Culturally Sensitive Therapists in Ankeny, IA
Women's Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
Do you need someone to talk to about your family, job, or relationships? Are you struggling with loss, abuse or harassment in the recent or distant past? Do you feel misunderstood or question your identity or direction in life? Do you feel like life has handed you some lemons? If this sounds like you, I offer confidential mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families in a private 1857 farmhouse set on a nature sanctuary. I strive to provide a safe space for survivors, LGBTQ, and people from diverse racial, ethnic religious and spiritual backgrounds. Naturally, diversity is celebrated here.
Do you need someone to talk to about your family, job, or relationships? Are you struggling with loss, abuse or harassment in the recent or distant past? Do you feel misunderstood or question your identity or direction in life? Do you feel like life has handed you some lemons? If this sounds like you, I offer confidential mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families in a private 1857 farmhouse set on a nature sanctuary. I strive to provide a safe space for survivors, LGBTQ, and people from diverse racial, ethnic religious and spiritual backgrounds. Naturally, diversity is celebrated here.
Marie Villhauer
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
Accepting clients for 9am-3pm appointments, all 4pm appointments are full. My clients, friends, and family would describe me as their personal cheerleader. My goal as your therapist is to help you identify what barriers are holding you back and assisting you to overcome them. I want to encourage you every step of the way. I utilize Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Gottman Couples and narrative therapy to help you reach your goals. I completed level one IFS training in 2022.
Accepting clients for 9am-3pm appointments, all 4pm appointments are full. My clients, friends, and family would describe me as their personal cheerleader. My goal as your therapist is to help you identify what barriers are holding you back and assisting you to overcome them. I want to encourage you every step of the way. I utilize Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Gottman Couples and narrative therapy to help you reach your goals. I completed level one IFS training in 2022.
Jen Gauerke
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CADC, CGP
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50021
Waitlist for new clients
Every person has the potential for growth. Yet, people can work very hard and not make progress. Old ineffective patterns, habits, even addictions, dominate and prevent happiness and growth. Hope can dwindle and lead many to believe they are broken or defective. There is hope! With extensive training and experience in treating trauma and addiction, I explore with you the reasons the patterns persist. I am invested in helping people understand themselves, as they build personal and relationship satisfaction. You can create a life, not simply existing, but full of creativity, connection and satisfaction.
Every person has the potential for growth. Yet, people can work very hard and not make progress. Old ineffective patterns, habits, even addictions, dominate and prevent happiness and growth. Hope can dwindle and lead many to believe they are broken or defective. There is hope! With extensive training and experience in treating trauma and addiction, I explore with you the reasons the patterns persist. I am invested in helping people understand themselves, as they build personal and relationship satisfaction. You can create a life, not simply existing, but full of creativity, connection and satisfaction.
Annie Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
Waitlist for new clients
One of the most elemental parts of being human is the need to be listened to. Sharing our stories with others and doing the work of self-exploration requires a unique courage, and when we feel heard and understood, we are better able to understand our own needs and see our own resourcefulness more clearly. I view you as the expert on your own life and experiences. My top priorities as a therapist are understanding your perspective, learning how this perspective has shaped your life, and partnering with you in support of your goals.
One of the most elemental parts of being human is the need to be listened to. Sharing our stories with others and doing the work of self-exploration requires a unique courage, and when we feel heard and understood, we are better able to understand our own needs and see our own resourcefulness more clearly. I view you as the expert on your own life and experiences. My top priorities as a therapist are understanding your perspective, learning how this perspective has shaped your life, and partnering with you in support of your goals.
Hannah Overstake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50021
I have experience working with people of all ages, but my passion and expertise are with teens and young adults. I have training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR. I enjoy working with a wide range of client's on a wide-range of issues: depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, behavioral/school problems, and issues within the family system. My goal is to help my clients learn skills that they can implement and live up to their greatest potential. I look forward to hearing from you.
