Wellmark BCBS Therapists in North Of Grand, Des Moines, IA

Over the years I've worked with clients related to life transitions such as career/job challenges, relationships, family dynamics, loss, anxiety and depression. When these detours are a part of your path, you may lose your sense of direction or question your destination. I believe we all have the capacity to better manage our struggles and the potential to feel better ... a lot better!

Licensed in MI, IA, WA and NC. Your human experience contains the magical potential for joy, challenge, love, pain, connection...we are invited to take the very essence of each experience and uncover the wisdom within. Companioning others in this courageous endeavor of feeling our lives fully is the gift I offer. Bring your hurt, your heart, your deepest desires and longings, your bitterness, your hope, your bravery...all is welcome here. We will uncover the mystery underlying your experience to create connection , illumination, and restoration. My approach is warm and direct. Together, we will find the song that sings you home.

I have been providing therapy support within the Des Moines area and surrounding communities for over 20 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. In addition, I specialize in providing support to athletes of all varying skill level who struggle with anxiety. Typically, I serve clients older than 12 years and younger than 99. I enjoy my profession and take pride in assisting and supporting clients that I see each week. We all have a story to tell.

Do you need someone who understands struggles with substance use and mental health? I place value in the capacity to connect with my clients and seek to provide a safe, comfortable place to explore difficult themes...I look forward to seeing how I can help you find a place of wellness, self-acceptance, healing and genuine mental health.

Currently not accepting new clients - I will bring to your therapy not only 25+ years experience, but also a focus on developing a client-focused and caring environment where together we can work toward the change you are seeking for yourself, your family and/or your relationships. I understand that looking for a therapist can sometimes be challenging, as a result I work hard to develop rapport and incorporate important resources to support that journey.

I have enjoyed helping individuals and couples struggling with emotional and relationship issues for over 30 years. My first goal is to help you feel safe to share all thoughts and feelings. We will work together to identify where you are feeling stuck; better understand your issues; experience healing from past hurts; learn new ways to manage stress; identify solutions, and take action toward your goals. I am an interactive therapist in that I believe in the importance of non-judgmental listening and emotional support while also providing feedback, guidance, and education.

I approach each person as an individual first. We all have unique experiences and strengths to help manage life's challenges. In therapy you will have a judgement free space to work through whatever challenges you may be facing. I use a variety or approached tailored to each person. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds as well as couples and family counseling. I believe that therapy should be a positive experience designed to help you reach your personal goals.

We have all been through difficulties and transitions where we seek a sense of strength and healing. Therapy is a way of exploring struggles and developing strengths and coping strategies while enriching life by integrating the mind, body, and spirit to achieve a greater sense of purpose and meaning. It is my goal to walk a path with you in a non-judgmental, accepting, and empathetic atmosphere to help you discover and utilize your strengths, overcome barriers, and achieve mental wellness.

Have you been struggling with anxiety that doesn’t get better? Are relationship issues or work stressors just “too much” right now? Are painful memories making it hard to live the life you want? Whether working in person or via telehealth, my approach is supportive and practical. I begin by listening to ensure I understand your issues. I then tailor my approach to match your situation, values and goals. This may include helping you learn skills to manage and reduce anxiety, gain clarity and develop a plan address key work or relationship issues, or help you gain tools to manage strong emotions while healing underlying trauma.

Great therapy is a sacred, unique, and mutually respectful relationship. My approach is holistic in nature, seeking to balance the mind, body and spirit. There is no one approach for everyone, so I utilize many forms of therapy with clients, allowing a person-centered, humanistic, and eclectic approach. I also incorporate aspects of spirituality if desired, and am open to all beliefs. I mainly work with adults and teens. My therapy is intuitive and empathic, which invites individuality to shine.

As your therapist, it is vital for me to see the world through your eyes and lived experiences. I offer integrative treatment modalities based on your personal preferences, often incorporating feminist and multicultural theoretical orientations. Safety is key when working with a new therapist, and it is my job to ensure every client feels supported in the therapy space. My specializations include perinatal mental health, trauma, grief, parenting, recovery, sexuality, and gender. I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and I am an open and affirming therapist who believes in equality, equanimity, and body autonomy.