Rodney Black, LCSW, LISW
Experienced social worker focusing on addiction and trauma
- Addictions and recovery
- Trauma and abuse
- Flexible online sessions
About Rodney Black
Rodney Black is a licensed clinician with over 26 years of professional experience and a long history of work in community-based settings where he felt he could give back to those who supported him and his family of origin.
Raised in the Midwest, he has lived in California and South Carolina and served in the US military, including a deployment to Afghanistan where he was the highest-ranking enlisted member of the Human Intelligence component of a Brigade Combat Team. Early life experiences included a mother with bipolar disorder and significant borderline personality disorder, whose first major hospitalization occurred following his birth. Those experiences helped shape his interest in mental health and recovery.
He is the father of a grown gay son and credits friendships in the queer community with aiding his own healing and growth; he expresses deep gratitude and respect for that community. He has navigated divorce and personal struggles with addiction, codependency, and mental health challenges, and has carried various mental health diagnoses at different times. He often echoes Brene' Brown: 'I might just be a little further down the road in recovery is all.'
Rodney approaches therapy as an art form that combines learnable skills and techniques with a collaborative process that helps a person’s truth emerge. He emphasizes the importance of being heard and aims to bring both life experience and professional practice to support others on their journeys, viewing it as a privilege to participate in that work.
Raised in the Midwest, he has lived in California and South Carolina and served in the US military, including a deployment to Afghanistan where he was the highest-ranking enlisted member of the Human Intelligence component of a Brigade Combat Team. Early life experiences included a mother with bipolar disorder and significant borderline personality disorder, whose first major hospitalization occurred following his birth. Those experiences helped shape his interest in mental health and recovery.
He is the father of a grown gay son and credits friendships in the queer community with aiding his own healing and growth; he expresses deep gratitude and respect for that community. He has navigated divorce and personal struggles with addiction, codependency, and mental health challenges, and has carried various mental health diagnoses at different times. He often echoes Brene' Brown: 'I might just be a little further down the road in recovery is all.'
Rodney approaches therapy as an art form that combines learnable skills and techniques with a collaborative process that helps a person’s truth emerge. He emphasizes the importance of being heard and aims to bring both life experience and professional practice to support others on their journeys, viewing it as a privilege to participate in that work.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Self esteemCareer difficulties
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesCodependencyDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Drug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFatherhood issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPersonality disordersSelf-harmSelf-loveSexuality
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Rodney Black have?
Rodney Black has 31 years of experience.
Is Rodney Black a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credentials LCSW and LISW. License details: OR LCSW L14200, IA LISW 01073.
In which languages does Rodney Black provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English.
Where is Rodney Black located?
Rodney Black is located in Iowa.
How can I work with Rodney Black as my therapist?
You can work with Rodney Black through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Rodney Black work with international clients?
Yes, Rodney Black works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Rodney Black cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Flexible Online Care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take committed steps toward a meaningful life. It is often useful for managing addiction, coping with life changes, and addressing patterns that get in the way of goals.
Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current emotional responses and interpersonal patterns. It helps people understand family of origin dynamics, repair relational difficulties, and build more secure ways of relating to others.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication. It is frequently applied when intense emotions, relationship conflicts, or personality-related challenges make daily functioning difficult.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Rodney collaborates with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as therapy progresses so the work stays relevant and practical.
Online sessions offer flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, connect across distances including international settings, and maintain continuity of care when life circumstances change.