I have experience working with people of all ages, but my passion and expertise are with teens and young adults. I have training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR. I enjoy working with a wide range of client's on a wide-range of issues: depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, behavioral/school problems, and issues within the family system. My goal is to help my clients learn skills that they can implement and live up to their greatest potential. I look forward to hearing from you.
Central Iowa Psychological Services
CADC, PsyD, LISW, PhD, ARNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023 (Online Only)
Central Iowa Psychological Services helps enable children, teens, adults, and families to live more fulfilling and productive lives, children to be more resilient, and families to be happier and healthier. We serve the greater Des Moines area through multiple community sites, collaborations with local partnerships, and telehealth services. Conveniently located in West Des Moines, Ames, and Ankeny, our caring staff welcomes clients in a safe and accepting environment.
Central Iowa Psychological Services helps enable children, teens, adults, and families to live more fulfilling and productive lives, children to be more resilient, and families to be happier and healthier. We serve the greater Des Moines area through multiple community sites, collaborations with local partnerships, and telehealth services. Conveniently located in West Des Moines, Ames, and Ankeny, our caring staff welcomes clients in a safe and accepting environment.
Angelia McCright
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
Finding the right partner in your counseling journey is especially important in the healing process. I provide a compassionate and supportive presence for individuals 18 and over who are struggling with a variety of life challenges and mental health issues. I also provide support to parents who are facing challenging situations with their children.
Finding the right partner in your counseling journey is especially important in the healing process. I provide a compassionate and supportive presence for individuals 18 and over who are struggling with a variety of life challenges and mental health issues. I also provide support to parents who are facing challenging situations with their children.
Laura L Housel
Counselor, LMHC, ATR, CSAT, CTRS, CYI
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023 (Online Only)
I am passionate about learning about you and providing the support and resources you need to have a better quality of life. We shouldn't have to go through this life feeling distressed, alone, scared, or helpless. I have had the honor to work compassionately alongside clients impacted by cancer, grief, spiritual concerns, homelessness, trauma, oppression, marginalization, sexual violence and trafficking, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, body dysmorphia, body image and identity concerns, relationship and intimacy struggles, depression, anxiety, stress, shame, isolation, addiction and life transitions.
I am passionate about learning about you and providing the support and resources you need to have a better quality of life. We shouldn't have to go through this life feeling distressed, alone, scared, or helpless. I have had the honor to work compassionately alongside clients impacted by cancer, grief, spiritual concerns, homelessness, trauma, oppression, marginalization, sexual violence and trafficking, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, body dysmorphia, body image and identity concerns, relationship and intimacy struggles, depression, anxiety, stress, shame, isolation, addiction and life transitions.
Ryan McClure
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50021
Waitlist for new clients
I have been providing therapy support within the Des Moines area and surrounding communities for over 24 years. My primary areas of interest include helping individuals overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, social phobias, low self-esteem, anger issues and overall learning how to effectively manage challenging emotions that often present themselves. Typically, I serve clients older than 12 years and younger than 99. I love my profession and take pride in assisting and supporting clients that I see each week.
I have been providing therapy support within the Des Moines area and surrounding communities for over 24 years. My primary areas of interest include helping individuals overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, social phobias, low self-esteem, anger issues and overall learning how to effectively manage challenging emotions that often present themselves. Typically, I serve clients older than 12 years and younger than 99. I love my profession and take pride in assisting and supporting clients that I see each week.
Jaclyn Mustachio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
Waitlist for new clients
I will provide you with a safe space for self-exploration, and a model for self-reflection to utilize in everyday life. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy treatment modalities. The process looks different with each of my clients and may include unpacking life’s heavy stuff, making peace with the past, seeing what’s important to you, figuring out who you are/who you want to be, and, or facing fears head on.
