February is a time where the holiday of love is celebrated. Most of the time, it is focused on how we can love and care for others and show our gratitude to them. If you are a parent, how can you pour into yourself and your child this month?
Some ways that I encourage parents to show gratitude and love to their children is creating holiday traditions. Cookie decorating, giving the child an affirmation each day of the month, or something as simple as engaging in a game where you begin with “I love you because…” and take turns sharing things you love about one another.
One of my favorite traditions that I engage in is writing a card to those in my inner circles about reasons why I love them.
While pouring love into others is important, it is also important to pour love and healing into ourselves.
Some ways to practice self-love and gratitude this month might include:
Searching for the sun everyday this month (there is lots of research on how good natural light is for us!)
Writing affirmations on the mirror each morning
Dancing to your favorite song
Taking time to color
Making a card to yourself about all the reasons why you love yourself (why not?!)
Try to set aside time for yourself each day this month and engage in something that makes you feel special and loved. Pause, breathe and remind yourself of a reason that you are important, special and loved.
The more love that you can pour into yourself, the more energy and love you can have for others!
As a child, I was a mystic and a writer. I loved to wander outside, make nests in the tall grass, dream on the big pink granite rock in the field. I wrote poems and stories in school, when I was supposed to be reading about Dick and Sally. The adults in my life seemed to think that a bright child who read the dictionary and wrote poems should be directed toward math and science. I resisted, but my dreamy afternoons on the rock in the field were soon over. So, apparently, was my writing voice. My creative writing efforts in undergraduate school received a lukewarm response, and I changed my major to sociology. My father, a scientist, was pleased.
Fast forward to 2001. Exhausted from my battle for tenure at the University where I taught, I stumbled into the office of an expressive therapist. The years of writing a dissertation and journal articles had taken its toll. I said, “I have lost my creativity and my spirituality.” I didn’t know it then, but my spiritual journey had begun. Two years later, I was training to become a spiritual companion and leaving academia.
This year, I will celebrate my 20th anniversary as a spiritual companion. My definition of spiritual companionship is, “To walk with others as they become who they were created to be.” As people open themselves to being present, listening to and acting upon the movement, impulses and images of the Divine within them, I notice that they often become more creative. Some turn to writing – stories, essays or poetry. Others to photography or art. Is there an inherent link between creativity and spirituality?
I love the creation stories in Genesis. Genesis 27 says, “And God created humankind in the divine image, creating it in the image of God—creating them male and female.” (The Contemporary Torah, Jewish Publication Society, 2006). According to this story, we are created in the image and likeness of God. We are both the result of and part of the creative force that brought forth all that is. Creativity is our birthright. In her article, “Creativity as Spiritual Practice,” Rabbi Adina Allen describes the creative process as a partnership with the Divine.
“What this relationship requires of us is an openness to the creative process: a willingness to venture into the unknown, the ability to be present in the moment, an openness to our intuition and allowing ourselves to follow where it leads us, and a deep humility in knowing that nothing we bring into the world is ours alone.” (Source: My Jewish Learning).
This is exactly what happens in spiritual companionship.
In 2016, I offered “Wisdom Stories: A Class for Elders in Training,” an exploration of personal autobiography, at the Center. I emphasized that everyone was a writer, free to ignore the “rules” they had learned about how to write and what was “good.” I offered writing prompts, which they were free to ignore, and words of encouragement from Natalie Goldberg, Julia Cameron or Anne Lamott. As listeners, we focused on how their stories touched us, and what spoke to us, without praise or criticism. In 2018, I offered another 8 week class. The group asked for more. I offered another 8 weeks. The group asked for more yet again. And so I said, “let’s try this as a spiritual direction group.”
Seven years later, we continue to meet monthly. I have stopped offering prompts – the writers follow their own interests and instincts. They have stopped trying to follow the “rules,” expressing what is emerging inside them. Their voices are more powerful, authentic and free, as a sense of play, deep grief or a new form emerges. We notice that, when one writer expresses their deep truth it resonates with all of us—we’ve been there, too. And often, we notice a core theme or experience connecting the writings in a particular session. Each time we meet, I feel awe, wonder and gratitude at how this process opens us to the presence of the Divine and our creative expression. And my frozen creativity is beginning to thaw.
