It’s a unique time to work in the field of mental health — to put it mildly.

“It’s rare that therapists are going through similar experiences at the same time as many of their clients,” said Kristin Wurster, embedded psychologist at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

The need to suddenly shift gears, for example, was something Wurster experienced in real time with the students she counsels. In her case, shifting gears meant offering virtual counseling sessions from home, often while juggling child care responsibilities. The challenging situation led her to use some of the same tools to cope with stress and uncertainly that she teaches to students. “Therapy is a field where you have to practice what you preach,” she said.

Read more of Wurster's conversation with The Gazette here.