Rodney Black, LCSW, LISW

Rodney Black is a licensed clinical social worker with over 31 years of professional experience. He is licensed as an LCSW and an LISW and practices in Iowa. He draws on a long career in community-based settings and on his own life experience to support people through difficult transitions.

He grew up in the Midwest, served in the US military including a deployment to Afghanistan, and has lived in several states. Personal history with family mental illness, recovery from addiction, and parenting a grown gay son inform his perspective. Those experiences shape how he listens and responds to others.

In sessions he emphasizes honest, human connection. He describes therapy as a collaborative process where a person’s truth can emerge through conversation. He uses practical skills alongside empathic listening to help people make changes and find meaning.

His main concerns include addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, coping with life changes, self-esteem, and career issues. He also focuses on aging and geriatric issues, codependency, family of origin problems, veteran and armed forces issues, and other related areas.

Rodney works from a blend of approaches including acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based and client-centered methods, and dialectical behavior therapy. He aims to match tools to each person’s needs while honoring their story and goals.

To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on availability. He accepts international clients and conducts work from his Iowa practice.

How therapeutic approaches shape online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to clarify their values and take action that aligns with what matters to them while learning to live with difficult thoughts and feelings. It can help with issues like addiction, life transitions, and feelings of emptiness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with practical behavioral steps to reduce distress and improve problem solving. It is often used for mood, anxiety, and self-esteem concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills to help manage intense emotions and improve relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Rodney treats therapy as a collaborative effort and will work with each person to choose techniques that fit their goals, needs, and preferences. He adapts tools over time and checks in about what is working so sessions match real life demands.

Session logistics should be confirmed before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to schedule appointments around work, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find that remote sessions help maintain consistency during life transitions and make follow-up between in-person visits simpler. Ask about current options when you complete the matching questionnaire so timing and format can be arranged to fit your routine.