Please, if you will, enjoy an example from one of our writers, Ken Rummer, who felt called to share his expression in a piece titled “In the Fog.”
Christine Dietz, LISW, DMin, PhD, is a psychotherapist and spiritual companion dedicated to helping individuals reconnect to their innate wholeness and renew their sense of hope and possibility. With over 40 years of experience in hospitals, community mental health, and private practice, she specializes in supporting those navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, grief, LGBTQ+ concerns, and spiritual direction. Christine is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and spiritual director with an MSW from the University of Iowa, a PhD in Sociology from SUNY Buffalo, and a DMin from the Graduate Theological Foundation. She is also a graduate of the Lev Shomea Training Program for Spiritual Direction in the Jewish Tradition. Passionate about storytelling, Christine is a writer, avid reader, and amateur photographer with a deep interest in spirituality, particularly Jewish spirituality. She enjoys teaching adult education at her synagogue and currently works part-time at Mind and Spirit Counseling Center, offering telehealth services to individuals from all faiths and spiritual traditions, as well as those with none.
Written by Sierra Lauber, PhD, Postdoctoral Psychologist
LEGOs are not only a popular household toy that spans generations but can also be a powerful tool to use in therapy with children, teens, and even families. Their familiarity makes them appealing and accessible to most children, especially those who may be hesitant about therapy or struggle to verbally express themselves. They can also be a great opportunity for teamwork and shared problem solving in family or group therapy. It offers a welcoming, non-threatening way to support connection and communication. These qualities make LEGOs a valuable, versatile resource for creating a welcoming therapeutic environment where we can work toward therapy goals in a playful and fun manner.
One of my favorite reasons to keep LEGOs on hand in my office is due to their adaptability across contexts and therapy objectives. Some ways I’ve used these include:
Emotion exploration, such as creating an emotion island
Using colored LEGO pieces, clients can assign an emotion to a color and build an island to represent how frequently they experience that emotion.
We can use a playful approach to exploring how they (or their Lego minifigure) travel to different parts of the island (i.e., noticing when and how their emotions change).
Group therapy
Helps add a balanced structure to communication and peer interactions, which decreases anxiety for kids while still promoting teamwork and communication.
For example, creating a world with group members and a together being presented with “a problem” they need to work together to solve.
Family therapy
Because LEGOs are often beloved across generations, and even include models aimed for adults, LEGOs can be an excellent way to incorporate play in a manner that is inviting and comfortable for all family members.
Especially beneficial for exploring communication styles. For instance, one family member sits back-to-back with another and acts as the describer, building a small structure and giving instructions. The follower replicates the structure based solely on these directions, without seeing what the describer is doing.
The activity highlights strengths and challenges in communication, following directions, and perspective taking, all in an enjoyable and engaging way that is accessible to children.
LEGOs are an excellent tool for integrating a collaborative and creative approach to supporting children and families’ treatment goals. It helps kids have a greater sense of autonomy in their therapy process and provides opportunities for kids to engage in self-reflection in a manner that is often seen as less intimidating. I continue to be amazed at the creative ways my clients use LEGOs to process their narrative or current challenges and am grateful to be a small part of that journey.
So, the next time you painfully step on one of those sharp-edged bricks that didn’t get picked up at home, think of the ways LEGOs can be used therapeutically and maybe it will hurt just a little less.
In all seriousness though, LEGOs can be an exceptional way to connect with kids, both in therapy and at home. They offer a way to play and create that is away from screens and not constrained by cold weather. If your child already enjoys LEGOs, consider joining them to see what kind of world you can create together.
This image is an example using LEGOs to make an emotion island, as well as processing where and when they feel “stuck” in an emotion.(This is not an actual client example).
Written by Paul Witmer, Co-Director of PrairieFire
“Sometimes the best map will not guide you
You can’t see what’s ’round the bend
Sometimes the road leads through dark places
Sometimes the darkness is your friend”
Bruce Cockburn, Pacing the Cage
As we make our way through these darkened days of the Winter Solstice, I find myself contemplating anew the Dark Night of the Soul. In addition to being a spiritual classic in the Christian contemplative tradition, written by St. John of the Cross, it can also describe a part of the spiritual journey for modern mystics. So, I thought I’d share some thoughts about the Dark Night, and how Spiritual Direction can be a great tool for navigating what many have experienced as desolation, desperation and the perceived abandonment of God.
