Therapists in Polk County, IA

Are you struggling with LGBT+ related concerns? Are you struggling to come terms with your LGBT+ identity and/or struggling to find a way to move forward as an LGBT+ person? As a member of the LGBT+ community I am passionate about serving the LGBT+ community. Is a loved one of yours an LGBT+ member and you are struggling to move forward? accept? and/or want to reconcile with your LGBT+ loved one? Being LGBT+ can be hard in our society and it can help to talk about these experiences. Being fearful of our LGBT+ loved one's safety and well being can be stressful as well. If you feel like I can be of service I would be happy to help.

Not currently accepting new clients at this time. I am happy to help you connect with others. Is it difficult to feel close to your child because of defiance, emotional outbursts, or behavioral struggles? Have you tried therapy before, but the therapist didn’t seem to understand you? My approach to counseling for adults and play therapy for children is nonjudgmental, supportive, and often fun. I believe interacting with the world through joy and humor lets us build healing connections with others. I have 11 years of experience helping families of kids ages 2-12 with skill building to become confident, peaceful, and connected.

My hope is to help you clarify how you want to think and feel about yourself and life, identify obstacles that stand in your way of this, and learn real ways to make your goals a reality. I use a strength-based approach that trusts in your inner resources and in our innate ability as humans to heal. I believe that different parts of our identity impact our experience in the world and in the therapy room, and I strive to make our time a comfortable space for exploring this and how the differences between us might impact our work.

Are you noticing tension and discomfort in your body? I believe that this is often easier to notice than what might be contributing to your symptoms, things like anxiety, stress, or trauma. We tend to push on and avoid taking good care of ourselves, despite feeling depressed, managing grief, and experiencing life challenges. We can find ourselves feeling burned out, struggling to function in our daily lives, and needing to reconnect with ourselves and those around us. Wherever you’re at in your healing and wellness journey, I’d love to help you along the way.

In a safe environment, I support change with individuals, couples, and families to identify and build upon strengths. I hope to work towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental and sexual health. The diverse clients I see address mental health topics that are related but not limited to stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+ concerns, family relationships, couples work, sexual education and development.

Taking that first step to healing is a step you don't have to take on your own. I have a passion in guiding and supporting those who have the courage to want to take steps to heal emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I have my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Drake University and completed my art therapy certificate from Grandview University. I have experience using art and play therapy techniques with children, adolescents and young adults in both inpatient and outpatient therapy settings.

I work with individuals that are wanting to know themselves better and/or want to make changes to better their life. I generally work with a wide variety of concerns and have special interests in psychological assessment, ADHD, trauma, and vocational concerns. Honoring the client’s unique multicultural identity is something I give special attention to in order to better understand how self-critical beliefs develop and how we can challenge those beliefs with respect to your personal and cultural values.

Hello and welcome! I enjoy working with adults and couples. I provide a safe and comfortable environment where you can discuss your feelings and difficulties. I will assist you in identifying the goals you would like to set for yourself and provide you with the education and tools available to understand and approach the struggles you are experiencing. I have enjoyed working in the mental health field since 2006 and in private practice since 2009.

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.