Katherine (Katie) Strub , LMHC

Katherine (Katie) Strub is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Iowa with 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families through a wide range of concerns. She works with trauma from many sources - including abuse, neglect, domestic violence, first responder experiences, and grief and loss - as well as depression, anxiety, relationship and family-of-origin issues, identity and LGBTQ+ concerns, addictions, parenting and caregiving stress, mood disorders such as bipolar, ADHD, and challenges with intimacy, self-esteem, and anger. Katherine brings particular attention to attachment and abandonment issues, adoption and foster care dynamics, blended family challenges, codependency, and the effects of dissociation and domestic violence.

Katherine is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a trauma-focused therapy, and integrates other methods to suit each person's needs. She employs client-centered principles, cognitive tools, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing techniques, relaxation and stress management strategies, and strength-based or solution-focused elements when they fit the work. She does not take a one-size-fits-all stance and adapts her approach to each client's history and goals.

She emphasizes collaboration in the therapy process, describing the client as the one who directs their path while she offers guidance and support along the way; she uses a bowling metaphor to illustrate this dynamic - the client chooses how to bowl while she provides the bumpers to help keep progress on track. Colleagues and clients frequently note that Katherine is 'real' and intentionally honest in her interactions, and she welcomes the opportunity to get to know new clients and support their growth.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Katherine

Katherine blends several evidence-informed approaches to tailor work to each person. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and the client's own goals so people feel heard and empowered to make changes; it is useful for exploring identity, relationships, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical skills and is often applied to anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method that helps process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity, making it helpful for people coping with past traumatic events.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Katherine collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time so therapy remains aligned with what the client wants to accomplish.

Online therapy with Katherine is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, or caregiving responsibilities, and allow people to engage in care from the location that works best for them while still working with licensed professionals and therapists who can guide the process.