Silver Linings Counseling opens in Fontanelle

Greenfield native Erin Knauer is hopeful for the opportunities in front of her as she offers mental health counseling services to the area through her new business, Silver Lining Counseling.

Her practice is located in the Fontanelle Medical Clinic, 406 5th Street, Fontanelle. She is utilizing space within that building, ready to see clients.

Knauer’s career thus far has included stops in hospice care and mental health care.

“I started doing private practice therapy and would do it in Des Moines, then I also have a bunch of telehealth clients. A couple of years ago I was looking at buildings in Greenfield and there wasn’t really anything [that matched] what I was looking for,” Knauer said. “After the tornado, I decided I really need to get going.”

It can be intimidating to line up your first therapy appointment, Knauer said. Eventually, the benefits become obvious for many.

“It’s a matter of getting started. It’s a little intimidating to both start this and for someone to get therapy,” Knauer said. “They always say getting yourself there the first time is the hardest.”

Knauer, 41, is a 2001 graduate of Nodaway Valley High School. Knauer’s bachelor’s degree is from Grand View University and her master’s degree is from the University of Northern Iowa in social work.

She has a former co-worker who is earning her masters degree that will provide her practice help through an internship.

Knauer’s foundation of education and experience equips her to be able to help those of many different backgrounds. She uses an approach that is direct but compassionate, teaming up with clients to make a supportive environment that results in growth.

Techniques Knauer utilizes are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), meditation and guided imagery.

Areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, chronic illness, pain management, ADHD and end-of-life care.

“It can be intimidating to ask for help, but the benefits will be worth it once you do it,” Knauer said. “There’s so much you can get out of therapy. Especially since our community has had this disaster, there are a lot of people who are experiencing PTSD symptoms from it. Being able to work through all of it, process it and get on the other side of it and start feeling better, it makes it worth it.”