JoAnna Arguello, B.S., Psychology Intern at both Eastwind Healing Center and the Adolescent and Child Psychiatry Clinic-Neuropsychology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Doctoral Candidate in the Counseling Psychology Program at the University of Iowa. Health Coach and Wellness Consultant for UI Wellness/liveWELL Program.

JoAnna is an advanced doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Iowa with an emphasis in health psychology and neuropsychology. With more than six years of clinical experience, she believes that through unconditional acceptance and providing a supportive environment that integrates the entirety of an individual’s world, change can happen, especially when an empowered individual can envision his or her personal goals and fully embrace his or her life vision.

JoAnna’s Journey:

“As a child, I recall an incident that made my emotions a jumbled mess, upset my stomach, and caused tears that seemed unending. My aunt, sitting next to me, said, “I have noticed that you are not happy, although you are trying to make others happy. First you need to take care of yourself—and be happy to make others happy.” Her words resonated with me as a child, but I struggled to figure out what I could do to become happy—her advice seemed almost a Catch-22. Through the different stages of my life this question has been repeated not only in my mind, but seems to be a daily occurrence in the world today. In the process of evaluating my thoughts and beliefs about the human condition—that is, how individuals function, how individuals relate to one another, how communication is transmitted and received, and how relationships to one’s self and to others affects an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors–I realized that no matter where an individual is in life, he or she is trying to do and to function the best way possible.

My approach is primarily based on my belief that all individuals are unique, sacred, and “geared” for growth, and already possess within themselves what they need to grow positively and to heal. The goal of the therapeutic work is then to assist the individual in connecting and strengthening his or her inner resources thought listening to the body, mind, and spirit. Modes of therapy may integrate (in addition to talk therapy) hypnotherapy, energy healing, Reiki, meditation, and hopefully more as I continue to learn!

I believe human beings, and all creation, are sacred. Together, each living organism—and all that have passed before—is the universe entire. As sacred entities, I believe that people are inherently driven to connect with others as well as themselves. It is through circumstances, behaviors, thoughts, beliefs, values, family, and other conditions that each person is striving toward feeling fulfilled, accepted, and loved or cared for. The growth process for all individuals is unending. By an individual connecting with his or her inner resources that individual is fully able to step inside the true self.

The path to self-acceptance is to find and discover our “true” Self, freeing the layers of the self that have been trapped underneath the accumulation of negative beliefs and experiences. These negative perceptions trap individuals into the belief that aspects of the self are unlovable or unacceptable. I believe that to be human is to love and be loved in return, to find that our lives have meaning and purpose, that we are connected to others and in turn they are connected to us. The goal within my practice is to assist individuals in rediscovering their true self through strengthening the relationship among the mind, body, and spirit.

I look forward to continuing and being a part of the Journey.”