About Dr. Michelle Nanji

“I strive to meet my clients where they’re at and empower them to cultivate compassion for themselves.”

-Dr. Michelle Nanji
Michelle Nanji

Dr. Michelle Nanji, Ph.D.

She/her/hers

2019 – Licensed Psychologist, State of Iowa

2017-Internship at Iowa State University Student Counseling Services
2011-2017-University of Iowa, Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
2010- Creighton University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish

Dr. Nanji’s Areas of Specialization or Clinical Interest

  • Children, Adolescents, and Adults
  • Couples Therapy and Relationship Concerns
  • Family of origin concerns and Family dynamics
  • Multicultural and Diversity Issues
  • LGBTQA+ Concerns
  • Trauma
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Identity Development
  • Career Development
  • Self-compassion
  • Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Time limited dynamic psychotherapy

Dr. Nanji’s Interests and Background

I approach counseling from a brief psychodynamic lens, with integration of mindfulness based techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I strive to meet my clients where they’re at and empower them to cultivate compassion for themselves. I believe change can come when we work on our relationship with ourselves and learn to truly embrace, love and accept who we are. Self-acceptance can be very powerful in building connections and acceptance of others.

I also enjoy being creative in therapy and attend to the individual differences and needs of the people that come in to see me. I like to use tools, such as art, along with therapy to encourage creativity and flexibility in how to approach life’s ups and downs.

I am open to and interested in working with clients across the lifespan with all presenting concerns. I enjoy working with clients from a diversity of backgrounds and seek to respect the multiple identities clients may hold across gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and others. I have experience working with clients presenting with multicultural issues, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, stress management, learning disabilities, identity development, life transitions, gender and sexuality concerns, and relationship issues. I believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship for clients to feel safe and supported during challenging times in their lives. I view my role as supporting individuals to find their own path to a meaningful and satisfying life.

Hands

Dr. Nanji’s Multicultural Interests

I am passionate about working with and advocating for people from a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences, particularly those who have experienced marginalization or who are traditionally underserved. I am also committed to engaging in social justice work in my personal and professional life. I have a strong interest in issues related to immigrant populations, racial/ethnic identity development, religion/spirituality concerns, gender differences, and social class.

Dr. Nanji’s Interests in Outreach

I really enjoying doing outreach and going out into the community to share knowledge and skills. I think it’s important to give back and I have done this through volunteering in the community with various organizations like Children’s center for therapy, Johnson county Neighborhood centers, and the Iowa City Shelter house. I have also conducted various outreach presentations for students (i.e. stress management, study skills) and community members (i.e. parenting skills, motivating kids).