Family Therapy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
At Guiding Light Counseling Center, we understand that every family faces moments of uncertainty. When emotions run high or connection feels out of reach, you don’t have to walk through it alone. Our licensed therapists provide a safe space for children, teens, and adults to heal, communicate, and rediscover balance together.
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When to Consider Family Therapy
Family conflict, disconnection, or emotional struggles can affect everyone under the same roof. Whether it’s tension between parents, constant arguments, or a child who seems withdrawn, it’s easy to feel helpless. like no matter what you try, things just aren’t getting better.
- Your child or teen is struggling to express emotions
- Major life changes such as divorce, remarriage, or loss
- Challenges setting boundaries or maintaining routines
- Arguments are becoming more frequent
- You and your partner feel distant
What We Can Help With
We believe therapy should be a partnership. A safe space where you can explore your emotions, build new habits, and find renewed hope. Each session is personalized to your needs, combining proven techniques with faith-inspired guidance when desired.
Build healthier patterns of communication
Learn how to listen and speak in ways that foster understanding rather than conflict, helping every family member feel heard and valued.
Strengthen emotional bonds
Rebuild trust and closeness by uncovering what each person needs to feel loved, supported, and connected at home.
Develop tools for managing conflict
Gain practical strategies to navigate disagreements and life’s challenges with patience, calm, and respect.
Create a shared sense of teamwork and empathy
Work together toward shared goals, learning to approach each other’s struggles with compassion and cooperation.
Support children and teens in expressing their feelings safely
Give young family members a safe space to share what’s really going on inside — helping them feel understood, accepted, and empowered.
Reestablish balance and harmony at home
Discover a renewed sense of peace as your family learns to navigate challenges together, creating a calmer, more supportive environment for everyone.
Ready to feel better? Let’s take the first step together.
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Support for Every Family Member
Families are made up of individuals, each with their own emotions and experiences. That’s why our therapists take time to understand every voice in the room - from the quiet child to the frustrated parent. Together, we help you create a foundation of safety, respect, and love.
- Play Therapy – Helping children express emotions and experiences through play, fostering confidence and emotional understanding.
- Adolescent Therapy – Guiding teens through challenges like anxiety, identity, and communication while strengthening family relationships.
- Couples Therapy – Supporting partners in rebuilding trust, improving communication, and deepening emotional connection.
How It Works
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but at Guiding Light Counseling Center & Resource Center, we’re here to make the first step feel simple and supported. From the moment you reach out, our team is dedicated to helping you feel comfortable, understood, and ready to begin your path toward healing and growth.
Schedule AppointmentSchedule Your Appointment
Contact us by phone or online to book your first session at a time that works for you.
Meet Your Therapist
During your initial session, your therapist will listen to your story, discuss your goals, and help you create a personalized plan for therapy.
Begin Your Healing Journey
Through consistent sessions, you’ll learn coping strategies, build resilience, and start experiencing emotional balance and peace.
Meet Our Team: We Will Help You Choose The Right Fit For Your Family
Alicia Gerber, LMHC
I’ve spent over 10 years helping children, teens, adults, and families in Cedar Rapids navigate life’s challenges. My approach is flexible, compassionate, and tailored to each person’s unique needs—creating a safe space for growth, healing, and renewed strength.
I specialize in supporting children and adolescents ages 3–18, as well as adults, through anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, divorce, and school-related stress. My training includes AutPlay, Adlerian Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and trauma-informed care.
For families who wish, I also offer Christian-based counseling and prayer integration. No matter where you are in your journey, I’m here to meet you there and help you move forward with confidence.
As a Cedar Rapids native, I began my career as a social worker supporting adults and teens facing serious mental health challenges. My passion for helping underserved individuals inspired me to pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, blending social work advocacy with clinical care.
I approach therapy through an inclusive, strengths-based lens—helping clients feel validated, supported, and empowered to grow. My background in crisis intervention guides how I help people navigate difficult emotions and find long-term stability.
I believe therapy should both comfort and challenge you. Together, we’ll explore new perspectives, build resilience, and create meaningful change.
When I’m not in session, I enjoy time with family and pets, coffee in hand, often reading, writing poetry, or recharging with a good walk or movie.
Samantha Jacobo tLMFT
I’m a compassionate listener dedicated to helping couples and individuals navigate life’s challenges with understanding and care. My experience includes working with infidelity, blended families, ADHD, and grief following brain injury or stroke.
Clients describe me as calm, peaceful, and deeply empathetic. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, respected, and encouraged on your healing journey.
I am trauma-informed and trained in multiple therapeutic approaches, including the Gottman Method, Emotion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. This allows me to tailor sessions to your unique needs and goals.
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and paddle boarding with friends.
Chelsea Smorstad, LISW
I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Luther College and a Master’s from St. Ambrose University. I’m passionate about creating a supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued.
I believe every person has inherent strengths and the ability to grow beyond what they can see. My approach is person-centered, focusing on your unique experiences, values, and goals while helping you build the resilience you already possess.
I provide individual therapy for children, teens, and adults, integrating play therapy techniques to support emotional expression and healing. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, processing difficult emotions, or seeking greater self-understanding, my goal is to offer a compassionate, collaborative environment where meaningful change can unfold.
“Our purpose is to create a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported. Healing begins when you stop carrying everything alone and start reconnecting with who you really are.”
Hear from our clients
Real stories from people who found healing, support, and peace through therapy with us.
“Alicia has been SO good to me & has helped with many issues. She also has gone above & beyond to make sure I’m okay. God bless her heart! I will NEVER forget her & highly recommend.”
Jessica M
“Alicia is the absolute best in the business. She helps children feel comfortable sharing and opening up and has great communication with the parents. Her kindness overflows. Her ideas and knowledge are practical and useful.”
K.C.
“Our family was struggling to connect, but after a few sessions, we started listening to each other again. The guidance we received made all the difference.”
Liam Spencer
We’d love to hear from you!
Whether you're ready to schedule your first session or just have a few questions — we're here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.
We have received your message and will get back to you as soon as possible. Our team is dedicated to providing the best support and we appreciate your patience.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about starting therapy with us. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help.