Counseling
What happens in counseling with Lori?
A safe, compassionate place for women and female students to sort through what's hard, in Waterloo, Iowa and online across Iowa.
I just need someone to talk to. Yes, you do. Everyone needs a listening ear for what they're really thinking about, and for whatever might be tripping them up or keeping them stuck.
In counseling, you have a private hour to say the things that feel hard to say anywhere else, without having to manage anyone else's reaction. Lori listens first. Together, you begin to understand what is really going on, what may be keeping you stuck, what you want to be different, and the small, practical steps that move you toward it.
Lori draws on evidence-based counseling approaches, including cognitive behavioral work, when it is helpful. But the work stays a conversation between two people, not a protocol applied to you.
Your first appointment
What does the first hour usually look like?
- Identifying what is really going on for you, in your words.
- A look at any symptoms that are getting in the way of everyday life.
- Setting goals, so you have clarity about what you need and what a next step is.
You don't need to arrive organized. Most people start in the middle of the story, and that's fine.
Areas where Lori can help
What do women and students come in for?
Women & Female Students
Counseling for women and female students, roughly ages 13 to 65, in Waterloo and the Cedar Valley.
Eating Disorders & Body Image
When food, eating or your body has started taking up more room in your thoughts than you want it to.
Anxiety & Depression
When worry, sadness, panic, low energy or overthinking start shaping everyday life.
Grief & Life Transitions
For losses and changes that leave life looking different than it used to.
Christian Counseling
Professional counseling where your Christian faith can be part of the conversation, if you want it to be.
Self-Worth & Confidence
For comparison, self-doubt, perfectionism and feeling like you're never quite enough.
Common questions about counseling
Who does Lori Rasmussen counsel?
Lori provides individual counseling for females approximately ages 13 to 65: middle school, high school and college students, and adult women, in Waterloo, Iowa and the surrounding Cedar Valley.
Are counseling sessions in person or online?
Both. Sessions are available in person at 3356 Kimball Avenue in Waterloo, Iowa, and online. Online sessions are available to clients physically located in Iowa.
What happens in a first counseling appointment?
A first appointment is mostly listening. Together you identify what is really going on, look at any symptoms getting in the way of everyday life, and set goals so you leave with a sense of direction and next steps.
Is counseling the same as spiritual direction?
No. Counseling focuses on emotional and mental-health concerns, symptoms and problems. Spiritual direction focuses on attentiveness to God and discernment of God's movement in your life. Lori offers both, separately. See counseling vs. spiritual direction.
How do I get started?
Call 319-240-5035 or use the contact page. Office hours are monday – thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, and Lori typically replies within one to two business days.
Reaching out can be the first step.
You don't need to know exactly what to say, or have anything figured out, before you contact Lori.
Or email rasmussencounselingandsd@gmail.com