ABOUT DR. SANDERS

I grew up in the Des Moines area and then went to the University of Northern Iowa where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Family Studies. After undergraduate studies, I earned a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Missouri- Columbia. I then transitioned into a staff position in student affairs at Iowa State University prior to returning to my academic studies at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where I earned my Master’s and Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. After graduation, I left the Windy City and moved back to Iowa.  

I have a history of working in a variety of settings with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, a social services agency, two community mental health centers, and a university counseling center. In 2014, I started working in private practice.  I love the opportunity to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds performing a range of services because I feel it keeps me energized and focused on the individual needs of each client. 

I work most frequently in therapy with individuals experiencing depressive or anxious symptoms, post-traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, grief/bereavement, infertility, life transitions, and parenting struggles.  

I would describe myself as an integrative therapist relying most heavily on narrative therapy, a strength based and collaborative approach aimed at helping individuals separate themselves from the problems in their lives. I am compassionate and believe in the importance of authenticity, which may include direct observations and humor. 

I fully engage in each session and always strive towards greater understanding to meet the needs of each client.  This often involves frequent check-ins about therapeutic goals and reciprocal feedback. The duration of treatment varies for each individual and their unique needs and access to internal and external resources.