Men's Issues Therapists in Ames, IA

I am dedicated to aiding individuals facing academic and career difficulties, addiction, men's issues, and anxiety. I blend empathy with evidence-based techniques to foster growth and healing. Together, we'll explore challenges, uncover patterns, and develop strategies for a fulfilling life. You're not alone on this journey; let's work together towards wellness.

As a retired Marine, a licensed pilot, a scuba diver, and a linguist, I have a varied and multicultural background and am able to connect well with people of different cultures. In addition to a Masters in Professional Counseling, I have a Seminary degree in Pastoral Counseling. After serving as an Arabic and Persian Farsi linguist in the Marine Corps, I decided to continue a life of service by helping people find healing and personal growth. As a Veteran who served in Iraq and in Combat, I have special insight to help fellow Service Members.

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.

NOW OFFERING MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN ANKENY AND AMES. At Clear Brook Counseling Professionals, we work together to provide you the therapy - family, couples, or individual that will deliver the best results for your unique needs. We believe life has meaning, and every moment is worth living. That's the end goal. At Clear Brook you'll experience a team of counselors, proven treatment, and techniques that work. The process is about finding clarity in the situation, and seeing change. Clear Brook Counseling Professionals weave proven practices and life-exercises into your therapy to help foster results.

I enjoy working with college age and above through older adult. Depression, anxiety, trauma and loss issues, ADHD are all areas of concern of clients that we can focus on together. Solution focused therapy, brief therapy, cognitive therapy, family systems therapy are all important as therapy approaches, with the best being truly listening to my clients to determine what they believe is possible through therapy. I have experiences with DMACC students, parenting classes, anger management classes for thirteen years, as well as mediating parenting plans for divorcing couples. I am a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa.

I believe that childhood interactions play a huge part in the development of psychological pain, wounds, and hurts. I am sensitive to the process of therapy and work hard to make it a safe and trusting space for you and myself to work together. The here and now interactions in the room are important and I intentionally use them to foster the healing process. Your strengths and goals are important to the way I work because my aim is to free up the energy that has been suppressed by pain so that you can focus on the things that are important to you.

My ideal substance abuse client is someone who acknowledges their addiction, seeks recovery, and desires positive change. Their issues include addiction struggles, broken relationships, and physical/mental health concerns. They need professional support, a safe space for healing, and coping strategies. Their goals are sobriety, renewed relationships, and overall well-being. They want to regain control of their life, mend bonds, and lead a healthier, happier future for themselves and their loved ones.

Does life feel like a struggle everyday, filled with with low motivation, fear, or sadness. The good news is that life does not have to be this way! We will work on disputing negative beliefs, and learning techniques that help create a positive energy and mindset that makes it possible to live a fulfilling life. I utilize an integration of cognitive behavioral (CBT), person-centered, and solution focused therapy to help you identify the thoughts, emotions and behaviors interfering with your ability to be successful and achieve the balance and self-esteem to successfully meet the challenges in life, work, and relationships.

Are you ready to live, laugh, and love again? (Did I really just open my Psychology Today profile by ripping off everyone’s favorite/least favorite home décor slogan?) Seriously, though, life is too short to be miserable. It’s my hope that our time together will empower you to live with more purpose. I approach therapy in an informal way, because counseling doesn’t have to be so uptight. It’s OK to laugh! I spent 23 years as a newspaper feature writer before changing careers, writing thousands of stories. I now want my clients to look at the narrative of their lives and choose, for themselves, the direction their own story takes.

I provide confidential, professional therapy for a variety of issues and concerns. From resolving depression or anxiety to healing past trauma, improving relationships to ending addiction; therapy with me is about no longer managing or coping, but instead getting to the source of your issues and discovering what helps you heal. Whether this is your first time considering therapy or you're feeling ready to return, I help people from all walks of life find solutions and feel better.

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.

Accepting new clients. I work out of New Life Counseling's West Des Moines office location, but can also see you via Zoom. My counseling approach is relational, honest, compassionate, and research-based. Many of my clients see results within the first few weeks (small wins). These small wins demonstrate the benefits of the counseling relationship, as we develop your goals. My hope is that you are encouraged and empowered, as you consider making changes.

Recognizing that you need some help and support is the first step in making a change in your life. I am here to help you on your mental health journey. I am passionate about meeting my clients where they are at, providing them with tools that they can use to achieve their goals. I have experience working with teens and adults through individual, couple and family sessions. I help my clients by addressing a variety of concerns, with a focus on treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, loss and grief. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that evokes growth and positive change without judgment.

Whatever brings you to therapy, it is my goal to help you be grateful for the coping mechanisms that kept you safe and brought you here. I welcome all parts of you into my office to work towards healing and learning a new path forward. Healing is personal to each individual and I welcome you to start the experience together to move toward your goals. I work as a team with my partner, Winston (therapy dog), who loves helping clients towards their goals. Reach out to learn more about how he can help you with your goals!

Accepting NEW Clients (Telehealth & In-Person) As a mental health therapist, and a former police officer, I have over 14 years of combined experience in law enforcement and clinical counseling, and a unique perspective to life challenges. My mission is to make a positive impact and a difference in the lives of my clients by creating a safe and comfortable environment where they can explore, grow, and heal. I am passionate about supporting and enhancing the mental health and well-being of individuals, couples, families, divorced parents, college students, first responders (active/retired), and military veterans (active/retired).