Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapists in Waterloo & Hastings
At Hope Tree Counseling Services, we believe healing is possible for all individuals through holistic, compassionate, and ecosystemic counseling. Founded in 2015 by Sarah Kiani, our practice integrates traditional and innovative therapies, including play therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and nature-assisted therapy, to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and attachment challenges. Our licensed therapists hold advanced degrees in counseling or social work and are trained in evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, CBT, and equine-assisted psychotherapy. We serve clients in Waterloo, Iowa, and Hastings, Minnesota, offering sessions in serene outdoor spaces, with animals, or in our offices. By combining creativity, nature, and clinical expertise, we foster self-awareness, resilience, and post-traumatic growth.Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in accepting Medicaid and most private insurance, ensuring our services are available to diverse communities. With over a decade of combined experience, our team prioritizes client-centered care, emphasizing trust, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. We specialize in working with children, adults, and families, addressing issues such as grief, ADHD, and life transitions. Our approach is rooted in the belief that healing emerges from safe, nurturing environments and meaningful connections with nature and animals. Through continuous professional development and adherence to ethical standards, we maintain our position as trusted leaders in mental health care.
Services
Play Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Nature-Assisted Therapy
EMDR
Trauma-Informed Care
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Sand Tray Therapy
Theraplay
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer trauma-informed care with licensed therapists trained in EMDR and equine-assisted psychotherapy.
- Our services integrate nature and animals to enhance emotional and behavioral healing.
- We accept Medicaid and most private insurance for accessible mental health support.
- Therapists hold advanced degrees and specialize in child-centered play therapy.
- Two serene locations provide flexible outdoor and office-based counseling sessions.
Services
Play Therapy
Play Therapy uses toys, art, and creative activities to help children under 11 express emotions and resolve behavioral or emotional challenges. Our therapists employ Adlerian and Child-Centered methods to foster self-regulation and communication. Sessions occur in dedicated playrooms with sand trays, puppets, and art supplies.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy incorporates interactions with animals to improve emotional and psychological well-being. Clients engage in goal-oriented sessions with therapy animals, enhancing relaxation and trust. This modality complements traditional counseling for trauma, anxiety, and social challenges in children and adults.
Nature-Assisted Therapy
Nature-Assisted Therapy utilizes gardens, forests, and outdoor environments to promote mental health. Activities include therapeutic horticulture, forest bathing, and wilderness excursions. Clients access serene outdoor spaces at our Waterloo farm or Hastings' Innisfree Farm for healing and reflection.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy involves horses in addressing emotional and psychological goals. Clients work with a licensed therapist and horse specialist to build self-awareness and confidence. Available exclusively at our Hastings location, this therapy supports trauma recovery and personal growth.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help clients process traumatic memories. This structured approach reduces the emotional intensity of trauma, aiding recovery from PTSD, anxiety, and grief. Sessions integrate mindfulness and narrative techniques for lasting healing.
People
Sarah Kiani
Founder, Director, Therapist
Sarah Kiani, LMHC and LPCC, founded Hope Tree in 2015 after surviving the loss of her child. She specializes in trauma, EMDR, and equine-assisted therapy, blending creativity and nature to foster post-traumatic growth.
Bonita Streich
Therapist
Bonita Streich, LMHC and Registered Play Therapist, has worked at Hope Tree since 2017. She specializes in Adlerian Play Therapy, autism support, and client-centered care for depression, anxiety, and family challenges.
Rebecca Rogers
Administrator
Rebecca Rogers, a University of Northern Iowa graduate, serves as Hope Tree's administrator. She previously led the YES Garden Program and supports clients in applying therapeutic lessons to daily life.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
We offer play therapy, animal-assisted therapy, nature-assisted therapy, EMDR, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and traditional talk therapies for children and adults.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Contact us to verify coverage for your specific policy.
Are your therapists licensed?
All therapists hold state licenses and advanced degrees in counseling or social work, with specialized training in trauma and play therapy.
Can sessions be held outdoors?
Yes, we offer nature-assisted therapy sessions at our Waterloo farm or Hastings' Innisfree Farm, weather permitting.
Do you work with children?
Yes, we specialize in child-centered play therapy for ages 3–10, addressing behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges.
What is equine-assisted psychotherapy?
This therapy uses horses in sessions led by a licensed therapist and horse specialist to improve self-awareness and emotional resilience for children and adults.
