Barbara "Barb" KroeningLISW

Barbara "Barb" Kroening is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) based in Iowa. She approaches help as a normal and brave step when life gets hard. Barb aims to create an honest, nonjudgmental space where people can share their concerns and begin to work toward change.

Barb focuses on practical, person-centered work. She listens first and offers gentle encouragement to help people reach their own goals. Common concerns she addresses include grief, trauma and abuse, parenting strain, anxiety, depression, stress, and addiction-related challenges.

Her background includes 12 years of experience in social work and practice with people facing substance use, anger, relationship struggles, and loss. She has also worked closely with immigration-affected communities in professional and personal roles. Barb uses plain language and straightforward strategies during sessions so people understand next steps.

Therapeutic approaches she draws on include Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. That mix lets her tailor sessions to what a person needs most, whether that means building coping skills, working through past hurts, or setting short-term, achievable goals.

People considering support are invited to describe their situation clearly and decide together what feels most useful. Barb aims to help people find manageable ways to cope, repair relationships, and move forward after difficult life events.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the person's lead, helping people feel heard and understood while they set their own pace. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce overwhelm and manage anxiety or stress symptoms. Motivational Interviewing is a practical, conversational method that helps clarify goals and strengthen motivation for change.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist collaborates with each person to see which methods fit their goals and preferences. That means trying ideas, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan together as progress or obstacles appear.

Please confirm current session options before booking since specific formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, for example by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins during a break, or avoiding the need to be on camera for every meeting. Licensed professionals can use the therapeutic tools above in remote sessions to teach coping skills, process difficult experiences, and set small, practical goals that carry into daily life.