First, some clarifying remarks about the Dark Night of the Soul, and what we understand in modern psychology as Clinical Depression. They are not the same. We sometimes throw around the phrase “Dark Night of the Soul” to describe a period of depression or long bouts of melancholy. It can be both, but it’s important to recognize that the spiritual journey that includes a sojourn through the Dark Night is not the same experience as clinical depression. A Spiritual Director with good training and awareness can help distinguish the difference, and hopefully refer you for mental health counseling, treatment and the proper care of a physician if indeed it is clinical depression you are experiencing. AND, that same Spiritual Director, with awareness and compassion, may sense that the Dark Night you are navigating is more of a spiritual experience to be explored, rather than a mental health condition to be medicated or otherwise treated.
It’s also important to recognize that therapeutic counseling and treatment can work in tandem with Spiritual Direction. These are good conversations for you to be having with all the providers involved in your care.
So, what is the Dark Night of the Soul in the spiritual tradition? Great mystics in the Christian Contemplative tradition have explored darkness in the spiritual journey. In particular, the Spanish Mystics, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avilla (15th century contemporaries and Spiritual Directors) are known for their work with what they called la noche oscura. Gerald May, M.D. has a great work, The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth. (2004, HarperCollins). Here’s May on that very connection:
When we speak of darkness today, we are often referring to something sinister, as in “powers of darkness” or the “Dark side.” As I’ve said before, this is not what Teresa and John mean when they used the Spanish word for dark, oscura. For them, it simply means “obscure.” In the same way that things are difficult to see at night, the deepest relationship between God and person Is hidden from our conscious awareness.
In speaking of la noche oscura, the dark night of the soul, John is addressing something mysterious and unknown, but by no means sinister or evil. It is instead profoundly sacred and precious beyond all imagining. John says the dark night of the soul is “happy,” “glad,” “guiding,” and full of “absolute grace.” It is the secret way in which God not only liberates us from our attachments and idolatries, but also brings us to the realization of our true nature. The night is the means by which we find our heart’s desire, our freedom for love. (May, p. 67)
The work of Spiritual Direction is an invitation to go deeper, and with the Dark Night, the invitation is to go deeper into darkness—not sinister or evil, but obscure, unknown, unseen—and I might add unfelt. I doubt Bruce Cockburn is singing about the spiritual experience of the dark night, but his words sure ring true for me: “Sometimes the best map will not guide you/ You can’t see what’s ’round the bend.” Where the best maps might fail you, a companion who’s been on the path before can be a life-saving presence and guide. And, to take this particular metaphor one step further, we might say that a Spiritual Director can share the tools of your tradition that can serve as a compass. So, map or no map, you might never lose contact with True North. (Though sometimes, even the sense of True North can be fleeting in the darkness.)
This path of obscurity can be a place of great learning and insight. It’s also no damn fun at all. Just in case I’ve romanticized the idea too much, this is important to name. It can be a place of desolation, desperation and abandonment. But it is often at the end of our rope that we find the capacity for deep trust and a willingness to let go into the goodness of God. It may be that the rope we’ve been clinging on to so desperately is nothing more than half truths and idols—things that are not God. Thus, May describes this process as one of moving into freedom.
My own journey has included serious struggles with clinical depression that were appropriately treated with counseling and medication, for which I’m grateful. And, there were literal long nights of insomnia and fitful solitude that were calling me into a place of deep spiritual exploration, so Spiritual Direction was a lifeline that helped me navigate the unknown path ahead for me. I remember leaning heavily into the companionship of the Psalmists who I felt had walked this desolate road before me. “Tears have been my bread all night long,” (Ps. 42) and “In the night, my heart also instructs me.” (Ps. 16)
Somewhere along the way of obscurity was the painful but necessary realization that my ideas about God, and even my deeply felt experiences of God were not God. This is a hard place to be and not a good place to be alone. So, the gift of Spiritual Direction and a companion by my side was the supportive presence that made possible my growth into freedom. Sometimes the road leads through dark places/Sometimes the darkness is your friend” And sometimes, a friend of a friend can hold your hand along the way.
