Therapists in Iowa

I believe that people have the capacity for growth and self-actualization. We are the best experts on ourselves and have tremendous capacity for change but sometimes we don't know how to put that potential to use. Sometimes, anxiety, trauma, or low self-esteem keep us from coping with circumstances or trusting our abilities. We feel trapped, overwhelmed, or helpless and we question or doubt ourselves at every turn. But it doesn't have to stay this way. Therapy can give you the support to feel accepted and the confidence to start facing your biggest challenges.

We can all get stuck, overwhelmed, or just feel hopeless in our lives for many different reasons. But when problems begin to disrupt sleep, appetite, or cause negative mood changes, it is important to seek counseling! Whether dealing with emotional /mental health issues or couple / family difficulties, I ensure professional care, that is honest, respectful and with your best interest at heart. Together we build hope with better solutions by gaining realistic insight, and increasing tools for control back in your life. This allows healing and positive life changes to be experienced.

Ames | Des Moines Therapy clinical team provides therapy approaches and techniques which are evidence-based. Dr. Amy Mooney, PhD, LMHC, NCC, ACS, 22 yrs experience, founder and owner. Dr. Terry Augspurger, MD, DLFAPA has over 40 yrs experience in psychiatry. Dr. Richard Stapleton, EdD, NCC, LMHC (IA), LPCC (MN), ACS, BC-TMH, CCTP, Dr. Charles D. Mooney, MD, MPH, Dr. Beth Augspurger, PhD, tLMHC, Brooke Sanders MS, TLMHC, Kelsi York, MS, tLMHC, Grace Macmillan, MSW, LISW

Is your child struggling with big emotions, challenging behaviors, anxiety, depression or anger? This can leave parents feeling helpless, frustrated, overwhelmed and exhausted. I am here to help. I specialize in using play therapy techniques to help children communicate and process their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

I have limited availability, but feel free to e-mail with name, insurance provider and general concerns to begin the process. I desire to create a collaborative relationship that is grounded in mutual respect and positive regard so you can address the real issues that are affecting your quality of life. I will help you establish reasonable goals to guide you to become your best self. I have worked with individuals who have experienced adverse life experiences which can impact ones ability to live in the moment. I ask 'what happened to you?', not 'what is wrong with you?'.

Seeing clients across Iowa via Telehealth! I have a tremendous understanding of the social, emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and am aware of the importance of identifying and addressing toxic stress in both children and adults. I am also well-versed on the numerous symptoms of trauma. I understand how these symptoms can perpetuate other secondary effects such as addiction, eating disorders, difficulties with learning and processing information, and building and sustaining relationships.

Now booking in a new location! Hello! Are you looking for a therapist to help you with depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD? Or are you or someone you love interested in strategies to deal with emotional difficulties, problems communicating healthily, or negative or repetitive coping mechanisms you need help with ? Or have you experienced past traumatic events that are still bothering you, such as sexual trauma? Or are you a man facing some personal questions and would like to talk to someone about it? If so, I can help you. I am an individual, couples, and group therapist specialized in these areas.

Everyone we meet is fighting a unique battle, and has the innate capacity to face their challenges and reach their goals. When we learn to understand our distinctive human natures, growth and change are possible. I will start wherever you are, taking time to consider your important life. I find authenticity as a therapist through an experiential approach. It is important to me to take time to listen to your experiences and understand what is impacting your overall health. I hope to provide you with genuine empathy while we create new experiences, face challenges, and grow together in the therapeutic space.

I love helping people heal and to be a part of that process with them. We are either healing or healed, lets get through this together. I offer a range of modalities such as EMDR and art therapy, which get the whole brain on board and are both evidence based practices. Connecting with your therapist is one thing and effective interventions is another. I like working with individuals, couples, and families to develop this relationship and address the concerns they present with. Treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and general life stressors are what I do best.

I provide therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. I use a cognitive-behavioral approach to address presenting problems. This technique is beneficial in helping to treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, relationship issues, etc. as thoughts and feelings lead to behaviors or actions. Treatment services are also provided utilizing trauma informed care and EMDR to help with symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. I have been in private practice for 9 years now. I love seeing the positive changes that my clients are making in their lives!

“Your doubts create mountains. Your actions move them.” – Mel Robbins. The journey of life is filled with challenges. When depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or significant life transitions enter the picture, it can feel overwhelming. Coping with the flood of emotions and the sense of isolation that often accompanies stress and loss can be daunting. Trying to tackle these issues alone or ignoring them may only intensify the emotional turmoil. However, you don't have to navigate this path solo. Therapy offers a supportive and collaborative space where we can explore your unique personality, values and strengths.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that has experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, relational issues, low self-esteem, grief and loss, PTSD and other trauma related issues. I believe in a mindful person-centered approach where the therapeutic relationship is grounded in trust and unconditional acceptance. It is my mission to walk with you on your journey to making positive and lasting change in your life. All people deserve a healthy and balanced life.

I feel grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside others on their journeys towards healing and growth. I take a collaborative and empowering approach. I believe that the client is the expert in their life, and I view my role as being a guide as clients reflect on their experiences, identify patterns that are causing distress, connect with their emotions, and work towards meaningful changes. I believe that creating a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and accepting is an essential component of the change process.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Registered Art Therapist. I am certified in EMDR and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. I have been helping people of all ages navigate mental health and life challenges for over 25 years. Together, we can tailor your therapy to meet your individual needs so you can move beyond whatever is holding you back and begin to experience the relief and change you are seeking. My approach is non-judgmental, compassionate and collaborative.

I employ a variety of therapeutic techniques: Traditional "talk" therapy; Art as therapy and Creative/Expressive therapy techniques; I use the client's own perspective to elicit change and growth. As an existential counselor, it is my job to assist clients in giving meaning to their experiences and moving forward to live a meaningful life. My therapeutic approach is successful in addressing all types of mental health / mental illness concerns, especially: trauma, children and adolescents, stage of life concerns, mood disorders and disruptions (stress, depression, anxiety etc.), parenting, and relational issues.

New clients welcome! I have many options for appointment times. I have had the privilege to work with diverse populations, multiple faith-based traditions, multicultural clients, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It takes courage to reach out and seek therapy. I honor that courage by providing compassionate, nonjudgmental, empathic listening and support establishing a safe place for clients to be able to share freely.

I have 16 years’ experience in social services, including 10 years engaged in adolescent and adult therapy. During that time, I’ve seen first-hand the impact depression, anxiety and trauma can have on child development, marriages, parenting and interpersonal skills in general. My approach to helping improve the connections in people’s lives starts with understanding their needs in a safe, judgement-free environment.

If you have ever asked yourself if you are living as well as you could then counseling may be for you. I find most people (including my clients) can get by just fine on their own. I am here to help them do more than "just get by." My goal is to help you live the life you want and enjoy it more fully. How to better manage anxiety, improve mood, improve coping skills, and better your interpersonal relationships are something I enjoy helping people with. I also address people's history of trauma and how that may be affecting their life and/or relationships.

Finding the right partner in your counseling journey is especially important in the healing process. I provide a compassionate and supportive presence for individuals 18 and over who are struggling with a variety of life challenges and mental health issues. I also provide support to parents who are facing challenging situations with their children.