My name is Lauren Welter, and I am a Licensed Psychologist and mother of four. I am passionate about helping others reach their true potential and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with you to overcome mental health problems, trauma, grief and loss, relationship problems and other life struggles and transitions. Individuals from all backgrounds are welcome - care is confidential and non-judgmental. My goal is to help you become the best possible version of yourself. I grew up in Iowa City, and I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for my undergraduate degree. Soon after college, I moved to the “Big Apple” where I spent several years working on Wall Street in New York City. While I learned a lot from this experience, it led me to question my values and strengths as a person, and I ultimately decided to leave my career and the big city in search of a more personally meaningful life. I returned home to Iowa and began my studies in psychology. I am grateful for the growth and experience that I gained through this transition and since then, and I am excited to share some of the lessons I've learned about using the obstacles and challenges that life gives you to become a stronger, wiser, happier person. Currently, I am a Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in the state of Iowa. I graduated from the University of Iowa’s Counseling Psychology PhD Program in 2015 and completed advanced training in psychotherapy and psychological interventions at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and at the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Clinic. Before beginning my own practice, I worked at the Iowa City VA and at the Medical Associates Clinic in Dubuque, Iowa. I have significant experience working with a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma (sexual trauma, interpersonal violence, combat trauma, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters), eating disorders, grief and loss, managing chronic pain and health conditions, relationship struggles and life transitions. I have specialized expertise in women’s health and helping survivors of trauma heal. My approach to counseling and psychotherapy is holistic, and I integrate evidence-based treatments (including Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Retraining (EMDR)) based on your individual circumstances and needs.  I will listen to you and your values and my overarching goal is to help you overcome life's challenges so that you can live more happily and more fully. Outside of work, I enjoy being outside, laughing with my children, running, yoga, trying new recipes, learning as much as I can, and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. ​I believe that humans are deeply resilient and that we can overcome even the worst pain and trauma. I look forward to meeting you and to helping you to reach your life goals.