Paul Witmer, Co-Director of PrairieFire, is ordained in the United Church of Christ. Paul has served as a pastor for more than 30 years in rural and suburban settings, including a new church start in the 90s here in Iowa. He has extensive experience teaching contemplative practices, leading retreats, and working with folks in twelve-step recovery.
A trained Spiritual Director, Paul also works with many in developing deep listening skills and growing on the spiritual journey, which has included many years of teaching and leading with the PrairieFire program. As an artist and musician, Paul is especially drawn to the arts as creative expression and experience of the Divine.
Paul currently serves as the lead pastor for Women at the Well, a prison congregation of the United Methodist Church at the Iowa women’s prison in Mitchellville, Iowa. Paul is a graduate of Southwestern University (Georgetown, TX) and Eden Seminary (St. Louis, MO). He resides with his wife in Urbandale, and between them they have five grown children and four grandchildren.
Written by Doug Aupperle, Licensed Psychologist & Health Service Provider in Psychology
The holidays can be filled with joy, wonder, fun, and excitement, but for some children, it can also bring stress and anxiety with changes in routines, high expectations, decreased sleep and healthy eating, and sensory overload. Some signs that children may be struggling include:
increased irritability or tantrums
increased clinginess
homesickness (if away from home)
isolating themselves or spending more time alone during gatherings, and/or frequently asking to go home
reduced excitement about and pleasure in things they usually enjoy
However, there are things parents and caregivers can do to help buffer against these adverse impacts for children. Kate Paradis of Boston Children’s Hospital and Brenna Drury of Alexander Youth Network offer these helpful tips:
Maintain Routines as Much as Possible:
Most children thrive on and find security in routines, and disruption of those can lead to increased anxiety and stress. Try to still follow regular meal times, bedtime routines, and daily rituals. Consistency helps children feel more secure and less anxious during the holidays.
Keep Open Communication About Changes:
Of course, some changes in schedules and plans are unavoidable during the holidays. When changes do occur, try to give children advance notice and talk about them openly and in specific detail. Invite children to express their feelings and concerns about those changes, and offer empathy regarding those feelings, too. Being heard helps them to feel affirmed and begins to diffuse their anxiety. If the child continues to feel uncomfortable or anxious about new or different plans and activities, don’t force them to participate, as this will only likely escalate emotions and behaviors. Instead, give them space and time to manage their emotions from the sidelines and then re-engage when and to the degree they are ready and able to tolerate.
Manage Expectations:
The holidays inevitably come with expectations, and it is important to help children manage them realistically. Discuss creating realistic expectations, and emphasize the more important and positive values of the holidays, too. Examples include focusing on the holiday spirit of giving, as well as the value of sharing time together, rather than just focusing on the material side of the holidays. Encouraging volunteering and service during the holidays also reinforces values of generosity and community engagement. There is also evidence that engaging in service to others also helps to improve mood, anxiety levels, and a general sense of well-being for those serving and helping others.
Establish Safe/Quiet Spaces:
The holidays often bring a flurry (or blizzard) of activities and social gatherings, which can be overstimulating and overwhelming for some children. Create a designated safe, quiet location with soothing, comforting materials available where children can take a break when feeling stress and/or sensory overload. This might be a quiet room or corner of a room explicitly designated for this purpose. Bundling up and spending some quiet time on walks in nature helps with re-grounding and reducing stress and anxiety, too. In fact, just a little exposure to cold air is also grounding in and of itself.
Maintain Balanced & Healthy Eating:
The increased abundance of sweet and calorie-rich food can become a major focus during the holidays. As a result, it can be easy and tempting for children and families to fall away from their healthier eating habits, but what you eat does truly affect how you feel. Be mindful of what your family is eating. If possible, bring along healthy snacks when running holiday errands and traveling. Limit the sweets and rich foods as special treats when you’re at social gatherings and special events, and moderate how much they are consumed on these occasions, too.
Foster Self-Care:
Parents and caregivers are also not immune to stress during the holidays, so how well they tend to their own self-care to help manage that in turn affects how well they can support their children coping. It also allows them to model and demonstrate self-care and adaptive coping for their children to follow. Examples of basic self-care include physical activity, healthy eating, mindfulness activities, getting adequate sleep and rest, and taking breaks.
