DR. NESRIN ABU ATA

Traditional psychiatry focuses on working with the person’s mind, the software part of the brain, so to speak. I have seen the word mind defined as “the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought.” But, when I think of the word mind, I also hear the verb mind, as in to pause and pay attention by being present, being “mindful.”

One of the therapies I use is being mindful and paying attention to the current experience. This experience of “co-creating” is rooted in mindfulness and the physical experience of being alive.  In our society, we tend to live with a disconnection between the mind and the body. This contributes to dis-ease. There is often a mismatch between what a person is saying and thinking and how the body is reacting. When we integrate the mind and the body, alchemy (transformation) happens in both the mind and the body.

Moments of Alchemy

We tend to seek help when what we are doing is no longer working. This also happens when we feel stuck, dissatisfied or our life is out of control, or someone we care about says we should get help. I view these moments as potential moments of alchemy. But we have to be willing to be mindful with what is, staying with our experience and working through it.

Remaining mindFUL allows the experience to teach us what we are supposed to learn, if we are open to it. And as we choose to be mindful of the current portal presented in our lives as “a problem or failure”, we allow alchemy to take place. Because of this, I feel honored and privileged to be present with you during these pivotal moments of transformation. Many times it is hard to do it alone. I am here to support you.

As a board certified family medicine physician and psychiatrist, I have practiced in different clinical settings and have worked with patients from all stages of life. I am also a yoga instructor and enjoy practicing and teaching yoga.

Who doesn’t want to be the best version of themselves? And if not, why?

I provide in person appointments in IA, and also telehealth appointments in the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, SD, WI, and WY.

Dr. Abu Ata accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield/Wellmark of IA and SD.

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Additionally, I have trained in different psychotherapeutic modalities (Hakomi, somatic experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy, mind-body techniques, DBT, MBSR, MSC, IFS) that I incorporate when I work with patients. Additionally, I also provide psychiatric medications, lifestyle interventions, such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, interpersonal relationships, and spirituality.

These aimed at aligning the mind and the body together for optimal healing and function. I have also trained in shamanic healing practices. I also trained at the Centre for Mind-Body Medicine.

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My Story

I graduated from Medical School for International health, which is a collaborative program between Ben Gurion University (Israel) and Columbia University (New York). Because I believe in how integrated the mind and body are, I wanted to learn to take care of both the mind and body. So, I completed two residencies, one in family medicine and one in psychiatry. I am board certified in family medicine and psychiatry. I completed residency at the University of Iowa. After practicing yoga, and seeing how it allows for integrating the mind and the body, I became a certified yoga instructor (RYT-200) to bring to my patients and my community.

I enjoy working with patients from all ages and have additional training in parenting training to include circle of security. Some of the psychotherapy that I do includes EMDR, Hakomi therapy and somatic based psychotherapy. I Also include movement, breath work and sound therapy during my sessions also.

Dr. Nesrin Abu Ata

Credentials

  • Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
  • Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine
  • Certified Integrative Psychiatry Provider
  • I am a Certified Community Psychiatrist
  • Certified Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma
  • Registered Yoga Teacher (200 hours)
  • Graduated from Medical School for International health, which is a collaborative program between Ben Gurion University (Israel) and Columbia University (New York).
  • I completed two residencies at the University of Iowa – one in family medicine and one in psychiatry.
  • I became a certified yoga instructor (RYT-200) to bring to my patients and my community.
  • My experience comes from working with patients from all ages. I have additional training in parenting training to include circle of security.
  • Some of the psychotherapy that I do includes EMDR, Hakomi therapy and somatic based psychotherapy.
  • I also include movement, breath work and sound therapy during my sessions also.