Kara Cordes
Understand what’s shaping your life
You may know that something needs to change without being sure where to begin. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, a major life transition, or concerns at school or home.
I work with people across different stages of life who want to better understand themselves, develop useful coping skills, and find healthier ways to respond to what they’re experiencing. My role is to meet you where you are and walk alongside you as you move forward.
What it's like working together
During our first few sessions, I’ll follow your lead as we get to know one another. We’ll decide on a pace that feels comfortable and spend time building the trust needed for you to explore your experiences openly.
My approach is person-centered, which means your needs and goals guide our work. Depending on what feels right for you, our sessions may include traditional conversation, creative activities, or art as different ways to explore what you’re thinking and feeling.
Together, we’ll look at how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors shape your everyday experiences. I’ll help you build greater awareness, practice new ways of responding, and work toward changes that feel meaningful to you.
Areas of focus
I support clients navigating school or behavioral concerns, major life transitions, anxiety, depression, and other life stressors. I also have experience working with childhood trauma, ADHD, and autism.
I offer individual counseling and psychological testing.
Background and training
I am a T-LMHC with two years of experience working in mental health. I earned bachelor’s degrees in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing and Psychology from the University of Iowa. I also hold a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa.
My work draws from person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Adlerian, and play-based approaches. I have always been interested in the brain and the ways it shapes every part of our lives. Over time, that interest developed into a passion for sitting with people and supporting them through different stages of life.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, thrifting, expressive arts, movies, and dogs.
Accepting new clients · In-person and telehealth appointments