If you’re looking for a unique way to make a difference, donating stock could be a great option. With the stock market performing well, many investors are seeing significant gains. Rather than cashing out, you might consider donating some of those appreciated stocks directly to a nonprofit like Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Here’s why this could be a smart choice.
Why Donate Stock?
Stock donations are not only a financially savvy way to support the causes you care about but also a highly impactful one. Here are some of the unique benefits to consider:
Avoid Capital Gains Tax When you sell stock, you typically owe capital gains tax on any increase in value. By donating the stock directly, you avoid this tax, allowing you to contribute a larger amount to the nonprofit—tax-free. For instance, if your stock has doubled in value, you won’t owe tax on that gain, which means your gift’s value is maximized.
Receive a Fair Market Deduction Stock donations also allow you to deduct the full fair market value of the stock on the day of the donation. This can offset your income tax for the year, further enhancing the tax efficiency of your gift.
Strengthen Your Impact With the market’s recent strength, many investors are in a position to give generously. This means your donation could have an even greater impact than a cash gift, as you’re able to contribute a more significant amount without it costing you any extra out-of-pocket.
When we receive stock donations, it allows for larger contributions that help us create a stronger impact in the community. Because these gifts often have higher values due to tax benefits, they empower us to fund vital programs and plan for the future with greater confidence.
Donating Stock is Easier Than You Might Think
If this sounds like a meaningful way to give, rest assured that donating stock is often a simple process as outlined in the below image from a reputable source. By choosing to donate stock, you’re supporting our mission in an impactful way while also making the most of recent gains in the market.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to give stock, reach out to Heather Stuyvesant or call 515-564-5122. We’d love to help you make the most of your generosity as we wrap up on 2024.
A heartfelt letter written by our 2024 Women Helping Women Honoree and Author, Carol Bodensteiner. We’re grateful Carol chose Mind & Spirit Counseling Center as part of her journey.
Dear Friends,
If you’re anything like me, you believe that you should be able to handle whatever life throws your way. We all know there will be bumps in the road, but even when we stumble, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and start again.
This mindset comes naturally to me. From my English heritage, I inherited the traits of a ‘stiff upper lip’ and the determination to ‘keep calm and carry on.’ From my German roots, I acquired the ability to work hard and solve my own problems. These values have served me well throughout my life—through a successful career, raising a son, and navigating the ups and downs of marriage and divorce. No challenge seemed insurmountable if I just kept moving forward.
But life has a way of testing us, sometimes beyond our limits.
When my mother passed away in August 2007, it was a shock, but at 91, her death felt natural. However, less than nine months later, my sister died by suicide, and I was knocked off balance. Within the next 18 months, I lost two close cousins and my aunt. My marriage also hit a rough patch. The weight of so much loss in such a short time, coupled with the strain on my marriage, shook me to my core. I began to question everything—my faith, my values, and even my own identity.
Despite it all, I believed I could still manage on my own. I thought if I just put one foot in front of the other, I could keep going. But I wasn’t okay. When my husband suffered a serious injury, I realized I couldn’t take it anymore. Life had become overwhelming, and I was at my breaking point.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, I confided in a friend, who recommended the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Although I had known about the Center for years, counseling had never been my first choice. It wasn’t the way I was raised. But I had nothing left, and I knew it was time to seek help.
From the moment I walked through the doors of the Center, I was met with compassion and understanding. My counselor was soft-spoken and caring, guiding me through my present-day struggles while helping me unpack the deeper issues from my past. Week after week, session after session, she provided a safe space for me to cry, reflect, and heal.
As a writer, I process my emotions through words, and I brought that into my counseling sessions. With a notebook on my lap and pen in hand, I recorded my thoughts, even as tears blurred the ink. My counselor’s gentle questions helped me examine my own experiences and provided me with the perspective I desperately needed. Over time, I began to find my footing again.
I am deeply grateful to the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center for being my safe haven during the darkest time of my life. Their talented counselors provide a lifeline to so many who, like me, reach a point where we can’t go it alone, no matter how strong or independent we believe ourselves to be.
As the year comes to a close, I invite you to join me in supporting the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Your generous donation will ensure that this beacon of hope continues to shine for those who need it most. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of others who find themselves at a crossroads, searching for the strength to carry on.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Carol Bodensteiner is a public relations professional with over two decades of experience in the marketing industry. After leaving agency life, Carol embarked on a successful writing career, authoring several books, including a memoir and novels depicting life in Iowa. A long-time supporter of the Center, she has served on the Women Helping Women committee for several years, including as a co-chair. Carol is passionate about helping others succeed through initiatives supporting literacy and language by serving as an adult ELL teacher for Oakridge Neighborhood and reading to children through the United Way Book Buddy Program. In her free time, she participates in two book clubs and savors time on her acreage with her husband, David, and with her son’s family, who visit often.
Written by Andrea Severson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Spiritual Director
A little more than a decade ago, I was a young pastor with two congregations, a husband and two small children. My churches and my family were all wonderful, but I struggled with finding balance and finding myself in the midst of my roles and responsibilities. I began PrairieFire desperately seeking to revitalize my spiritual life and to find some peace and clarity. I hoped it would provide a sense of contentment and confidence that would enable me to be the pastor (and wife and mom) that I thought I was supposed to be. I didn’t anticipate just how it would turn my life upside down!
Within a year of beginning PrairieFire, I’d applied to Drake’s counseling program; I began taking classes part-time in the summer. Two years later, I graduated from PrairieFire in the midst of saying goodbye to the churches I served and moving to begin as a very part-time chaplain and a full-time student. (I took the husband and children with me!) Three years later, I completed the PrairieFire third year practicum in spiritual direction and began interning as a mental health counselor at what was then the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center (now Mind & Spirit Counseling Center). Four years later, I graduated from Drake and began working as a clinician and spiritual director at the Center.
All of these changes in my life unfolded through a process of growth that invited me to see God, myself and my vocational calling in new ways. Rather than finally becoming the person I thought I was supposed to be, I leaned in to loving and living more fully as the person I actually was. I began to consider the ways that my passions and my heart’s deepest longings might reflect God’s desires for me. Call became less about obligation and more about invitation.
It would be impossible to identify every person and experience that nurtured this growth, but I will name two distinct moments that served as turning points along the way. The first is a listening exercise we were asked to do early in my second year of PrairieFire. As I was sharing with my partner about a change I was exploring, Mary Jo asked me a simple question: “What do you want?” I was startled to discover how unprepared I was to answer the question! While I had given a lot of consideration to what other people—and God—might want or need or expect, it hadn’t occurred to me to think about my own experience. As I was finding my way, that question encouraged to see myself as a person worth considering too. The second moment that stands out is a conversation I had with my spiritual director several months later as I was discerning next steps vocationally. She asked a clarifying question about a particular possibility, and my candid response expressed a sense of unfreedom so strong that I shocked myself! My spiritual director sat with me in silence that allowed me to hear the truth my heart was speaking. I left that session with a great deal more clarity than I had when it began.
We live lives that often feel rushed, distracted, overly busy and anxious. We tend towards quick fixes that provide some instant relief or gratification rather than allowing ourselves (or others) to slow down and to be in the discomfort of stillness, uncertainty and ambiguity. I still find that the quiet truth of my spirit, the call of the Divine in my life, can get lost in the clamor of voices in the world around me. This is why spiritual community and spiritual direction matter to me. I don’t generally need advice or validation, though that doesn’t stop me for seeking both at times. What I need is someone who will invite me to notice the sacredness of time and space, who will be present with patience and compassion to welcome the most true and honest version of myself, who will listen deeply for the wisdom within, and who will trust the unfolding of my path, even when I don’t. I am truly grateful for those who have—and do—come alongside me to meet these needs.
I hope that you have trusted people in your life who are present with you to listen for the truth your heart speaks. If you are looking to deepen your own sense of community and connection with deep listeners, you might consider finding a spiritual director or learning more about PrairieFire. (Our next class will begin in September 2025.) Keep in mind that there are no guarantees about what you might discover along the way… it might just turn your life upside down!
