Therapists in Council Bluffs, IA

I have worked with/for people whose lives have been negatively affected by different issues. It's easy to think of these issues in negative terms. But I have learned that nonjudgmental acceptance is preferable. I have experience working with individuals with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, personality disorders, emotion regulation problems, chemical use problems or being in a relationship with someone who has chemical use problems, brain injury, divorce or separation from family members, traumatic events or a series of traumatic events, and growing up in homes with inadequate parenting.

I am licensed in Iowa and Nebraska. My theoretical orientation is empowered by Action Oriented Theories integrating; Scripture, Cognitive Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. By magnifying thoughts, beliefs, we work to enable healing, empowering self-awareness, acknowledgement, and honest portrait of reality. I welcome children-adolescents, women, seniors, and families. I have EMDR certification and utilize Play Therapy techniques. I specialize in relational communication, self-esteem, confidence, parenting, anxiety, depression, grief. I believe that the goal of the client is to seek resolutions for presenting problems. These often create despair which multiplies into a range of negative affects.

I have experience in counseling with children, adolescents and adults/couples and families. I was a foster parent for 15 plus year. I understand those challenges on a daily basis within families, raising children and relationships.

Ideally, my clients are individuals who are looking for someone to support them on their path to healing and flourishing. Simply put, they want to feel better. My clients want to rid themselves of their racing thoughts, nightmares, sleeplessness, sadness, and overall dysfunction. They want better relationships with their loved ones. They want coping skills and techniques that will help them battle their symptoms. They also want someone who is ready to listen to them.

With more than 12 years experience, I have specialized in working with diverse populations including children, adolescents/at-risk youth, and adults. My core work focuses on depression, bipolar disorder, severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), anxiety/panic attacks, physical/emotional abuse, anger problems, grief, self-esteem, ADHD, PTSD, addiction, work/vocational issues, school/truancy, homelessness and parenting difficulties.

I believe that counseling is individualized and my focus during sessions is about you. As your therapist, I value your input while tailoring my counseling approach to best fit your needs through a compassionate approach. I work with clients who face symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, anger, and issues of shame and guilt utilizing a Solution Focused approach in my sessions. I also utilize techniques of Cognitive Behavioral therapy. Through these approaches counseling will assist you in decreasing life’s barriers and promote personal growth. I am also accepting Saturday appointments to best fit your schedule.

Accepting new clients. Dealing with trauma is hard, dealing with new environments or changes in cultures is a difficult thing. I have experience serving the community by supporting families and stronger relationships, both in Omaha and in his home country of Argentina. I have experience supporting the mental health of clients from diverse backgrounds, including poverty, trauma, and substance use.

I enjoy working with couples and families to navigate issues such as infidelity, substance abuse, parent-child conflict, personality disorders, communication gaps, parenting styles, domestic abuse, depression, anger management, self-esteem and blended family issues. I find that no one family is the same and I am highly flexible when working with each family.

If you are someone who is struggling with depression, anxiety, hopelessness, guilt, grief or shame I can assist you. Through a compassionate and empathetic approach, together we can explore your symptoms and build skills to enhance your quality of life. I utilize techniques of: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness. Many individuals feel a lack of support and seeking therapy can be intimidating and difficult. As your therapist, I will provide a consistent support you can advocate for your mental health. I also lead an anger management group that assists individuals in recognizing triggers.

"I enjoy working with individuals and family's of all ages. Anxiety, depression, and or trauma can all pile up and prevent us from living a fulfilling life. These pieces in life can feel like they are entangling or piling up. I can help unravel, sort through and process what life events have come up and find joy for the future by meeting you where you are at this time in life and finding a path".

When you have come to a time in life when you know things are not working for, let me help you on your path of change. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. My philosophy is “whoever walks through my door I want help them get to a better place”. I believe your self-care is key to a happier life. I look forward to working with clients using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach to help them achieve goals and improve their lives during a challenging time in their life.

We are excited to offer high-quality mental health counseling services in Iowa – Council Bluffs, Missouri Valley, and Atlantic. Our providers are trained and experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

Beginning therapy can be an intimidating experience, so it’s important to feel at ease with and supported by your provider. I believe that therapy should be a partnership based in trust, respect, compassion, and kindness. Using a strengths-based approach, I work to understand and empathize with each individual’s unique situation. I believe that everyone has the ability to grow, change, and heal, and I am committed to helping people navigate life’s challenges.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Iowa as well as a nationally certified counselor. I have experience working with adolescents, teens, adults, families and couples. Inhave a passion for working with individuals, couples and families to find a balance that is suitable to them. I will work through the process and stages with the client to meet their needs or struggles. My preferred methods of therapy include: Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral and Person-Centered Therapy. I have an interest in working with clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and marital or family issues.

Reaching out in times of difficulty can be hard, but I encourage you to have hope that things can get better. "Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future". (Robert Schuller) Being able to live a life full of happiness and contentment is so important, yet in today's world can be difficult. I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve emotional wellness and a sense of balance in life. I am dedicated to providing a therapeutic relationship that allows for a sense of safety, warm acceptance and empathy. I pride myself on being open-minded and nonjudgmental.