Rodney Black, LCSW, LISW

Rodney Black is a licensed clinical social worker with over 31 years of professional experience. He practices in Iowa and brings wide personal and professional perspective to the work. Rodney has navigated addiction, family mental health, military service, and parenting, and he draws on those life experiences in sessions.

He spent much of his career in community-based settings because he wanted to give back to people who supported him and his family. Rodney grew up in the Midwest, lived in other states, and served in the U.S. military with a deployment to Afghanistan. Those experiences inform how he listens and responds to practical life problems.

Rodney describes therapy as a collaborative, creative process. He emphasizes listening first and then helping people name what matters most to them. Sessions often focus on learning skills, noticing patterns, and trying new ways of handling hard moments.

Clients commonly bring issues such as addiction, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem struggles, career concerns, and coping with life changes including midlife transitions. Rodney also addresses related concerns like codependency, family of origin issues, fatherhood issues, gender dysphoria, and loneliness.

He uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based work, Client-Centered methods, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Rodney aims to match practical tools to each person’s goals while respecting where they are in life.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then take small steps toward what matters. It can be useful for life transitions, midlife questions, and managing cravings or low mood.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing behaviors that keep problems going. It often includes clear, practical exercises people can try between sessions to improve mood and coping.

Rodney treats choosing an approach as a shared process. He works with each person to figure out which methods match their goals and preferences, and adjusts plans as progress is made. The therapist will review options and suggest exercises, then check in about what helps.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the specific session formats offered before booking. Many people find remote work easier to fit into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins, or avoid travel time. Online sessions can support ongoing skill practice, follow-up after in-person meetings, and regular momentum while you work on life changes.