Andrea Severson, (she/her), Co-Director of PrairieFire, is a spiritual director and Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center and an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. Her degrees include a Master of Science in counseling from Drake University and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She is a member of Spiritual Directors International and graduate of the PrairieFire program. Andrea is grateful for opportunities to hear the unique stories of others, to explore intersections between mind, body and spirit and to bear witness to the work of the Sacred through her work in spiritual direction and counseling. In her practice, she works with adults from a variety of backgrounds and faith traditions. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys reading historical fiction, listening to live music and camping with her family.
Iowa faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, ranking 45th in the nation for workforce availability, according to Mental Health America’s 2023 report. Nearly half of Iowans with mental health needs report challenges accessing care, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has noted a staggering 40% rise in suicides in Iowa between 2014 and 2020, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive mental health services. In response, initiatives that bolster the mental health workforce are essential and we task ourselves into nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals.
The Mind & Spirit Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Program
Since 1980, the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges through its Clinical Training Program. This multi-tiered initiative is designed to equip aspiring mental health professionals with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the field. The program consists of three key components:
1. Graduate Internship
The Graduate Internship offers a nine-month, 20-25 hour per week opportunity for graduate students pursuing careers in psychology, social work, and counseling. Under the mentorship of experienced clinicians, interns provide direct services to clients, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. This approach not only enriches their education but also helps meet the growing demand for mental health services in Iowa.
2. Clinical Residency
The Clinical Residency is a two-year full-time program designed for provisionally licensed clinicians. Residents receive ongoing supervision while managing a caseload of clients. They are encouraged to specialize in high-demand areas such as trauma, family therapy, and perinatal mental health, ensuring they are well-prepared to address diverse community needs.
3. Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Postdoctoral Fellowship prepares psychologists for independent licensure through supervised clinical activities and training rotations. This experience is crucial for developing the competencies necessary to navigate the complexities of modern mental health care.
Insights from Dr. Scott Young
Dr. Scott Young, Director of Psychological Services, has been instrumental in developing these training programs for pre-and-postdoctoral students. His motivation stems from his own experiences during his Ph.D. program when he found limited internship opportunities in Iowa. “At that time, there were only two VA hospital sites and two University Counseling Centers,” he reflects. “I had to go out of state to find a generalist internship that included sensitivity to religious and spiritual issues in practice.”
Dr. Young emphasizes the importance of local training opportunities, noting, “Where a trainee goes for their internship can significantly influence their decision to stay in the area. Iowa really needs psychologists.” His vision for the training programs focuses on providing comprehensive, well-rounded training to increase the number of qualified mental health professionals in the state.
Insights from Dr. Heidi Bowden
Dr. Heidi Bowden, the Center’s Clinical Training Director, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Inspired by her challenging work with clients, particularly in a jail setting, she has dedicated herself to helping individuals one at a time. “I made a promise to myself to ‘work myself out of a job’ by helping others through each intervention,” she shares. This commitment fuels her drive to train novice professionals who will eventually join her as colleagues.
Dr. Bowden aims to broaden the reach of the training program by partnering with various master’s-level schools across Iowa, fostering a diverse cohort of interns. “By expanding our classes to include participation from providers outside our agency, we can enhance the training experience,” she explains. She also recognizes the critical role of clinical supervisors in guiding interns, advocating for improved training and support for them to create a positive learning environment.
Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Future
Both Dr. Young and Dr. Bowden express enthusiasm for the next cohort of interns. Dr. Bowden notes, “Emma’s eagerness and enthusiasm to learn everything about counseling and therapy truly energizes our team.” She is excited to see how Emma’s unique gifts will contribute to the organization and her future clients.
Dr. Young shares similar sentiments about Mark and Sierra, stating, “They both have clear visions for their future practices but are open to becoming well-rounded generalists.” He expresses his hope that by investing in their training, they may choose to stay in Iowa and continue serving the community. “I’m eager to help them develop into the skilled professionals we need,” he adds, underscoring the importance of nurturing future psychologists to address Iowa’s mental health needs.
Meet the Students: Future Leaders in Mental Health
As part of the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Program, we are thrilled to introduce this year’s student clinicians. Each person is enthusiastic about their training experiences and the opportunities that lie ahead in their careers as mental health professionals. Hear what they have to say about their experiences at the Center so far!
