About Us
We are a music therapy and counseling practice in Central Iowa that specializes in serving people with minoritized and misunderstood identities and circumstances.
We are affirming of all intersectional identities, including but not limited to: race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, relationship status, family structure, physical ability, size, mental ability, religion, faith, spiritual beliefs, culture, ethnicity, socio-economic status, citizenship status, age, and political affiliation.
We believe...
- Each person knows their own truth and is the expert in their own life. The answers they seek are within themselves.
- Each person has a unique intersection of identities that affects how they see and experience the world.
- Connection between human beings is important to wholeness. Authentic and genuine relationships are foundational to mental health.
- The society and systems we live in can cause harm, especially for people with minoritized and misunderstood identities.
- Full and radical acceptance of oneself is integral to wholeness.
Our Team
Cat Swanson, LISW, MAM, CADC
Cat has a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago and Master of Arts in Ministry from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Throughout her career she has worked to support people from diverse backgrounds and identities access resources and reach their own unique goals. Cat works from a feminist, relational perspective and strongly believes in the full personhood of each individual. She recognizes that each person exists in a system that influences how they feel about themselves and see themselves in the world. Cat seeks to deeply listen and see the world through each client's perspective, meeting each person where they are and accompanying them where they choose to go.
Alex Swanson, MA, FAMI, MT-BC
Alex is a board-certified music therapist who earned his Master's Degree in Music Therapy from the University of Iowa. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a passion for working with people, both individually and in groups. He believes strongly in the sanctity of music therapy, always striving to provide the best quality care for each person he serves. He approaches his work with genuineness and a sense of humor.
Alex holds a certificate in Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy and has completed advanced training in Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, attaining the highest level of Fellow.