First Responders Therapists in Spencer, IA

Photo of Whitney Lynn Gray - Breaking Illusions Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC
Breaking Illusions Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC
Spencer, IA 51301
I provide a nonjudgmental safe space for those looking to lessen anxiety, get to the core of pressing difficulties, learning to love yourself, and connect to your inner being. My approach is not a "one size fits all" method and is client-led. My goal is to guide you on reconnecting to yourself and building your self-trust so that you can get unstuck and create your own happiness. My therapy approach is soul-centered, client-focused, human-focused and these benefit clients in that they feel heard, seen, connected, in the midst of chaos.
I provide a nonjudgmental safe space for those looking to lessen anxiety, get to the core of pressing difficulties, learning to love yourself, and connect to your inner being. My approach is not a "one size fits all" method and is client-led. My goal is to guide you on reconnecting to yourself and building your self-trust so that you can get unstuck and create your own happiness. My therapy approach is soul-centered, client-focused, human-focused and these benefit clients in that they feel heard, seen, connected, in the midst of chaos.
(712) 717-0297 View (712) 717-0297
Photo of Stacy M. Neagles, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LPN, NREMT
Stacy M. Neagles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LPN, NREMT
Spencer, IA 51301
I have a rich tapestry of lived experiences (farming, military veteran, first responder, nurse, single parenting, neurodiversity) that enhance my clinical skills.
My social work philosophy takes on a client-centered holistic approach to psychotherapy. I am dedicated to working with individuals, children, couples, and families to achieve the mental health and relationships they desire.
I have a rich tapestry of lived experiences (farming, military veteran, first responder, nurse, single parenting, neurodiversity) that enhance my clinical skills.
My social work philosophy takes on a client-centered holistic approach to psychotherapy. I am dedicated to working with individuals, children, couples, and families to achieve the mental health and relationships they desire.
(712) 883-5089 View (712) 883-5089
Photo of Cynthia C Lawson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MPA, MS, LCSW, CSWPIP
Cynthia C Lawson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MPA, MS, LCSW, CSWPIP
Online Only
I have experience in helping clients with stress, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, military community, depression, women's concerns, coping with life & many other concerns.
I am originally from WA and a U.S. Army veteran. I have become a licensed clinical social worker or LCSW in Texas with six years of working in the mental health field. I have been a social worker going on five years. I am also licensed in Washington, Iowa & South Dakota as a clinical social worker in private practice. My goal is trying to bring mental health services to more communities. I am a huge advocate for spending time outside and learning self-care. This can be something as simple as sitting on the porch watching the sun set.
I have experience in helping clients with stress, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, military community, depression, women's concerns, coping with life & many other concerns.
I am originally from WA and a U.S. Army veteran. I have become a licensed clinical social worker or LCSW in Texas with six years of working in the mental health field. I have been a social worker going on five years. I am also licensed in Washington, Iowa & South Dakota as a clinical social worker in private practice. My goal is trying to bring mental health services to more communities. I am a huge advocate for spending time outside and learning self-care. This can be something as simple as sitting on the porch watching the sun set.
(830) 468-9858 View (830) 468-9858

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Amanda J Olson, Counselor, MS, LMHC
Amanda J Olson
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Estherville, IA 51334
Through my years of experience, I have worked with hundreds of clients from all walks of life. This has provided me with a deep insight and a practical view of contemporary issues and has allowed me to develop a unique combination of interpersonal psychoanalysis, mind-body stimulation, cognitive behavioral techniques, and the ability to diagnose and treat clients in a detailed manner. My work with Murphy CDT, further allows a client to be their authentic selves in session. I am known to be approachable, genuine, and have a welcoming "take your shoes off and relax" view to therapy.
Through my years of experience, I have worked with hundreds of clients from all walks of life. This has provided me with a deep insight and a practical view of contemporary issues and has allowed me to develop a unique combination of interpersonal psychoanalysis, mind-body stimulation, cognitive behavioral techniques, and the ability to diagnose and treat clients in a detailed manner. My work with Murphy CDT, further allows a client to be their authentic selves in session. I am known to be approachable, genuine, and have a welcoming "take your shoes off and relax" view to therapy.
(712) 377-3119 View (712) 377-3119
Photo of Kelsey Kruse, Counselor, MA, LPC-MH, LMHC, LPC, CCTP
Kelsey Kruse
Counselor, MA, LPC-MH, LMHC, LPC, CCTP
Paullina, IA 51046
I am a seasoned trauma therapist who has been serving the Sioux Falls community for over 10 years, specializing in helping individuals who have endured challenging life experiences. I work with a diverse client base, including pre-teens, teens, and adults, offering tailored therapeutic approaches to promote healing and growth. I am licensed in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa and am skilled at providing telehealth services to residents of those three states. I have two practice locations: Paullina, Iowa and Sioux Falls, South Dakota with set days in person at each location.
I am a seasoned trauma therapist who has been serving the Sioux Falls community for over 10 years, specializing in helping individuals who have endured challenging life experiences. I work with a diverse client base, including pre-teens, teens, and adults, offering tailored therapeutic approaches to promote healing and growth. I am licensed in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa and am skilled at providing telehealth services to residents of those three states. I have two practice locations: Paullina, Iowa and Sioux Falls, South Dakota with set days in person at each location.
(712) 227-4995 View (712) 227-4995

