Dean Dirksen, MA, LMFT

(He/Him/His)

Licensed Mental Healthcare Provider

"Sometimes it feels like someone else is writing our life story for us. I believe that everyone has the ability to write or rewrite their own story. If there are parts of your story that you would like to re-write but aren’t sure where to start, I would be honored to work alongside you as co-author of your new story."

In his previous career, Dean spent many years working in the restaurant industry. He loves to cook, having learned a lot from his mom as well as cooking professionally. As someone who knows his way around a kitchen, he recognizes that having the right ingredients are necessary to ensure a successful outcome.

* Please Note: Only available during pre-scheduled appointment. To request an appointment with this provider, please go here

Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy, 2019
Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, IA

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, 2015
University of Iowa Iowa City, IA

Dean's Areas
of Expertise

Anxiety, Chronic and Severe Illness, Depression, Divorce, Grief & Loss, LGBTQ Affirming Care, Loneliness, OCD, PTSD, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Sports Performance, Stress, Substance Use Disorder, Suicidal Thoughts, Teens, Trauma

Offering Mental Health Therapy Services For

Teens, Adults, Couples, and Families

Treatment
Methods

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Experiential Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma Informed Care

Get to Know Dean

Selecting a mental health provider is a very personal decision. Learn a bit more about Dean and what to expect when you or a loved one receive care with us at Covenant Family Solutions. Our mission is to unleash your potential.

What’s the story of your life? Is the story being written the way you thought it would be or would you like to make some revisions? We’ve all heard people talk about their life stories, some read like romantic comedies while others are more horror stories. Dean Dirksen believes that everyone has the ability to write or rewrite their own story.

You Have the Power Within

“The problem is the problem, the person is not the problem.”

Michael White and David Epston

Dean is guided by the above philosophy. He believes each person has the tools inside them that they need to reach their goals and overcome the difficulties they are facing. His role is to help you .

Dean’s approach is to work collaboratively with those in his care. He sees you as the ultimate expert in ‘you’ — you have known yourself a lot longer than he has. His role is to work with you to help you learn to use the tools you already possess discover the strength within.

Dedicated to Service

The reality is we have a serious mental health crisis in the United States. Dean wants to be part of the solution. He wants to help people work through the things that are preventing them from living their best lives. He also understands the more people we can help be their best selves the more we will create a better overall society.

Finding that Perfect Recipe

In his previous career, Dean spent many years working in the restaurant industry. He loves to cook, having learned a lot from his mom as well as cooking professionally. As someone who knows his way around a kitchen, he recognizes that having the right ingredients are necessary to ensure a successful outcome. (Just swap salt for sugar in a recipe and see how things turn out.) The same is true for mental health. Having the right ingredients in your toolbox for mental health healing can make all the difference.

Dean knows coming to therapy can be a difficult decision. He would be honored to work with you as you begin their journey toward healing and happiness. To schedule an appointment with Dean, please reach out. He is ready to help you write your story the way you want with the perfect ingredients.

Request an Appointment with Dean

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Congratulations on taking this first step in achieving your goals. If you have never been seen by Dean before, please complete the form below to schedule a time to set up your first appointment. If you are a current or past client, please send us a message or call 1-888-336-9661.

CLINIC HOURS
Monday thru Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

IOWA CITY CLINIC
2346 Mormon Trek Blvd
Suite 1600
Iowa City, IA 52246

Get Direction for Your Life!

Find inspiration on your path to mental wellness. Please note, these articles are not a replacement for personal medical advice.

Mental health medications and a holistic lifestyle can't just only coexist, the combination can be a game changer for mental health.

You may be faced with the question, “Does my child need medication for their mental health?” If your child is worried, sad, angry, or overwhelmed, encourage them to talk to a trusted adult. If they are struggling with things like regulating emotions, controlling anger, or focusing it may be a good idea to discuss it with a medical professional.

While we cannot change the past, it IS possible to stop the cycle of intergenerational trauma and prevent it in future generations. Community support and resources play an important role.