Sexual Abuse Therapists in Johnston, IA
Im Kate. I'm a native Iowan who fell into a social work career over 15 years ago. I'm passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful, fulfilling lives through therapy. People are my jam! I enjoy working with a wide, diverse population of clients especially trauma survivors, pregnant and postpartum people, as well as the LGBTQ+ community My approach is both compassionate and practical—I use evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to empower you with real strategies that lead to lasting change.
Im Kate. I'm a native Iowan who fell into a social work career over 15 years ago. I'm passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful, fulfilling lives through therapy. People are my jam! I enjoy working with a wide, diverse population of clients especially trauma survivors, pregnant and postpartum people, as well as the LGBTQ+ community My approach is both compassionate and practical—I use evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to empower you with real strategies that lead to lasting change.
If you are struggling with grief, trauma, life changes, and/or anxiety, want to gain better understanding of self, others, and environment, and appreciate a down-to-earth, tailored to you, therapeutic approach, I would be honored to be a part of your wellness journey.
While I have worked with a vast age group the past twenty years, my current focus is working individually with young and middle-aged adults who are navigating stressors in various roles, i.e. as a partner, a parent, an adult child, an employee, a physical health patient, an educator, and/or a student.
If you are struggling with grief, trauma, life changes, and/or anxiety, want to gain better understanding of self, others, and environment, and appreciate a down-to-earth, tailored to you, therapeutic approach, I would be honored to be a part of your wellness journey.
While I have worked with a vast age group the past twenty years, my current focus is working individually with young and middle-aged adults who are navigating stressors in various roles, i.e. as a partner, a parent, an adult child, an employee, a physical health patient, an educator, and/or a student.
Welcome to the beginning of your therapy journey! As a client centered therapist, my focus is on you and your needs as a client. No problem is too big or too small for therapy, and it's never too early or too late to seek help. We will work together to make your life goals and changes. I also have a small therapy dog named Riker who is excited to work with you!
Welcome to the beginning of your therapy journey! As a client centered therapist, my focus is on you and your needs as a client. No problem is too big or too small for therapy, and it's never too early or too late to seek help. We will work together to make your life goals and changes. I also have a small therapy dog named Riker who is excited to work with you!
I am a child and family therapist with over 15 years of experience. I work with both children, and, adults who are parents. My specialties include teens, therapy for parents, trauma, and LGBTQIA+ youth. I have been successful at treating a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ODD, behavioral problems, stress management difficulties, and more. Overall, my goal is to ensure that you feel safe and supported right from the start by creating a space that is inclusive, non-judgmental and fun for both children and parents.
I am a child and family therapist with over 15 years of experience. I work with both children, and, adults who are parents. My specialties include teens, therapy for parents, trauma, and LGBTQIA+ youth. I have been successful at treating a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ODD, behavioral problems, stress management difficulties, and more. Overall, my goal is to ensure that you feel safe and supported right from the start by creating a space that is inclusive, non-judgmental and fun for both children and parents.
If you're an adult carrying the weight of trauma while trying to keep everything together, you're not alone.
If you're an adult carrying the weight of trauma while trying to keep everything together, you're not alone.
“We do not grow by knowing all of the answers, but rather by living with the questions.” - Max De Pree. “Be curious, not judgmental.” -Ted Lasso These two quotes sum up my approach to therapy, and hopefully, to life. Our brains are naturally wired to make sense of things, to organize information into understandable experiences and thoughts. This relentless pursuit of understanding can lead to new discoveries, new technologies, new medicines. However, it can also lead to stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Balance between curiosity and living with the questions is necessary to a life of integrity.
“We do not grow by knowing all of the answers, but rather by living with the questions.” - Max De Pree. “Be curious, not judgmental.” -Ted Lasso These two quotes sum up my approach to therapy, and hopefully, to life. Our brains are naturally wired to make sense of things, to organize information into understandable experiences and thoughts. This relentless pursuit of understanding can lead to new discoveries, new technologies, new medicines. However, it can also lead to stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Balance between curiosity and living with the questions is necessary to a life of integrity.
Maybe you’re feeling stuck between who you’ve been and who you’re trying to become. You might be navigating substance use, complicated or painful family dynamics, trauma, or the uncertainty that comes with major life transitions—especially the shift into adulthood. You may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of your direction. You want relief from old patterns, clarity about who you are, and tools to build a life that feels more stable, authentic, and meaningful.
Maybe you’re feeling stuck between who you’ve been and who you’re trying to become. You might be navigating substance use, complicated or painful family dynamics, trauma, or the uncertainty that comes with major life transitions—especially the shift into adulthood. You may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of your direction. You want relief from old patterns, clarity about who you are, and tools to build a life that feels more stable, authentic, and meaningful.
I currently have openings for new clients! We all know we live in overwhelming times. The stress of family, work, school, and life in general can really get to us. Sometimes, there is an issue that would be easier to manage if you have help. When it is time, reach out, help is available. I am ready to work with you to identify and target areas you choose. We will set goals and create strategies to increase your confidence in your ability to manage the multitude of stressors you face daily. I am here for that adventure, ready to help.
