Barbara "Barb" Kroening, LISW

Barbara "Barb" Kroening welcomes people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn. She keeps things direct and simple so a parent or caregiver can quickly see if she might be a fit. Barb offers a calm, nonjudgmental space to talk through thoughts, habits, and everyday struggles. Barb is an LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker - based in Iowa and brings 12 years of clinical experience. She aims to meet people where they are and offers gentle encouragement toward their goals. Her work often focuses on thoughts and everyday habits in the context of stress, anxiety, mood concerns, and relationship strain. In sessions she uses clear, person-focused methods that help people set small, doable steps. Barb draws on client-centered ideas so the person’s priorities lead the work. She also uses mindfulness techniques to build awareness and motivational interviewing to support change. Her background includes helping people with grief, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, addictions, and caregiving stress. She has experience with first responder issues, immigration-related concerns, and complicated family dynamics such as blended family and attachment issues. Barb also supports people facing life transitions, career crossroads, and questions about purpose. Barb encourages practical solutions for daily living, such as improving sleep routines, managing anger, and building coping skills. She invites prospective clients to reflect on what they most want to change and brings steady, respectful guidance toward those goals.

How her approaches shape online therapy

Barb often uses client-centered therapy, which means she listens closely and follows the person’s priorities. This approach helps when someone needs a space to sort thoughts and decide what matters most. She also brings mindfulness techniques into sessions to help people notice habits and stress reactions in the body and mind. Mindfulness work can support better sleep, reduced anxiety, and more control over strong emotions. Motivational interviewing appears in her work to help people find their own reasons for change and build small, achievable steps. That style can be useful for addressing addictions, behavior changes, and planning next steps during life transitions. Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Barb will talk with each person about goals, concerns, and preferences, and then suggest methods that fit those needs. She checks in and adjusts the plan as progress or priorities shift. Please confirm the available session formats before booking, as format options are not listed here. Online therapy can make sessions easier to fit into a busy life - it can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins during a work break, and make it simpler to maintain continuity during life changes. Ask about the specific session options offered when you schedule to find a practical way to make therapy part of your routine.