.
Beginning therapy can be exciting and intimidating- and the therapeutic relationship is essential to lasting growth and healing.
Working together, we will develop a unique therapeutic relationship that will enable you to engage with a full range of emotional experiences, drawing on our capacity to hold and navigate complexity with creativity. I welcome clients who want to begin a journey of self-discovery towards greater insight, capacity for complex and dynamic relationships, and a stronger sense of aliveness inside and out. We will work to move through pain and distress consciously- with curiosity, compassion and honesty. I believe in the potential for a rich and in-depth psychotherapy to bring lasting change and growth to your life.
Beginning therapy can be exciting and intimidating- and the therapeutic relationship is essential to lasting growth and healing.
Working together, we will develop a unique therapeutic relationship that will enable you to engage with a full range of emotional experiences, drawing on our capacity to hold and navigate complexity with creativity. I welcome clients who want to begin a journey of self-discovery towards greater insight, capacity for complex and dynamic relationships, and a stronger sense of aliveness inside and out. We will work to move through pain and distress consciously- with curiosity, compassion and honesty. I believe in the potential for a rich and in-depth psychotherapy to bring lasting change and growth to your life.
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I am a licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress management, chronic pain, insomnia, low self-esteem, trauma, abuse, addiction, anger management, relationship issue, marital conflict and stress related illness. I work from a holistic perspective that integrates in-depth psychological theory with complimentary medicine and mind-body wellness. If you are looking for release from old stuck patterns and wanting to feel whole and fully alive, call me.
I am a licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress management, chronic pain, insomnia, low self-esteem, trauma, abuse, addiction, anger management, relationship issue, marital conflict and stress related illness. I work from a holistic perspective that integrates in-depth psychological theory with complimentary medicine and mind-body wellness. If you are looking for release from old stuck patterns and wanting to feel whole and fully alive, call me.
I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 1980 and returned to receive my MA in Counseling and Human Development in 1992. I have been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa since 1998. I have over 30 years of experience in the counseling field and utilize a variety of cognitive/behavioral approaches in working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. Areas of experience include depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, ADD/ADHD, relationship, couple and divorce issues, stress and anger management, domestic violence, and substance abuse issues.
I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 1980 and returned to receive my MA in Counseling and Human Development in 1992. I have been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa since 1998. I have over 30 years of experience in the counseling field and utilize a variety of cognitive/behavioral approaches in working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. Areas of experience include depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, ADD/ADHD, relationship, couple and divorce issues, stress and anger management, domestic violence, and substance abuse issues.
I am trained in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing practices, and the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy developed by Dr.
I work with couples and individuals to create secure functioning relationships throughout their lives. Where collaboration, cooperation, and communication are enhanced. My mission is to create a space of unconditional acceptance with compassion and mindfulness as central components of my practice. I work with couples and individuals seeking premarital support, communication issues, intimacy, sex, parenting, infertility, betrayal, remarriage, step-parenting, finances, breaking up, etc. I'm committed to helping you and/or your partner to increase your interconnectedness, enhancing your ability to create the life you want.
I am trained in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing practices, and the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy developed by Dr.
I work with couples and individuals to create secure functioning relationships throughout their lives. Where collaboration, cooperation, and communication are enhanced. My mission is to create a space of unconditional acceptance with compassion and mindfulness as central components of my practice. I work with couples and individuals seeking premarital support, communication issues, intimacy, sex, parenting, infertility, betrayal, remarriage, step-parenting, finances, breaking up, etc. I'm committed to helping you and/or your partner to increase your interconnectedness, enhancing your ability to create the life you want.
Falon E. Hooks
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
Waitlist for new clients
Stan Tatkin’s model, the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT).
Working with couples is my passion because I think a secure-functioning relationship can change an everything. We all get stuck in relationships, we get tired, overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves and our partners. It is my goal to help you find your way back to each other.
Stan Tatkin’s model, the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT).
Working with couples is my passion because I think a secure-functioning relationship can change an everything. We all get stuck in relationships, we get tired, overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves and our partners. It is my goal to help you find your way back to each other.
I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — a research-validated approach to healing & strengthening couples’ relationships — and have Level III Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) training — a model of individual therapy that integrates what research tells us about human connection, emotion & the relationship between the two.