I currently have openings for new clients! We all know we live in overwhelming times. The stress of family, work, school, and life in general can really get to us. Sometimes, there is an issue that would be easier to manage if you have help. When it is time, reach out, help is available. I am ready to work with you to identify and target areas you choose. We will set goals and create strategies to increase your confidence in your ability to manage the multitude of stressors you face daily. I am here for that adventure, ready to help.
Hey there! I'm Em (she/they) and I use liberation-oriented approaches to care. It's rough out there - and sometimes even harder to find a therapist who is in it with you. If your mental health has been impacted by the state of the world, systems of oppression, challenging relationships, repression of feelings, or lack of support, reach out! I use a relational approach centering curiosity, collaboration, and consent. Most of my clients begin to see impacts on presenting issues within a couple of months, but choose to stay longer term to unpack deeper concerns.
Hey there! I'm Em (she/they) and I use liberation-oriented approaches to care. It's rough out there - and sometimes even harder to find a therapist who is in it with you. If your mental health has been impacted by the state of the world, systems of oppression, challenging relationships, repression of feelings, or lack of support, reach out! I use a relational approach centering curiosity, collaboration, and consent. Most of my clients begin to see impacts on presenting issues within a couple of months, but choose to stay longer term to unpack deeper concerns.
I believe therapy works best when it feels like a real partnership, not a one-way street. You aren't here to just talk into a void; you’re here to find a way out of the fog. I’ve spent 16 years learning that people need more than just a listener—they need an engaged guide. I show up as a real person with honesty about the hard stuff, but I’m also an unwavering anchor for you when things feel heavy. We’ll look at the "why" behind your pain, but we’ll also focus on the "how"—building practical strategies so you can actually start feeling like yourself again.
I believe therapy works best when it feels like a real partnership, not a one-way street. You aren't here to just talk into a void; you’re here to find a way out of the fog. I’ve spent 16 years learning that people need more than just a listener—they need an engaged guide. I show up as a real person with honesty about the hard stuff, but I’m also an unwavering anchor for you when things feel heavy. We’ll look at the "why" behind your pain, but we’ll also focus on the "how"—building practical strategies so you can actually start feeling like yourself again.
I believe each person and family has the full capacity to heal no matter the hurdles or the history. We all have a unique story and it’s my role to you move past shame, trauma, and conflict using a variety of techniques. I work with individuals and families with a focus on addressing the root cause of your concerns. Specializing with high conflict issues, estrangement, and CPS/foster care cases. I provide private therapy services for those struggling with life events and trauma in addition to court involved evaluations, co-parenting coordination and therapy, "reunification", mediation, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy for HHS.
I believe each person and family has the full capacity to heal no matter the hurdles or the history. We all have a unique story and it’s my role to you move past shame, trauma, and conflict using a variety of techniques. I work with individuals and families with a focus on addressing the root cause of your concerns. Specializing with high conflict issues, estrangement, and CPS/foster care cases. I provide private therapy services for those struggling with life events and trauma in addition to court involved evaluations, co-parenting coordination and therapy, "reunification", mediation, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy for HHS.
Wait list; please email for estimated length of wait for clients ages 18+ with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance or private pay. Immediate on line registration & scheduling are available! You don’t have to go through this alone—a safe space to heal, grow, & thrive. It’s not always easy to take the first step toward therapy. My role is to meet you where you are—with compassion, understanding, and practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, confidence, & a renewed sense of well‑being. Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to support and guide you on your path to healing and growth.
Wait list; please email for estimated length of wait for clients ages 18+ with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance or private pay. Immediate on line registration & scheduling are available! You don’t have to go through this alone—a safe space to heal, grow, & thrive. It’s not always easy to take the first step toward therapy. My role is to meet you where you are—with compassion, understanding, and practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, confidence, & a renewed sense of well‑being. Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to support and guide you on your path to healing and growth.
Pathways to Growth Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, CCTP, PMH-C
Johnston, IA 50131
We know that many of us feel that we try so hard to find contentment and happiness in life, but ultimately feel that we either get lost in the maze of life, or we come to a dead end. Our office can be a way to assist you in discovering your path through the maze. Pathways to Growth Psychotherapy seeks to empower individuals to embrace their journey towards mental health wellness with compassionate care, personalized support, and evidence-based interventions. Our mission is to foster resilience, healing, and growth by providing accessible, inclusive, and holistic mental health services tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
We know that many of us feel that we try so hard to find contentment and happiness in life, but ultimately feel that we either get lost in the maze of life, or we come to a dead end. Our office can be a way to assist you in discovering your path through the maze. Pathways to Growth Psychotherapy seeks to empower individuals to embrace their journey towards mental health wellness with compassionate care, personalized support, and evidence-based interventions. Our mission is to foster resilience, healing, and growth by providing accessible, inclusive, and holistic mental health services tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Having been a clinical mental health therapist for 25 years, I recognize the decision to seek help can be difficult and challenging. My practice endeavors to create a comfortable and safe environment exploring your concerns in a collaborative and professional manner. I am committed in working to provide real solutions empowering individuals, couples, and families to achieve their personal and professional goals. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how therapy may be helpful with your needs.
