Nathan Griffin

Nathan is a practicum student at Drake University currently working toward his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an expected graduation date of Fall 2026. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Iowa State University in May 2023. Nathan is currently completing his graduate training under supervision as part of his clinical development. His background includes experience working with adolescents, older adults, and athletes, which has shaped his interest in understanding how life stage, identity, and performance pressures influence mental health. Nathan’s therapeutic approach is person-centered, relational, integrative, and holistic, with a strong foundation in psychodynamic theory. He also draws heavily from Adlerian concepts to better understand motivation, lifestyle patterns, and meaning-making, while integrating humanistic and existential perspectives that emphasize authenticity, purpose, and the therapeutic relationship. His work is further informed by motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients recognize learned patterns and build sustainable, self-directed change. Nathan values collaboration, curiosity, authenticity, and a nonjudgmental stance, and believes therapy is most effective when clients feel deeply understood and actively involved in their growth. Nathan works primarily with adolescents and older adults and has a particular interest in supporting athletes, college students, and Hispanic clients. He was born in Peru, speaks fluent Spanish, and has always wanted to work with a variety of hispanic clients. His clinical interests are broad, and he enjoys working with clients across a wide range of concerns, believing that each person’s story deserves to be approached with openness and care. Outside of the therapy room, Nathan enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active through fitness and sports, watching movies, and listening to music. He is a certified personal trainer and values health and wellness as an important part of his life. Nathan also loves learning new things and spending time outdoors with his three dogs Honey, Yogi, and Ash.