Christine Topping , LMFT

Christine Topping is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in Iowa with eight years of experience supporting couples, families, and individuals across the lifespan. As an LMFT - a license that reflects specialized training in family systems and relationship work - she brings a systems-oriented perspective to concerns that affect both relationships and individual well-being.

Her practice has addressed a broad range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, parenting challenges, life stressors, grief and loss, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She has worked with divorced partners on co-parenting arrangements and has completed training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to better support caregivers and young children.

Christine’s therapeutic stance is nonjudgmental, respectful, and compassionate. She tailors her approach to each person or family, meeting clients where they are and aligning work with their goals and circumstances. Change is viewed as possible through a combination of empathetic support and thoughtful challenge, and she partners with clients as they take steps toward more fulfilling relationships and daily functioning.

Integrating Evidence-Based Approaches with Online Care

Christine draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and the Gottman Method to tailor work to each client's needs. ACT focuses on helping people clarify their values, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take committed action toward a meaningful life - it is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. DBT teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and strengthening interpersonal effectiveness - it can be useful when impulsivity or strong emotion make relationships and daily functioning difficult. The Gottman Method is a research-informed approach for couples that emphasizes clearer communication, problem-solving, and rebuilding connection and trust.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Christine works with clients to assess concerns, goals, and preferences, then adjusts techniques and interventions to match what will be most helpful. That teamwork helps ensure therapy remains relevant and responsive as needs evolve.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging allow clients to schedule support around work, family, and other commitments. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care from home or other convenient locations, while enabling licensed professionals to apply the same therapeutic approaches used in traditional settings.