I will provide you with a safe space for self-exploration, and a model for self-reflection to utilize in everyday life. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy treatment modalities. The process looks different with each of my clients and may include unpacking life’s heavy stuff, making peace with the past, seeing what’s important to you, figuring out who you are/who you want to be, and, or facing fears head on.
Marissa Schuster
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
In today's fast-paced and constantly evolving world, the general stress in society can be overwhelming. From juggling multiple responsibilities at work and home to facing unrealistic standards and societal expectations, we often find ourselves under immense pressure to balance it all. I seek to explore and address the unique challenges and stressors that we face in today's society, providing resources and support to help navigate and overcome these obstacles. I primarily focus on women’s issues, boundaries & assertiveness, people-pleasing, perfectionism, stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, & PTSD.
In today's fast-paced and constantly evolving world, the general stress in society can be overwhelming. From juggling multiple responsibilities at work and home to facing unrealistic standards and societal expectations, we often find ourselves under immense pressure to balance it all. I seek to explore and address the unique challenges and stressors that we face in today's society, providing resources and support to help navigate and overcome these obstacles. I primarily focus on women’s issues, boundaries & assertiveness, people-pleasing, perfectionism, stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, & PTSD.
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Jennie Plummer
Counselor, tLMHC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
Immediate openings for new clients! I believe you are the expert on your own life. You know your concerns, your fears, your struggles, and your story better than anyone else. As a counselor, my goal is to create a safe, affirming space in which you can explore your stressors, your identities, your relationships, or anything else you feel is significant to your life and your story. I will meet you where you are and accept you for who you are. I want therapy to be a collaborative process. Together, we will work to identify and address your concerns while also building upon and, hopefully, enriching your life story.
Immediate openings for new clients! I believe you are the expert on your own life. You know your concerns, your fears, your struggles, and your story better than anyone else. As a counselor, my goal is to create a safe, affirming space in which you can explore your stressors, your identities, your relationships, or anything else you feel is significant to your life and your story. I will meet you where you are and accept you for who you are. I want therapy to be a collaborative process. Together, we will work to identify and address your concerns while also building upon and, hopefully, enriching your life story.
Johnathan Starko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023 (Online Only)
I work with adults and older adolescents. I am passionate about helping others learn to cope with stressors in their lives and be able to communicate with others more effectively. I hope to help you through any tough transitions you may be going through to develop a positive state of mind and emotional, relational, and physical well-being. If you want to create positive change in your life or your relationships, I am ready to walk alongside you to help you find your way!
I work with adults and older adolescents. I am passionate about helping others learn to cope with stressors in their lives and be able to communicate with others more effectively. I hope to help you through any tough transitions you may be going through to develop a positive state of mind and emotional, relational, and physical well-being. If you want to create positive change in your life or your relationships, I am ready to walk alongside you to help you find your way!
Fein Therapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
Do you need someone to talk to about your family, job, climate change, social justice or relationships? Are you struggling with loss, abuse or harassment in the recent or distant past? Do you feel misunderstood or question your identity or direction in life? Do you feel like life has handed you some lemons? If this sounds like you, I offer confidential mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families in a private 1857 farmhouse set on a nature sanctuary. I strive to provide a safe space for survivors, and people from diverse racial, gender ethnic religious and spiritual backgrounds. Diversity is celebrated here.
Do you need someone to talk to about your family, job, climate change, social justice or relationships? Are you struggling with loss, abuse or harassment in the recent or distant past? Do you feel misunderstood or question your identity or direction in life? Do you feel like life has handed you some lemons? If this sounds like you, I offer confidential mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families in a private 1857 farmhouse set on a nature sanctuary. I strive to provide a safe space for survivors, and people from diverse racial, gender ethnic religious and spiritual backgrounds. Diversity is celebrated here.
Amber Jointer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
I believe that the therapeutic process begins with building a trusting relationship while providing a safe and non judgmental space to share life challenges and stressors. I provide services with a high degree of empathy in a manner that is very down to earth and authentic. I utilize an individualized, holistic, client centered approach that is tailored to meet your unique needs.