I am an Iowa, California & Arizona licensed marriage and family therapist (IA 126195, CA 86294, AZ 15639). I am native Iowan relocated to the West Coast with nearly two decades of experience helping those who are grieving and more than a decade practicing as a therapist. I specialize in working with couples & individuals navigating life-altering medical conditions; women overwhelmed in the face of work, family & personal pressure; and couples struggling to create or restore fulfilling connection.
I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — a research-validated approach to healing & strengthening couples’ relationships — and have Level III Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) training — a model of individual therapy that integrates what research tells us about human connection, emotion & the relationship between the two.
I am an Iowa, California & Arizona licensed marriage and family therapist (IA 126195, CA 86294, AZ 15639). I am native Iowan relocated to the West Coast with nearly two decades of experience helping those who are grieving and more than a decade practicing as a therapist. I specialize in working with couples & individuals navigating life-altering medical conditions; women overwhelmed in the face of work, family & personal pressure; and couples struggling to create or restore fulfilling connection.
James R. Smith, LISW, counselor/therapist, provides mental health counseling and therapy in Iowa City, Iowa, and surrounding area. Mr. Smith uses a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy approach to teach people how to deal effectively with negative self-talk. Clients learn to diminish their destructive thinking and promote inner calm. Clients will also learn to enhance positive thought and action. James R. Smith, LISW, also encourages couples to communicate more effectively and more completely with each other. Each partner will learn to listen deeply to their mate and reflect clearly what they understand about their partner's needs and concerns.
James R. Smith, LISW, counselor/therapist, provides mental health counseling and therapy in Iowa City, Iowa, and surrounding area. Mr. Smith uses a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy approach to teach people how to deal effectively with negative self-talk. Clients learn to diminish their destructive thinking and promote inner calm. Clients will also learn to enhance positive thought and action. James R. Smith, LISW, also encourages couples to communicate more effectively and more completely with each other. Each partner will learn to listen deeply to their mate and reflect clearly what they understand about their partner's needs and concerns.
David specializes in: Depression; Anxiety; Stress Management; and Relationship Issues (premarital & marital problems, communication, co-parenting, financial stress, affairs, infidelity, divorce, sexual health).
David received his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Iowa and has been a practicing psychotherapist for the past 30 years. He is a Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Counseling Center of Iowa City. He has received advanced training in the areas of Ericksonian Hypnosis, Brief Therapy treatments for Depression and Anxiety, and Biofeedback and Stress management. His research and writing on the impact of chronic illness and chronic pain on individual, couple, and family functioning have received national recognition.
David specializes in: Depression; Anxiety; Stress Management; and Relationship Issues (premarital & marital problems, communication, co-parenting, financial stress, affairs, infidelity, divorce, sexual health).
David received his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Iowa and has been a practicing psychotherapist for the past 30 years. He is a Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Counseling Center of Iowa City. He has received advanced training in the areas of Ericksonian Hypnosis, Brief Therapy treatments for Depression and Anxiety, and Biofeedback and Stress management. His research and writing on the impact of chronic illness and chronic pain on individual, couple, and family functioning have received national recognition.
Jennifer Jorgensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, tLMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
I believe that everyone deserves respect, dignity, and kindness. I create collaborative relationships with my clients to help them attain their therapeutic goals in an authentic way and I believe focusing on my clients strengths can create hope for the future. I work with individuals and couples to find solutions as I believe the client is the expert in their own life. I am dedicated to compassion and grace towards my clients and my intention is to support you on your journey moving towards healing and growth so you may feel connected to yourself and the world around you in a meaningful way.
I believe that everyone deserves respect, dignity, and kindness. I create collaborative relationships with my clients to help them attain their therapeutic goals in an authentic way and I believe focusing on my clients strengths can create hope for the future. I work with individuals and couples to find solutions as I believe the client is the expert in their own life. I am dedicated to compassion and grace towards my clients and my intention is to support you on your journey moving towards healing and growth so you may feel connected to yourself and the world around you in a meaningful way.
In my career I have worked with people dealing with addiction, grief, divorce/marital issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, legal problems, family and relationship issues.
Limited availability for New Clients. Call/email for free consultation. I specialize in working with people with anxiety, addiction, depression and marital concerns. I have extensive training and certification in addiction counseling and offer SAP/DOT evaluations.
In my career I have worked with people dealing with addiction, grief, divorce/marital issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, legal problems, family and relationship issues.
Limited availability for New Clients. Call/email for free consultation. I specialize in working with people with anxiety, addiction, depression and marital concerns. I have extensive training and certification in addiction counseling and offer SAP/DOT evaluations.
See more therapy options for Iowa City
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.