Life is messy. Let’s not pretend otherwise.

If you’ve landed here, chances are something in your life isn’t working the way you’d hoped.
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed—or just stuck. Maybe you’ve found yourself thinking:

“This isn’t how I thought things would be.”
“Why is everything so hard right now?”
“I should be able to handle this, but I’m not.”

Whether you're facing a recent loss, dealing with ongoing stress, struggling in your relationships, or carrying pain you've never been able to fully name—something brought you here. And that something matters.

Even if part of you is unsure about therapy, there’s another part of you that’s hoping things can feel different. That’s the part we’ll listen to here.

Therapy is a place to be fully seen, heard, and supported.

It’s not always easy to ask for help. Maybe you’ve been the strong one for everyone else. Maybe you’ve been “functioning” just fine—on the outside—while inside, things feel heavy, chaotic, or numb. Maybe you’ve talked to friends or family, but it’s not enough. Or maybe you haven’t talked to anyone at all.

Therapy gives you something different: a space that’s entirely yours.

A space without judgment or pressure. A space where your story matters, your pain is valid, and you don’t have to censor yourself. No pretending. No shrinking. No sugar-coating.

I’m not a “smile-and-nod” therapist. That’s just not my style.

When we work together, I show up fully. I don’t sit behind a clipboard with a blank face. I roll up my sleeves and step into the storm with you. I’ll ask the tough questions. I’ll sit with you in the hard stuff. I’ll help you unpack what’s been buried, what’s been holding you back, and what you want to build instead.

We’ll look at your patterns—both conscious and unconscious. We’ll explore your relationships, your past, and the beliefs you carry that may no longer serve you. We'll also find your strengths, your voice, your agency—and use them to create change that feels real.

Whether you’re navigating trauma, burnout, anxiety, grief, identity struggles, relationship issues, or just trying to make sense of who you are and what you want—therapy is a space for all of it.

You don’t have to keep carrying this alone.

It’s okay if you don’t have the words for it yet.
It’s okay if it feels messy.
It’s okay if part of you is nervous to start.

You’ve already taken the first (and often hardest) step by being here. Now, we can take the next ones together—at your pace.

If you're ready to better understand yourself, shift old patterns, and explore new ways of living, relating, and being, we’ll likely work well together.

You’re here because you’re ready for something to shift.

"Susan really gets it. She’s compassionate, real, and knows how to help without all the fluff. Therapy with her feels like having someone in your corner who actually listens and helps you figure things out. The fact that I can do sessions with her from Des Moines has been a blessing. If you want a therapist who’s supportive and practical, I’d definitely recommend Susan at Empowered Counseling."

 

-existing client

About us

Empowered Counseling is a trusted therapy practice based in Iowa City, serving individuals and couples across Iowa through flexible telehealth services. Led by Susan, a dedicated therapist committed to compassionate, evidence-based care, we partner with clients to navigate life’s challenges and unlock their fullest potential. Susan has a wealth of knowledge that gives her an edge in helping clients with anything they're dealing with. 

 

At Empowered Counseling, we believe healing is possible—and it starts with a safe space where you’re seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re facing anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, or just need someone in your corner, we’re here to walk alongside you on your journey toward growth and empowerment.