I believe that the therapeutic process begins with building a trusting relationship while providing a safe and non judgmental space to share life challenges and stressors. I provide services with a high degree of empathy in a manner that is very down to earth and authentic. I utilize an individualized, holistic, client centered approach that is tailored to meet your unique needs.
Talia Pulley
Pre-Licensed Professional, tLMHC
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
Hello! I am excited you're shopping around trying to find a therapist that fits your needs. I could be that therapist for you. I believe we are all the experts in our lives! We just need someone to help us navigate our complex thoughts and ideas as we continue this journey. You deserve someone who will actively listen and validate your unique experiences. You also deserve someone who will challenge you while meeting you where you're at. Together you and I can foster a collaborative therapeutic relationship to make this therapeutic process more comfortable. I follow a holistic form of therapy, focusing on the mind, body, and soul.
Hello! I am excited you're shopping around trying to find a therapist that fits your needs. I could be that therapist for you. I believe we are all the experts in our lives! We just need someone to help us navigate our complex thoughts and ideas as we continue this journey. You deserve someone who will actively listen and validate your unique experiences. You also deserve someone who will challenge you while meeting you where you're at. Together you and I can foster a collaborative therapeutic relationship to make this therapeutic process more comfortable. I follow a holistic form of therapy, focusing on the mind, body, and soul.
Larry Vernoid Jackson
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023 (Online Only)
Are you an adult who is living with anxiety or depression? Are you seeking to find common ground in your relationships? There is hope, there are solutions, you can make it through this, and I'm here to help. I help clients: improve their communication skills, overcome their anger issues, overcome trauma, unresolved family conflict, improve the connection and intimacy between their partners, and overcome challenges related to substance abuse. Offering a wide range of support for adults, or families who have concerns about their emotional, behavioral, or adjustment problems.
Are you an adult who is living with anxiety or depression? Are you seeking to find common ground in your relationships? There is hope, there are solutions, you can make it through this, and I'm here to help. I help clients: improve their communication skills, overcome their anger issues, overcome trauma, unresolved family conflict, improve the connection and intimacy between their partners, and overcome challenges related to substance abuse. Offering a wide range of support for adults, or families who have concerns about their emotional, behavioral, or adjustment problems.
Courtney Clippert-Treadwell
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
It's an honor and privilege to work with clients during, what might be, some of their most difficult moments in life. I find it rewarding to hear each client's story, help clients embrace their strengths, recognize personal resiliency factors, and feel more empowered. My approach is collaborative and integrative. I strive to create an affirming environment and atmosphere of safety, trust, and acceptance. Also, it's essential for me to understand client's worldview and cultural identities. I believe that a safe, supportive, and caring therapeutic relationship is an integral part of the change process.
It's an honor and privilege to work with clients during, what might be, some of their most difficult moments in life. I find it rewarding to hear each client's story, help clients embrace their strengths, recognize personal resiliency factors, and feel more empowered. My approach is collaborative and integrative. I strive to create an affirming environment and atmosphere of safety, trust, and acceptance. Also, it's essential for me to understand client's worldview and cultural identities. I believe that a safe, supportive, and caring therapeutic relationship is an integral part of the change process.
Johanna R Guerdet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
Welcome to the beginning of your therapy journey! As a client centered therapist, my focus is on you and your needs as a client. No problem is too big or too small for therapy, and it's never too early or too late to seek help. We will work together to make your life goals and changes.
Welcome to the beginning of your therapy journey! As a client centered therapist, my focus is on you and your needs as a client. No problem is too big or too small for therapy, and it's never too early or too late to seek help. We will work together to make your life goals and changes.
Dr. Donald M. Kaesser
Psychologist, PC, PhD
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50021 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
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How does culturally sensitive therapy work?
A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.
How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?
Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?
While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.
Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?
Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.