Therapists
Doug McPhee, PhD, LMFT
Owner/Therapist
he/him
Call/text: 319-214-0769
dougmcphee@cedarwoodtherapy.care
—— Dr. McPhee is not currently accepting new clients——-
Dr. Douglas McPhee (Doug) is an assistant professor of marriage and family therapy (MFT) at Mount Mercy University (MMU) and is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in the state of Iowa. He is the Director of the university’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program and serves as the Clinical Director for MMU’s community therapy clinic, the Gerald & Audrey Olson Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic.
— Doug likes to track therapy outcomes with his clients to assess if his services are working. Nearly 100% of his clients report feeling a strong therapeutic alliance/connection with him. Similarly, nearly 100% of his clients report that Doug has the skills, techniques, knowledge, and expertise necessary to help them effectively address the problems that bring them to therapy. Doug’s warmth, kindness, non-judgment, authenticity, honesty, transparency, and genuine care are consistently brought up by clients and colleagues as some of his greatest strengths.
— Because of his commitments at the university, Doug maintains a relatively small caseload to ensure that he can provide his very best care to clients. Doug works effectively with a myriad of client problems and challenges. He consistently works with couples and families on the brink of divorce and teenagers experiencing depression and/or anxiety. Doug additionally specializes in treating or working with: obsessive and compulsive behaviors or disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, people in the LGBTQ+ community, the psychosocial-spiritual challenges associated with chronic pain/disease, and faith crisis/ transition/ transformation
— Doug completed his PhD in MFT at Texas Tech University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Utah State University. He has worked in various clinical settings and contexts, including several primary care clinics and general hospitals where he collaborated with physicians and other medical providers to provide patients with integrated, holistic healthcare. Doug is published in multiple peer-reviewed academic journals and frequently presents his research or offers clinical training at international, national, and state conferences.
Heidi Miller, tLMFT
Therapist
she/her
Call/text: 319-214-0870
heidimiller@cedarwoodtherapy.care
Heidi Miller, tLMFT, works with a variety of human experiences including, but not limited to, communication concerns, relationship stressors, parenting, perinatal loss, depression, anxiety, and trauma. While she sees value in individual therapy, she also encourages couples and families to come to therapy together as often as possible.
– Heidi’s experience of being a mother to six living children has afforded her a deep understanding of personal challenges and the expansive complexity of life. In addition, she cherishes the time she has spent immersed in various cultures and truly embraces and enjoys the beauty and diversity of humankind.
– A life-long learner, Heidi recognizes that the most valuable learning often comes from genuine human interaction and an openness to new perspectives through curious communication. Her worldviews guide her belief that personal and relational growth is possible when self reflection and accountability are present. Heidi sees opportunity for learning from our brokenness and strives to work alongside her clients so they feel empowered in a path of healing.
– Heidi primarily works from an experiential mode of therapy which is shaped by the belief that whole health must consider psychological, social, and spiritual components of a person’s life. She finds value in taking time to understand her client’s history, culture, relationships, and perceptions.
– Heidi loves to travel, go on adventures, spend time with her children, or just clean her house while listening to a great book or blasting questionable music. She finds joy and whole health in running, weightlifting, taking long walks, or sneaking off for an evening of good food and socialization or some much-needed silence.
Chelsea Plunkett, tLMFT
Therapist
she/her
Call/text: 319-214-0010
chelseaplunkett@cedarwoodtherapy.care
Chelsea holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Mercy University and uses an experiential, attachment-based approach in her practice. She believes that a strong, compassionate therapeutic relationship is key to healing, and she is committed to earning her clients' trust as they rediscover self-compassion and build meaningful connections.
While Chelsea welcomes a wide range of concerns in her practice, she is especially passionate about working with individuals who are navigating the lasting effects of childhood and interpersonal trauma. She also works frequently with clients facing anxiety, relationship challenges, and difficulties with emotional expression. Chelsea tailors her approach to meet each client where they are, moving at a pace that feels safe and empowering.
Chelsea believes that every person has the capacity for growth and resilience, and she creates a collaborative, judgment-free space where clients can express themselves freely and authentically. Chelsea works with individuals (ages 18 and older) and couples. She understands the courage it takes to be vulnerable, both in therapy and in life, and she is dedicated to helping clients reconnect with their emotions and embrace their true selves.
Before becoming a therapist, Chelsea earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from West Virginia University and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University. With over a decade of experience as a writing teacher, she has a deep understanding of how the stories we tell shape our lives—and the transformative power of reclaiming those narratives.
Outside of the office, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, baking, and finding time to recharge. She feels most at peace near the ocean and loves being outdoors whenever possible.
Jyothi “Jo” Shivakumar, tLMFT
Therapist
she/her
Call/text: 319-214-0296
joshivakumar@cedarwoodtherapy.care
Jo is originally from India, where she completed her MBA and had a career in the service industry. After raising (still raising) two kids, she decided to reinvest in herself and pursue her master’s degree at Mount Mercy University.
Jo works largely through a person-centered approach; she believes all human beings have a built-in ability to heal and find their potential. Her approach is about providing a supportive and accepting environment which allows people to tap into their own resources for growth and healing.
Jo’s experiences as a first-generation immigrant and mother have given her understanding of feelings of loneliness, the struggles of infertility, and traumatic births and NICU experiences. She works with couples, individuals, and families with young kids.
Outside of work, she enjoys walking, cooking, and good ice cream. Her favorite is the peaches and cream flavor at Dan and Debbie’s in Ely!
Sara Kepros, tLMFT
Therapist
she/her
Call/text: 319-214-0512
sarakepros@cedarwoodtherapy.care
Whether you’re an individual, couple, or family, if you’re searching for a human being who will witness your story as it unfolds and walk beside you while navigating life’s challenges – you’re in the right place. Sara realizes therapy can feel daunting. You don’t have to know exactly what to say when you get here. You don’t have to feel steady on your feet right now. You just have to be willing to start.
She enjoys helping people come home to themselves – through love, truth, curiosity and leaning into the discomfort that inspires growth. She welcomes both: The sacred and the lighthearted. The assured and the uncertain. The cathartic cry and the infectious laugh. It all belongs... Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, shame, trauma or a desire to feel more like yourself again – this is a space for you.
Sara has extensive training in Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy (EFCT). If coming to her for couple’s therapy, she will aim to help you and your partner experience your relationship differently. Despite everything you’ve tried, you may find yourselves stuck in a communication cycle and trying to get out of it. You can feel alone, misunderstood, exhausted. You love each other and still struggle to show up in loving ways. You’re tired of these repeated cycles. Our focus will be on helping you and your partner deepen your emotional connection, improve your communication, and foster a more secure attachment bond with one another. Truly connecting with your partner is possible.
Sara earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Mercy University. She is a former teacher who devours books and a Gen X kid who drank out of the garden hose and stretched the phone cord into the closet in search of privacy. She’s married to the guy she went to prom with while rocking her voluminous, teased hair. They have four kids who are quick to laugh with her or at her, depending on the moment.
A master clinician was asked at a seminar, “What is the most important thing a training therapist can learn?”
Without hesitation, he answered, “Kindness.”
(Fife, Whiting, Bradford, & Davis, 2016).