Megan Dooley, LMHC
Hello!
Hi, I’m Megan — a small-town Iowa therapist and mom who understands how overwhelming it can feel to hold everything together. At MD Counseling, I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, supported, and cared for. My approach is compassionate, down-to-earth, and centered on helping people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
While I have extensive experience working with children and adolescents ages 11–17 as a former school counselor, I now work with individuals across the lifespan and from a variety of backgrounds. I commonly support clients navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, relationships, and emotional overwhelm.
Education
Iowa State University — B.S. in Psychology
University of Iowa — M.A. in School Counseling
University of Northern Iowa — Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
On a personal note, I enjoy spending time with my family, staying active through exercise, crafting, exploring the outdoors, music, and trying new restaurants and foods.
My Approach
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and client-centered. I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. I strive to create a space where you can openly explore your experiences, emotions, relationships, and patterns without judgment.
As a depth-oriented therapist, I look beyond surface-level symptoms to better understand the underlying experiences, beliefs, and life patterns that may be impacting your well-being. I draw from Adlerian therapy, which emphasizes understanding each person within the context of their relationships, experiences, goals, and sense of belonging.
I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies to help clients build practical tools for managing anxiety, stress, negative thought patterns, and everyday challenges. Therapy is tailored to each individual, and I work collaboratively with clients to meet their unique needs and goals at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive.