- Calm direct listener
- Goal oriented
- Mindful methods
About Barbara
Barbara "Barb" Kroening welcomes people who are feeling stuck, stressed, or worn down by life. She presents herself as a steady, honest listener who offers a calm place to talk things through. Barb is a LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker - based in Iowa and brings twelve years of experience to her work.
Barb focuses on practical help for everyday problems. She helps people facing anxiety, depression, grief, and burnout. She also supports those wrestling with parenting challenges, relationship and intimacy concerns, addiction, ADHD, and career stress. Sessions aim to clarify what matters most and identify small, doable steps forward.
Her style centers on meeting people where they are and using that as a starting point. She draws on client-centered methods, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution-focused ideas, and trauma-focused work to tailor sessions to each person. Conversations tend to be direct, respectful, and goal-oriented while keeping room for reflection and emotion.
Barb has experience working with people affected by trauma, substance issues, anger, immigration-related matters, and caregiving stress. She mentions working with hospice and end-of-life concerns as well as first responder stress and compassion fatigue. This background informs how she listens and plans practical next steps.
People who choose Barb usually want straightforward help with coping and change. She asks clients to set clear goals and works collaboratively on strategies that fit daily life. To start, prospective clients follow the site process to match and schedule a first appointment.
How her approaches translate to online care
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person's goals, then building sessions around what matters most. This approach helps people who need a straightforward listener and practical problem solving. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple ways to notice thoughts and feelings without getting swept away, which can reduce stress and improve sleep and mood. Motivational interviewing is a conversational style that helps people find their own reasons to change; it is useful for addictions, career shifts, and improving habits.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will ask about goals and preferences and will try different techniques to see what fits. That collaborative process helps tailor sessions to each person's needs and life responsibilities.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce time spent traveling, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people use mindfulness exercises and solution-focused plans at home and then discuss how those tools worked in day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Barb help address?
She works with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, addiction, parenting challenges, relationship and intimacy issues, ADHD, stress, and career concerns.
How would you describe Barb's therapy style?
Her approach is practical and person-focused. She uses client-centered listening combined with mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution-focused, and trauma-focused ideas to match each person's needs.
What is Barb's professional background?
Barb has twelve years of experience working in clinical settings and with communities affected by immigration and caregiving stress. That experience shapes her approach to trauma, substance concerns, and grief.
What credentials and region should I know about?
She holds an LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker - credential and practices in Iowa.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify which session formats are used.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Barb?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.