- Client-centered care
- Solution-focused steps
- Mindfulness tools
About Barbara
Barbara "Barb" Kroening is an Iowa LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker with 12 years of experience. She works with adults facing life transitions and practical problems such as grief, trauma, parenting stress, addiction, anxiety, depression, and questions about life purpose. Barb speaks English and aims to help people who feel stuck after changes in work, relationships, or health.
Barb focuses on straightforward conversation and clear goals. She listens for what matters most and uses that to guide sessions. People can expect direct questions, reflective listening, and encouragement to try small steps between meetings.
Her background includes long-term work with trauma, substance use, anger, relationship struggles, and grief. She has professional experience with immigration-related concerns and with caregivers and first responders. That practical history shapes how she approaches stress and life changes.
Barb draws on client-centered and solution-focused methods. She also uses mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing to support decision-making and behavior change. Trauma-focused approaches inform work with people who have past abuse or ongoing trauma symptoms.
Sessions typically address immediate problems and build skills for everyday life. Topics often include coping with mood changes, improving sleep, managing anger, navigating blended-family challenges, and exploring career or purpose questions. The emphasis is on achievable steps and clearer priorities rather than abstract theory.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Barb uses client-centered therapy to focus on the person's perspective and priorities. That means the therapist listens closely, reflects what she hears, and follows the client's pace to set goals and next steps. Client-centered work helps with decisions about relationships, parenting, and life purpose.She also uses solution-focused therapy, which concentrates on practical, short-term strategies. This approach looks at what is already working and builds small, achievable steps to change routines, sleep, or coping with stress. Motivational interviewing supports readiness for change by clarifying values and resolving mixed feelings about taking action.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Barb will talk with the client about goals and preferences and recommend which methods to try first. That collaborative process can be adjusted over time as needs change.
Confirm current session formats before booking because the biography does not list specific options. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy day, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. These practical benefits help people try consistent steps toward clearer priorities and better day-to-day coping.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with adults on issues such as grief, trauma, parenting stress, addiction, anxiety, depression, career questions, and life purpose.
How does she approach someone feeling stuck?
She uses client-centered conversation plus solution-focused steps and motivational interviewing to clarify goals and try small, practical changes.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of experience working with people on trauma, substance use, anger, relationships, and grief.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an Iowa LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker based in Iowa.
Does she work in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.