Online Therapists

Photo of Rebecca Simoni-Ryan, Counselor, LMHC, IADC
Rebecca Simoni-Ryan
Counselor, LMHC, IADC
2 Endorsed
Sioux City, IA 51108
Hello, I am the owner of Prairie River Counseling. At Prairie River Counseling I aim to take counseling beyond the office with the intent to reconnect with the natural systems around us. Providing ecotherapy with a variety of evidence-based methods to support and hold space for the client’s growth and goals. My name is Becky Simoni, and I am a licensed mental health counselor and certified substance abuse counselor (LMHC and IADC). I am currently licensed in the state of IA and NE. I am not just a traditional therapist but also an eco-therapist that practices from a holistic and evidence-based viewpoint of therapy.
Hello, I am the owner of Prairie River Counseling. At Prairie River Counseling I aim to take counseling beyond the office with the intent to reconnect with the natural systems around us. Providing ecotherapy with a variety of evidence-based methods to support and hold space for the client’s growth and goals. My name is Becky Simoni, and I am a licensed mental health counselor and certified substance abuse counselor (LMHC and IADC). I am currently licensed in the state of IA and NE. I am not just a traditional therapist but also an eco-therapist that practices from a holistic and evidence-based viewpoint of therapy.
(712) 218-3218 View (712) 218-3218
Photo of Rebecca Serfozo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Rebecca Serfozo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Online Only
I specialize in helping women, children, and families heal from trauma, navigate relationship challenges, and build healthier connections with themselves and others. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, attachment wounds, low self-esteem, parenting concerns, or the lasting impact of difficult life experiences. Through EMDR, CBT, play therapy, and other evidence-based approaches, I provide a supportive space where clients can process the past, develop new skills, and create meaningful change. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, connected, and confident as they move forward in their healing journey.
I specialize in helping women, children, and families heal from trauma, navigate relationship challenges, and build healthier connections with themselves and others. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, attachment wounds, low self-esteem, parenting concerns, or the lasting impact of difficult life experiences. Through EMDR, CBT, play therapy, and other evidence-based approaches, I provide a supportive space where clients can process the past, develop new skills, and create meaningful change. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, connected, and confident as they move forward in their healing journey.
(440) 597-4693 View (440) 597-4693
Photo of Tiffany Holbrook, Counselor, LMHC
Tiffany Holbrook
Counselor, LMHC
1 Endorsed
Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054
Trauma leaves us feeling broken, damaged, and disconnected from our true selves. You are goal-oriented but still find yourself having difficulty maintaining focus and presence of mind? feeling defeated and unlovable. You want to experience connection and meaningful relationships but seem to push people away or end up relationships that hurt you. But you are ready to make a change. You are ready to resolve core conflict. You are ready to change maladaptive coping mechanism. Most of all, you are ready to engage in healthy and meaningful relationships with others. I want to help you get there.
Trauma leaves us feeling broken, damaged, and disconnected from our true selves. You are goal-oriented but still find yourself having difficulty maintaining focus and presence of mind? feeling defeated and unlovable. You want to experience connection and meaningful relationships but seem to push people away or end up relationships that hurt you. But you are ready to make a change. You are ready to resolve core conflict. You are ready to change maladaptive coping mechanism. Most of all, you are ready to engage in healthy and meaningful relationships with others. I want to help you get there.
(712) 208-8452 View (712) 208-8452

See more therapy options for Spencer

First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.

How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.

What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.

Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.