- Guilt and shame
- Mindfulness methods
- Solution-focused work
About Barbara
Barbara "Barb" Kroening is an Iowa-licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISW) with 12 years of experience. She works with adults facing grief, trauma and abuse, parenting stress, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, anxiety, depression, and issues around guilt and shame. Barb also addresses addiction, ADHD, anger, sleep problems, and life changes that come with caregiving or blended families.
Barb uses straightforward conversation to help people untangle difficult emotions. Sessions focus on what matters now - symptoms, triggers, and practical steps that can reduce daily strain. She listens for what someone values and then helps them try small, concrete changes that fit their life.
Her approach draws on client-centered techniques that keep the person's priorities central, along with mindfulness methods to increase present-moment awareness. She also uses motivational interviewing to support readiness for change, and solution-focused and trauma-informed methods when the situation calls for them. These tools are used to address problems like shame, forgiveness, or repeated patterns in relationships.
Barb has experience supporting people affected by immigration issues and first responder stress, and she has worked with people facing hospice and end-of-life concerns. She is comfortable talking about attachment and family dynamics, codependency, and the stresses of caregiving.
People who choose Barb can expect direct questions, clear options, and practical follow-up between conversations. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session to see how the work might proceed.
How her approaches translate to online work
Barb commonly uses client-centered methods and mindfulness in her sessions. Client-centered work means conversations focus on the person’s goals and values; the therapist follows the client’s lead and helps clarify what matters most. Mindfulness methods teach simple ways to notice thoughts, sensations, and feelings so they cause less automatic reactivity, which can help with shame, anxiety, and sleep problems.She also brings motivational interviewing into sessions to support people who are unsure about change. That approach uses open questions and reflective listening to explore readiness and small next steps. Together these methods help people set practical, achievable goals and try out new behaviors between meetings.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Barb will talk with the client about goals, past experiences, and preferences and then suggest which methods to try first. She will adjust the plan as the work unfolds so it fits the person’s needs and pace.
Session formats should be confirmed before booking so you know what is offered. Please check current options when you sign up. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Those practical benefits can make it simpler to keep consistent appointments and practice changes in everyday life.
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 kinds of concerns does she help with?
Barb works with grief, trauma and abuse, parenting stress, relationships, anxiety, depression, and guilt and shame among other issues.
How would she approach feelings of shame or guilt?
She uses client-centered conversation and mindfulness to notice those feelings, and solution-focused or trauma-informed techniques to identify practical steps forward.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of experience as a clinician working with substance issues, trauma, grief, parenting concerns, and related areas.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISW) licensed in Iowa.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats Barb is offering at the time you schedule.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.