Therapists in Charles City, IA

The ideal client is one that can be open to trusting the process of diving deeper in getting to know oneself. Sometimes, this does not happen right away, but the first step is to be open to trying. As a therapist, it is my job to earn your trust, and once that is accomplished, then the next steps can start. I am inspired by peace, compassion, and respect. I am energized by people who still want to dream and know that it's never too late. If a client has lost their belief in dreaming and hoping, then it's my job to invite the client back into that possibility.

Asking for help may be one of the hardest things that you do in your life, congratulations to you, on taking this courageous first step towards getting help with whatever you may be struggling with. I am passionate about this work and consider it an honor to sit with others and bear witness to all aspects of their healing journeys. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is essential to one’s success in therapy and I am committed to honoring everyone’s unique family dynamics, community, culture, ethnicity, age, and gender.

When faced with overwhelming anxiety, depression or other mental health needs, it is hard to know where to turn at times. Talking to your family, friends or co-workers helps, sometimes, but you want to feel safe, free to say what's on your mind without feeling judged. Perhaps you are or have been traumatized at some time in your life and you just can't seem to get the confidence to be your own person. Seeking a therapist can be scary, and feel like a huge task, but it does not have to be when you have the right person to guide you through the forest to achieve your best self.

Clients I work with seek a better understanding of how stressful life experiences effect their mental, emotional and relationship health. These difficulties are often recognized as increased anxiety, depression, difficulty coping with daily tasks, sleep disruption, situational avoidance, crisis and trauma, relationship/intimacy stress, changes in eating, energy, and activity. Clients seek support to learn how to cope with identity, intimacy, connection and communication difficulties. Treatment goals are designed with a person centered, integrative focus to bridge mental and emotional health with lifestyle wellness.

Are you queer? Do you have a queer family member, partner, or kid? I provide queer & gender-affirming, neurodiverse-validating mental healthcare; WPATH-based psychosocial assessments & letters of support; & mental health support to individuals, couples/partners, parents, and families like yours who may be struggling with trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, or adjustment and who are often navigating confusing & less than accepting social & care scenarios. Have you experienced trauma? Unfortunately, those who are LGBTQIA+ are more likely to have trauma. I help clients like you manage and process trauma so you can move forward.

Change can be scary. It can also be beautiful, and, we know that change is inevitable. If you've found yourself considering some potential changes for your life, or are in the midst of navigating an unexpected change, I'd be happy to support you. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to process thoughts and feelings, to help us gain insight about ourselves, or to create meaning out of difficult experiences. Whatever the circumstance may be - you don't have to figure it out on your own.

I am a therapist and licensed counselor in Ames, IA with a few current openings mid-mornings. My specialty is working with women ages 18 on up. We will work together to help you overcome anxiety, depression, achieve personal goals and explore identity questions. Learn effective strategies a stronger inner guidance. You'll be able to feel peaceful, creative and connected through challenges. Enjoy better relationships, confidence and overall vitality. I also offer parent coaching for families with children ages 2-25. Contact me, or sign up on my website, for your free initial consultation.

Feelings of anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties can have a profound effect on your quality of life. Mental health care is an important component of building personal functioning and making lasting changes to individual outlook and situation. As a therapist I believe that you are the expert of your own life and experiences, and my role is to help you create meaning and understanding of those experiences. Together, we can help build realistic and effective coping skills to manage the unique challenges that you face to create lasting, positive change.

** NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ** Therapy is the gift of time and healing you give yourself and your relationships. My approach to therapy is integrative; my style is interactive, warm, and supportive. I walk along individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life stage transition. I also work with couples who need help to repair their relationship and feel close again. We all struggle from time to time; life can be much easier when we have someone to walk with us through the difficult times. *** Only accepting BC/BS, UHC, and Aetna at this time. ***

I take trust very seriously. I have always been the person others can confide in and know there is not a risk of judgment. I am proud of that and will understand the gravity of your vulnerability and fear of trust. I'm here to listen to your story, and feel it is important that my clients get an education on the therapeutic process, skill building, training, and accountability. As a former army medic I hope veterans will feel they can get relief knowing that I am a battle buddy that can help them get unstuck. Like many veterans I bring a wealth of knowledge of other cultures life experiences.

Susan is committed to developing therapeutic relationships and assisting others. She believes in using a collaborative approach to help others reach their goals through individual, couples, and/or family therapy. Focuses include general mental health, depression, anxiety, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, communication, personality disorders, trauma, and LGBTQIA+.

Immediate availability for new clients! The decision to start therapy for yourself or your child can be an overwhelming, daunting task. My hope is that this information will ease some of those fears and empower you to make the decision that is best for you. I will work with you collaboratively to create therapeutic goals and to develop the skills to achieve them. I hope to provide room for you to explore both your difficulties along with your strengths and achievements.

I strongly believe that people are not meant to navigate through life alone. Whether you're dealing with a difficult situation or just managing your day-to-day life, we all need a safe and supportive space to process, navigate, heal, and grow. As a therapist, I strive to create such an environment where you are met with compassion and understanding, and without judgement.

Health - At every size, every weight, every shape. Culture tells us to change the outside, but wellness comes from inside. We go beyond the food and beyond the scale, addressing anxiety, depression, and trauma to create lasting change. Exploring past and current relationships with yourself and with food allows us the opportunity to change how you look at things and finally feel comfortable in your own skin.

I enjoy helping each client find his or her individual strengths with a holistic approach to counseling focusing on the social, physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and spiritual welfare of each client. I use a person-centered approach where each client and I collaborate to develop a plan to address individual counseling needs in a supportive environment.