Rachel McLaren, PhD

I am a scholar, teacher, and speaker who is passionate about helping people improve their communication, relationships, and overall well-being through evidence-based education and embodiment practices.

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Research

Dr. Rachel McLaren is an associate professor in the Communication Studies Department at the University of Iowa.


Rachel’s social-scientific research revolves around the exploration of how individuals navigate and derive meaning from significant experiences within their relationships, encompassing various facets such as conflict resolution, handling transgressions, and managing emotions.


Her recent work has focused on sense-making and conflict in parent-adolescent relationships.


You can find links to her research articles here.

Dr. McLaren and her student, Katie Rosol, at the Undergraduate Research Festival

Yoga and Movement

Rachel is a yoga teacher and group fitness instructor in Iowa City.


She translates her expertise on emotion and empathy into embodiment practices.


She teaches at Heartland Yoga Studio and the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center at the University of Iowa.


You can also access her practices on YouTube.


Public Facing Speaking and Writing

Listen to Rachel talk about embracing conflict and connection on the TendHer Wild Podcast

Read about Rachel’s research on hurt in parent-adolescent relationships in Communication Currents

Read Rachel’s Articles on

Inside Higher Ed

Teaching

Rachel teaches popular undergraduate and graduate courses on:


  • Communication and Conflict
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Small Group Communication
  • The Dark Side of Interpersonal Relationships
  • Skills for Building Meaningful Relationships
  • Communication and Emotion
  • Communication Theory

Contact Me:

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Interested in learning more about how to work with me? I’d love to hear more about what you’re looking for and if I can help.


rachelmclaren [at] gmail.com


Places I’ve Presented