"Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else," Fred Rogers. My approach is client-centered. My focus as a therapist is to build a safe and trusting environment for my clients to become their true authentic selves. I believe in a perfect effort, not perfection. My therapeutic counseling sessions will give you the extra strength to push through questions, concerns, and frustrations that have held you back in life. I do not believe one therapeutic approach works for everyone. I tailor the treatment to the individual client and their specific needs.

"Don't start tomorrow, with the broken pieces of Yesterday". If you have felt this way, or are feeling this way please consider seeking out someone to talk to. I have several years experience in a therapeutic setting working with individuals with depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, grief/loss, abuse, parenting relationship problems, school related problems, adjustment disorders and addictions. I have a special interest in working with children, adolescent, but I do welcome all ages. I utilize a number of different techniques as I believe that no single person is the same.

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 and relationships.

People are unique, and I help them make changes by entering into a relationship that honors who they are. This relationship fosters a safe place to heal old wounds, explore the vast realm of possibility, and reach a more peaceful state of mind, body, and spirit. To enhance our work together, I am experienced in many ways to communicate and integrate information. This may include traditional talk therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, play and art therapy techniques, and EMDR as a tool to enhance insight into oneself and a person's role in relationships and their environment.

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 a licensed mental health therapist with experience working with person's of all ages. I utilize a variety of therapy techniques from Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Art therapy, EMDR and Sand Tray and Play therapy techniques. I have specific training in Play therapy techniques from KC play therapy. My focus is to develop a treatment plan that is unique and specialized for your needs and concerns.

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 earned my Masters of Clinical Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I am licensed therapist in both Iowa and Nebraska. I enjoy working with individuals, family, couples, and groups. I consider myself to be a client centered therapist and find it important to meet my clients where they are in their lives. My mission as a provider is to empower my clients to find their own inner strength. I have several years of experience working in the mental health field treating individuals with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem/self image, relationship and marital conflict, life adjustments and transitions, and grief and loss

Brenda has a Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University and is currently working on her doctorate in Trauma and disaster relief. She is a licensed mental health and addictions counselor in Nebraska and Iowa. Brenda has worked in the field of mental health and addictions since 2005.

Trauma & Grief. Are you looking for relief, tired of the same dysfunctional patterns controlling your life? Maybe you are struggling with the death of someone close to you. Or maybe you went through a traumatic event in your life and are feeling stuck. I am a Traumatic Grief Therapist, what does that even mean? It means that i am specially trained to address issues of Grief and Trauma. When we have been though traumatic events in our life it can have a negative impact on our ability to manage daily tasks, let alone other major life changes. The great news is that you can learn to cope with these difficult events; You can Heal!

Life can be extremely difficult! It’s hard to live an optimized life when you’re constantly stressed out, anxious, or depressed. These things can affect all aspects of your life and lead to a lot of pain, but things can be better. Trust me, I understand how hard it can be. I’ve experienced depression and anxiety off-and-on for much of my life, and I work in a high stress career, so stress is the norm. I struggled with managing stress and emotions for a long time, I still do at times, but I’ve learned many ways of managing my emotions and ways to cope with life. I use my clinical skills, as well as life experience, to help you.

I believe to heal we have to focus forward and honor ourselves and our expereinces that have made us who we are. I believe therapy is a process that is best facilitated by taking a person centered approach and creating a safe space to begin the process of healing. By meeting the person where they are at in life, they learn to understand the path that has led them to seek growth and to work to acquire the skills needed to be successful and strong.

I enjoy using my knowledge of human development and family systems to serve my clients' unique needs. In addition, my experience with children, adults and families helps to cultivate an environment of growth for my clients. I give unconditional regard to all of my clients, and walk with them on their individual journeys. Personal growth can sometimes be uncomfortable, but I assure you, you do not have to experience it alone. Going through discomfort is part of the growth process, and you will be stronger because of it! My hope is that each person I work with will gain insight from guided self-exploration and goal setting.

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.

Hello and welcome :) You may be reading this because you need support or guidance as you navigate through life. You may constantly feel overwhelmed or stressed out. You may be struggling to manage relationships. You may notice that painful memories "pop up" throughout the day. You may feel "stuck" or "lost." Whether you wish to heal, to cope more effectively, to gain insight, or to have more successful relationships, therapy can help you to achieve your goals. I consistently practice empathy and non-judgment (I am also skilled in sarcasm). Beginning therapy is a brave choice and I would be honored to walk with you on your journey.

Your therapist has to be the right fit for you. You may be experiencing significant amounts of pain. Something has to change, and you are tired of simply coping. The good news is - help, hope and true healing are possible. Working with a competent therapist creates a collaborative process where therapy is at its best.

Connection, support, understanding and hope are all a part of what successful therapy is made of. My focus is on providing a safe, comfortable environment to promote health and wellness in all aspects of life. I enjoy working with people of all ages. My present focus is on supporting children, adolescents, and adults with life’s challenges from anxiety and depression to learning coping skills and social skills. I am also a bi-lingual therapist (Spanish and English speaking). I have been practicing as a mental health therapist for over 6 years in an in office setting while also providing school-based therapy.

We all have a story and have times in our lives where we would benefit from participating in therapy. I strive to provide a safe and relaxing environment where you feel respected and comfortable to be authentic and open. My goal is to help you achieve your goals and find the success you are seeking. I have counseling experience addressing a variety of problems including relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and addictions. I enjoy working with teens and men and women of all ages.