Having been a clinical mental health therapist for 25 years, I recognize the decision to seek help can be difficult and challenging. My practice endeavors to create a comfortable and safe environment exploring your concerns in a collaborative and professional manner. I am committed in working to provide real solutions empowering individuals, couples, and families to achieve their personal and professional goals. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how therapy may be helpful with your needs.
Currently accepting new clients, with immediate availability!
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. Making the decision to start therapy can be one of the hardest decisions to make. Guided by a person-centered, strengths-based philosophy, I specialize in weaving various techniques including but not limited to: play therapy, sand tray, CBT and DBT into the therapeutic journey. I empower clients to understand and reshape their thought patterns.
Currently accepting new clients, with immediate availability!
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. Making the decision to start therapy can be one of the hardest decisions to make. Guided by a person-centered, strengths-based philosophy, I specialize in weaving various techniques including but not limited to: play therapy, sand tray, CBT and DBT into the therapeutic journey. I empower clients to understand and reshape their thought patterns.
I enjoy working with grief and loss issues, self-esteem issues, working with sexual issues and sexual abuse and doing couples therapy.
Sometimes life hurts and we find ourselves feeling alone. Things happen that we just can't explain. The world can sometimes seem cruel and we struggle to find our way. My passion is to empower others and to help them see their worth. I offer a caring, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share what is in your heart. Take that first step with me and we can find the answers together. I am here when you are ready.
I do NOT accept DHS cases
I enjoy working with grief and loss issues, self-esteem issues, working with sexual issues and sexual abuse and doing couples therapy.
Sometimes life hurts and we find ourselves feeling alone. Things happen that we just can't explain. The world can sometimes seem cruel and we struggle to find our way. My passion is to empower others and to help them see their worth. I offer a caring, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share what is in your heart. Take that first step with me and we can find the answers together. I am here when you are ready.
I do NOT accept DHS cases
Making the decision to start therapy can be a very vulnerable time, whether it be for you or your child. In therapy you will have a safe and judgement free space to meet your goals. I enjoy working with children and adults to recognize strengths and build on them to assist you in meeting your well being needs. Whether you are struggling to overcome an incident or event, wanting to make specific changes in your life, or looking to improve your overall quality of life and feel better about yourself, we will work together.
Making the decision to start therapy can be a very vulnerable time, whether it be for you or your child. In therapy you will have a safe and judgement free space to meet your goals. I enjoy working with children and adults to recognize strengths and build on them to assist you in meeting your well being needs. Whether you are struggling to overcome an incident or event, wanting to make specific changes in your life, or looking to improve your overall quality of life and feel better about yourself, we will work together.
Dr. Tracy's Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, PhD
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I have 34 years of experience helping adults with many different issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship issues and grief. We work together to meet your goals. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you. I know reaching out for help is often difficult.
I have 34 years of experience helping adults with many different issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship issues and grief. We work together to meet your goals. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you. I know reaching out for help is often difficult.
I believe that It takes great strength and courage to ask for help and I would be honored to help you (or your children) find more fulfillment and direction in life. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and have experience with children, adolescents, and adults. I engage in individual therapy as well as psychological assessment/evaluation. I have the necessary supplies for the full range of evaluations for children 8-17 years of age as well as ADHD and ID waiver evaluations for adults. I believe the range of experiences enables me to more fully understand the individual needs of each client I work with.
I believe that It takes great strength and courage to ask for help and I would be honored to help you (or your children) find more fulfillment and direction in life. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and have experience with children, adolescents, and adults. I engage in individual therapy as well as psychological assessment/evaluation. I have the necessary supplies for the full range of evaluations for children 8-17 years of age as well as ADHD and ID waiver evaluations for adults. I believe the range of experiences enables me to more fully understand the individual needs of each client I work with.
Do you feel as if you have lost your way, like connections that were once there have somehow been severed due to trauma, anxiety or depression? Have you wondered how to regain or re-kindle those relationships with others? Sometimes on the journey through life, our ability to navigate can become overwhelming and confusing. It is during these times that having someone to support and encourage you in finding ways to mend relationships or make new connections can be useful.
Do you feel as if you have lost your way, like connections that were once there have somehow been severed due to trauma, anxiety or depression? Have you wondered how to regain or re-kindle those relationships with others? Sometimes on the journey through life, our ability to navigate can become overwhelming and confusing. It is during these times that having someone to support and encourage you in finding ways to mend relationships or make new connections can be useful.
See more therapy options for Johnston
Nearby Sexual Abuse Therapists Searches for Johnston
- Altoona
- Ankeny
- Beaverdale
- Clive
- Des Moines
- Grimes
- Pleasant Hill
- Polk City
- Urbandale
- Waukee
- West Des Moines
- Windsor Heights
Sexual Abuse Therapists
How do therapists treat sexual abuse?
A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.
Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?
Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.
How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?
Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.
Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?
As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.