Therapists in West Des Moines, IA

Modern life is not easy. Everything has become more and more complicated: managing relationships, meeting your professional goals, balancing your time, and pursuing your interests. We all experience these demands, and each of us has a limit. When we reach our capacity, we often feel overwhelmed, angry, depressed, and even anxious. We loose joy, and even purpose; we concede to despair and are filled with worries. Even the strongest and most capable people among us need a little help sometimes to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Our private practice specializes in helping people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, problematic substance use, pornography and sex addiction, relationship enhancement, or stress management. If you are feeling lost and struggling with these worries, let us help you rediscover what brings happiness to your life.

Accepting new clients! I use a radical and compassionate approach to therapy and believe that everyone deserves a safe and affirming space to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are. I am a trauma-informed and affirming therapist with a psychodynamic background. I recognize that therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and I meet each person where they are at; I will modify therapeutic interventions and modalities based on the needs of each individual. We can work together to set goals and promote growth in whatever way feels best for you.

Experiencing grief, loss, or trauma? Feeling disconnected, alone, and generally unhappy? Struggling with relationships, addiction, or painful wounds from childhood? Powerful emotions holding you back from finding enjoyment in life? If you answered yes to any of these, I can help. Oftentimes, the burdens of trauma manifest in mysterious ways and can lead to various concerns such as depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship difficulties, trust issues, isolation, numbness, and shame. These challenges can impede our ability to have healthy relationships and care for ourselves.

As a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), I enjoy working with adolescents and adults as they work towards their identified goals. My approach is to offer empathy, compassion and transparency throughout your journey. My therapeutic focus is helping others with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationships and life transitions.

I am an integrative EMDR trauma therapist. I am interested in learning about my client's needs and wants. My approach focuses on creating an environment of curiosity that supports connection to engage collaboratively on the best therapeutic fit for you. Of course, this can change depending on what you need and are experiencing.

Greetings! I am a dedicated and compassionate counselor with a firm belief in the power of a flexible and integrative approach to therapy. My goal is to tailor sessions to the unique needs and objectives of each individual, meeting them where they are on their journey. In my practice, creating a nurturing and understanding environment is paramount. I'm committed to helping individuals discover their inherent strengths and fostering curiosity about their lives and thought patterns, all while building a foundation of self-compassion.

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.

I believe getting help is a big step. This may be because opening up to another person is unfamiliar. Or it may have more to do with struggling to believe, hope, that things can change. I emphasize listening. In my experience, most often, this has been one of the critical ingredients in healing. I draw from all the major therapeutic orientations instead of relying on just one idea or the latest approach. Each has something valuable to offer. If you bring your strengths, resources and preferences, we can work together applying the accumulated knowledge of over a century to make a difference in your life.

I am a fully licensed mental health counselor and a former mental health organization clinical director who has been practicing for 12 years. I enjoy helping people reach their full potential and lead happy, healthy lives. I have experience helping a wide range of individuals and couples while specializing in depression, anxiety, alcoholism/addiction, and healthy relationships. I work with clients, ages 14 and up, and love my profession. I feel privileged to support so many who work so hard to improve their lives and their mental health. I would truly appreciate the opportunity to serve you and or your family.

I can help you begin to listen to the deep wisdom that resonates within & around you & to help you move past fear & discover your own power. I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma-related issues, marriage/family therapy & grief & loss. I incorporate Attachment-Focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Repossessing) which is client centered & emphasizes a reparative therapy approach to strengthen clients. I also utilize the FLASH technique to assist with a multitude of mental health issues.

I am a Clinician with a great deal of "life experience". So much of what we struggle with is nothing new. However, without sharing that pain we can stay stuck in the depression and anxiety of our thought. In the past I have worked with parents, families and in the school setting. I have also worked as a clinical therapist. Wherever I have ventured though, I have always seen the importance of "relationship" in therapy. I so look forward to helping you reach your goals.

It is a gift to feel connected to the inner self. Each day, I aim to help my clients gain more insight into their emotions, body sensations, thoughts and behaviors. My role as therapist is to work alongside my clients: identifying strengths, removing obstacles that hinder progress, exploring alternative perspectives, and accepting all parts of self, even the ones that feel hard to accept at times. Especially if you have experienced significant stress or adversity, this can be a challenge. I believe that each person is the expert in their own life and has intuitive wisdom. I provide a toolbox you can pull from to aid the process.

I believe all of us manage the ups and downs of life in different ways. Through a collaborative approach, individuals can develop more effective ways to manage these issues. I enjoy working with individuals (adolescents to adults), couples, and families who desire to make changes in their lives to better themselves. I draw on many approaches to meet your needs and what will work best for you. I believe therapy should be a comfortable process where you leave feeling you have benefited in some way.

Feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or like you are on the outside looking in? Do you feel unseen or unheard and want a therapist that strives to really see and hear you? I approach all clients as an interaction between two people, not just you talking. I often offer feedback, insights, and sometimes direction. I also love to laugh and swear with my clients, and I sometimes even cry with them. Most importantly, I see you as a unique and strong individual with a story to tell and a healing journey ahead of you; and I would be honored to share this journey with you.

Accepting NEW clients 04/22/2024 - our team has afternoon openings! We are on a mission to bring wholeness and healing to the people of Iowa. I believe that growth is possible for everyone. You deserve a space to safely feel heard and seen. It is my honor to create that space for you and with you. I believe that every human (yes, you!) deserves to know, feel, and understand their worth and value here on this earth. In our office, you can expect us to help you to explore origins of negative beliefs, seek out the impacts of childhood experiences and trauma on your current life, and learn true elements of self-compassion.

Human to Human counseling believes you are the one who knows best about yourself; working together with you as a team to work on goals the client bring to sessions. Therapy is a place to feel supported, learn new skills and how to implement them, and work through past trauma with an educated and genuine guide. Human to Human Counseling will always support the person that shows up, recognizing we are all human beings with a story and experiences of our own. Three of our five clinicians are trained in EMDR, and the other two use CBT and other methods to support clients through healing after trauma.

I am an LMHC(Licensed Mental Health Counselor), board certified in the State of Iowa. Over the past 25 years I have had the privilege of helping children, adolescents and families by working for 13 years at Orchard Place as a residential therapist and school based therapist and then I worked at Broadlawns Focus High School doing individual, group and family therapy. I have done private practice for the past 12 years. I worked at New Heights Counseling for 6 years and am now starting my own private practice in West Des Moines in October, 2023. I accept adults, teens, families and couples.

Comparing yourself to others? Struggling with uncertainties in life? Worried others might judge you by your thoughts? My goal in therapy is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to take risks and help you to build more confidence. I want to help you to live a more authentic life that is in line with YOUR goals and values. I am currently licensed to help individuals in Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida, Vermont and Delaware. I look forward to meeting you and talking more about how things can get better for you.

We are an interdisciplinary team made up of Licensed Therapists and Social Workers. Together we are able to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to mental health treatment which includes; mental health assessment, counseling, referral, skill development, play therapy, sand tray therapy, and substance use. We serve children, teens, adults, couples and families at our Polk and Marion County offices, along with school locations throughout Central Iowa. We have offices in Ankeny, Knoxville and West Des Moines.