Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Iowa

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Temple University and my Master of Social Work from Indiana University. With over 10 years of experience, I support individuals in managing anxiety, navigating depression, and healing from past trauma.

My approach blends evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness with a spiritually grounded perspective. While therapy is rooted in clinical skill, I also create space for deeper connection—often integrating spiritual awareness into the work for those who are open to it. I believe healing is not just mental, but also deeply internal and, at times, spiritual.

I am a Clinical Psychologist licensed in Delaware and Iowa. I earned my doctorate (Psy.D., Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology) from the Fuller School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California.

I have over 10 years of clinical experience working with diverse populations in the East Coast, Midwest, and Los Angeles area in a variety of settings, such as outpatient behavioral agencies, a psychiatric hospital focusing on chemical dependency, a university counseling center, and a school district. I also received a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Hong Kong.

I provide psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families dealing with a wide variety of concerns. My clinical interests include anxiety and mood disorders, trauma recovery, grief and loss, family of origin issues, ADHD, relational distress, perfectionism, cross-cultural adjustments, and spirituality. I was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2021 and my specialty area is to help individuals with complex childhood traumas and PTSD using attachment-informed EMDR interventions.

For more details about my background, please visit my website: https://www.nurturingpresencepsychology.com/

Working with clients, I want to have a collaborative relationship where they can feel heard, independent, empowered and become their own agent of change and growth. I want clients to feel safe, confidential, objective and challenged. I have worked in a variety of settings creating vast opportunities. I view myself as a lifelong learner and want to have that outlook to support, encourage and challenge others to strive for their own progress.

Many of the clients I work with come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or weighed down by experiences they’ve carried for far too long. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship patterns rooted in early attachment wounds, or the lingering impact of trauma. Others are navigating life transitions, loss, or changes in identity that leave them uncertain about their next steps. At the core, most are seeking relief, clarity, and a stronger sense of themselves. They want to feel more regulated, more confident, and more capable of moving through daily life without being held back by old patterns or emotional pain.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with teens and adults who are navigating challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I am passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop a stronger sense of identity.

As a lifelong Missouri resident and educator, I am very familiar with the specifics that come with living in this area.

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or out of balance in your life or relationships? Maybe anxiety, depression, stress, or the demands of daily life have started to feel heavier than they once did. Whether you are navigating personal challenges, relationship difficulties, parenting stress, or emotional exhaustion, therapy can offer a space to slow down, feel supported, and begin moving forward with greater clarity and confidence.

My passion is helping people create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. I take a holistic, compassionate approach to therapy while drawing from evidence-based practices tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe progress is not one-size-fits-all, and I work to create a therapeutic experience that is thoughtful, flexible, and responsive to the individual sitting in front of me.

I enjoy working with adults, couples, families, children, and adolescents across a range of concerns. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, respected, and empowered to better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, and build the tools needed to navigate life more effectively.

Mareayna is a licensed therapist with 7 years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and stress management. With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Webster, she employs evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care, to empower clients on their healing journeys. Fostering a warm, supportive environment, helps individuals navigate their emotions and develop effective coping strategies for lasting well-being.