ABOUT DR. SANDERS

I grew up in the Des Moines area and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Family Studies from the University of Northern Iowa. I then completed a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at the University of Missouri–Columbia before transitioning into a staff role in student affairs at Iowa State University. From there, I pursued further education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where I earned both my Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. After graduation, I returned to Iowa to continue my career.

Over the years, I have worked in a variety of settings with children, adolescents, and adults. My experience includes inpatient psychiatric care, social services, community mental health centers, and a university counseling center. In 2014, I began working in private practice, where I continue to value the opportunity to support individuals from diverse backgrounds. I find that the variety of services I provide keeps me energized and allows me to focus on the unique needs of each client.

In my clinical work, I most often support individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, relationship challenges, grief and bereavement, infertility, life transitions, and parenting struggles. I also value creating a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals.

My therapeutic approach is integrative, with a strong emphasis on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy. These strength-based, collaborative approaches help individuals separate themselves from the challenges they face and tap into their own resilience. I am compassionate, authentic, and often incorporate direct feedback and humor to foster connection and growth.

I fully engage in each session and prioritize ongoing collaboration, which includes frequent check-ins on goals and reciprocal feedback. The length of treatment depends on each individual’s unique needs as well as their internal and external resources.