Emma Mraz
Emma Mraz is particularly excited about the continuous learning opportunities provided by the training program. She values the seminars that foster her curiosity and professional growth, stating, “This learning will be beneficial because it allows us to gain information on how to better serve our clients.” Emma appreciates the supportive environment, noting that the clinicians she works with genuinely care about her development both as a person and a professional.
“The clinicians that I work closely with have held space for me to explore who I am becoming as a mental health counselor,” Emma shares. This sense of community has been invaluable to her, and she feels grateful for the chance to develop her skills in such a nurturing setting.
Emma hopes to gain several key skills during her training, including ways to show up as her authentic self for clients, effective case conceptualization, achieving a work-life balance, and tools to help both her and her clients remain present during sessions.
Sierra Lauber
Sierra Lauber is genuinely excited to be joining the Center’s clinical team and has been truly touched by the warmth and kindness shown to her by everyone. The welcoming atmosphere has already made a positive impact on her experience as she looks forward to her postdoctoral training. She is especially eager to continue her work supporting children and families through therapy and assessment. Additionally, Sierra feels encouraged by the support she has received for expanding the group therapy services offered at the Center and remains hopeful about this opportunity.
Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas is excited about the opportunities provided by the training program, particularly the integrated care aspect. He looks forward to engaging in both assessment and therapy, while working alongside various clinicians in the field. This experience, he believes, will contribute significantly to his development as a more well-rounded psychologist, equipping him to meet the diverse needs of future clients.
Mark also values the mentorship and support offered by the program’s staff. Each mentor brings a unique perspective, allowing him to grow in areas of practice where he seeks further development. He appreciates the personable nature of the clinicians he has worked with so far, which has enhanced his learning experience.
One of Mark’s key goals is to broaden his knowledge in conducting assessments, particularly in the area of autism. With guidance of the Center, he hopes to gain more practical experience in evaluating clients with autism, a skill set he believes will be vital in his future career as a mental health professional.
Conclusion
The Mind & Spirit Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Program plays an important role in addressing Iowa’s mental health crisis. By nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals, the program enhances the quality of care available while strengthening the overall workforce. As Iowa continues to navigate significant challenges in mental health service availability, initiatives like this are essential for ensuring that all Iowans have access to the care they need. With passionate leaders like Dr. Young and Dr. Bowden at the helm, the future looks bright for aspiring counselors and psychologists, and the communities they will serve.
If you’re interested in supporting our Clinical Training Program, which is dedicated to strengthening the mental health workforce in Iowa, we invite you to reach out to Director of Development, Heather Stuyvesant. She would be happy to discuss how you can contribute a gift and get involved in making a meaningful impacttoday.
Written by Danielle Foreman, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
As the school year continues and kids and teens are busy participating in a variety of life activities and sports, it can be a challenge to find quality time together to stay connected. Luckily parents and caregivers have the ability to reaffirm and strengthen the connection and bond with their children using praise and simply validating their child’s experiences and feelings. These small moments of recognition tap into the power of being seen, where children feel valued and understood. While these moments of connection can be very powerful, they often don’t have to be complicated.
Below are some examples of ways you can connect, validate, praise and encourage your children and teens:
“You have improved since your last game”
“You organized the toys in your room so well while you were tidying up”
“That was really thoughtful of you”
“You look really proud of yourself”
“Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I love hearing from you”
“I love spending time with you”
“I know that you did your best”
“That was really brave what you did”
“This family would not be the same without you”
“You were such a kind and caring friend when you…”
“I see how much effort you put into (your homework, practice, performance, friendship, etc.)”
“I admire your confidence”
“You set such a good example for others by being a team player”
“You are so resilient and didn’t let that (challenge, mistake, situation, etc.) stop you”
“Your passion about _____ amazes me”
“Thank you for being you”
“You solved that problem! It was tricky but you found a way”
“I love watching you do things that you enjoy”
Even taking a few minutes a day to connect with your child and teen can help them feel seen and reinforce the love and safety you provide as a caregiver and parent, which in turn can help decrease the sense of isolation and disconnection that so many are struggling with today.
A kind and encouraging word can make all the difference in any person’s day and I hope that the examples provided will inspire you to incorporate the power of being seen by briefly connecting and encouraging your children, teens, and anyone else that you might be around today.
