Therapists in Council Bluffs, IA

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.

No one can tell you exactly what your therapy route will be like; you and I will establish goals for your therapy and determine the steps you will take to get there. My hope is that we can work together to help you feel at-ease and become confident in finding solutions.

I love working with individuals and families to help solve problems and work through the challenges of life. I use a variety of evidenced-based therapeutic techniques and a strengths-based, solution focused approach. With over 20 yrs experience working with children, teens, young adults, older adults, men, women, and gender fluid, I bring a lot of experience and insight into any challenge.

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.

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'm a certified EMDR therapist through EMDRIA. I work from an attachment based and needs approach addressing areas of struggles that stem from childhood and how they impact present relationships with others and one's self. Being more present in one's experiences through increased insight and awareness is a common goal for my clients. A colleague and I also provide group EMDR (via private pay) for those who have undergone recent traumatic experiences or life changing events with on-going consequences.

At times in life, we encounter difficult emotions and thoughts. These may stem from external circumstances or our own internal system. It can seem like these emotions and thoughts have taken over your life completely. The therapeutic process can help lead you to a place where you regain control of your thoughts and emotions. This will ultimately impact the way you experience your life and help to create lasting change.

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.

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 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.

Where to begin? This question is so frequently asked and the answer is more simple than most think. The answer is to begin by allowing someone to help. Just allowing someone to provide you a space where you can begin your journey with support and acceptance. At the Center For Healing And Hope, therapy provides an environment of acceptance and understanding in which you and your therapist can work together to address any difficulties or challenges you may be facing.

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.

"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 with. I have several years experience in a therapeutic setting working with individuals with depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, grief/loss, abuse, post partum depression, parenting relationship problems, school related problems, adjustment disorders and addictions. I have a special interest in working with children and adolescents, but I do welcome all ages. I utilize a number of different techniques as I believe that no single person is the same.