Christine Grothe began at Iowa Family Counseling as a student intern in the spring of 2022. She graduated with her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Upper Iowa University. Christine is a clinical therapist now that she has completed her degree and has decided to stay and serve the Kalona and the surrounding communities. Christine will be providing school-based counseling, as well as telehealth and in office sessions.

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After her own journey with learning to integrate grief, and finding help through community, the arts, and counseling, Christine had the desire to become a mental health counselor to help others through their personal journeys. Throughout her life, she has seen the benefits and need for mental health support for people in various life stages and circumstances. She knows that access to these services is often limited outside of larger cities. The desire to help the people of our rural communities is what led her to Iowa Family Counseling. She believes in reaching out to all communities and in this mission, serves on the public education subcommittee for the Sexuality, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender-Expressive (SAIGE) organization.

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As a counselor, Christine feels honored to have the opportunity to get to know her clients and provide them with meaningful support to help them achieve their goals. It is important to her that all individuals feel accepted for who they are and wherever they may be on their mental health journey. She looks forward to traveling alongside them as they grow.

 

While being focused on person-centered therapy (PCT), Christine incorporates play therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and narrative therapy techniques into her sessions. Within her practice at Iowa Family Counseling, Christine uses the skills she learned in a creative grief class to help her clients learn what works best for them in coping with grief and trauma. She is interested in working with kids and adults learning to cope with grief and chronic illness, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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In her free time, Christine likes to enjoy the world around her. She can be found outside kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, or relaxing with a good book. She also loves engaging with her creative side by playing with colors through paint, ink, and watercolors.