Photo of Michael Wayne Pellecchia, LIMHP, LICSW, Counselor
Michael Wayne Pellecchia
Counselor, LIMHP, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with PTSD and trauma patients, with children, couples/families, LGBTQ, first responders, veterans, addictions (chemical/behavioral), families, corrections, chronic illnesses, +more.
I have more than 30 years of professional practice helping people with all kinds of problems and issues. I enjoy knowing I can make a positive difference in a persons life. This is the reason I have dedicated my life to helping others. I've worked with people from all walks of life. If you've had therapy before and felt discouraged, I encourage you to give me a try. I have a unique personality and a way of communicating with my patients.
I work with PTSD and trauma patients, with children, couples/families, LGBTQ, first responders, veterans, addictions (chemical/behavioral), families, corrections, chronic illnesses, +more.
I have more than 30 years of professional practice helping people with all kinds of problems and issues. I enjoy knowing I can make a positive difference in a persons life. This is the reason I have dedicated my life to helping others. I've worked with people from all walks of life. If you've had therapy before and felt discouraged, I encourage you to give me a try. I have a unique personality and a way of communicating with my patients.
(531) 233-1991 View (531) 233-1991
Photo of Gerard Adam Kruse, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gerard Adam Kruse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
My areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, trauma/ PTSD, self-esteem issues, parenting challenges, family issues, loss/bereavement, & sexuality issues.
I endeavor in what I strongly believe is my life’s calling in helping improve the overall quality of life for others. With a blend of genuine warmth and compassion, as well as a keen use of clinical training I received while attending New York University, I am committed to your desire for whatever change you feel is needed in your life while providing a supportive, non-judgmental, & client-centered atmosphere. I work with clients beginning in adolescence through senior years & currently hold a license to practice in Florida, Colorado, Iowa, & New Mexico.
My areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, trauma/ PTSD, self-esteem issues, parenting challenges, family issues, loss/bereavement, & sexuality issues.
I endeavor in what I strongly believe is my life’s calling in helping improve the overall quality of life for others. With a blend of genuine warmth and compassion, as well as a keen use of clinical training I received while attending New York University, I am committed to your desire for whatever change you feel is needed in your life while providing a supportive, non-judgmental, & client-centered atmosphere. I work with clients beginning in adolescence through senior years & currently hold a license to practice in Florida, Colorado, Iowa, & New Mexico.
(321) 868-9512 View (321) 868-9512
Photo of Kathryn Hedican - Transcend Mind-Body Wellness, LMHC, Counselor
Transcend Mind-Body Wellness
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
If you're looking for a holistic, personalized approach to your mental health and wellness, you've come to the right place! Whether you are looking for counseling for yourself, you & your partner, your child, or your family, we can help. Along with mental health counseling, we also offer mental health medication management. Additionally, we offer other wellness services that can be integrated into your care to promote optimal wellness. One of our staff members would love to help you with a range of things like anxiety, depression, ptsd, self-exploration, behaviors, relationship issues, communication skills, anger management & more!
If you're looking for a holistic, personalized approach to your mental health and wellness, you've come to the right place! Whether you are looking for counseling for yourself, you & your partner, your child, or your family, we can help. Along with mental health counseling, we also offer mental health medication management. Additionally, we offer other wellness services that can be integrated into your care to promote optimal wellness. One of our staff members would love to help you with a range of things like anxiety, depression, ptsd, self-exploration, behaviors, relationship issues, communication skills, anger management & more!
(319) 220-4112 View (319) 220-4112
Photo of Madeline Miller, tLMHC, Counselor
Madeline Miller
Counselor, tLMHC
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
Welcome! My name is Maddie Miller, and I am a tLMHC here at Full Heart Family Therapy. In my work as a therapist, I have worked with children and adolescents in an inpatient hospitalization setting, as well as adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders in an outpatient setting. In my clinical experience, I work with individuals with anxiety and mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Welcome! My name is Maddie Miller, and I am a tLMHC here at Full Heart Family Therapy. In my work as a therapist, I have worked with children and adolescents in an inpatient hospitalization setting, as well as adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders in an outpatient setting. In my clinical experience, I work with individuals with anxiety and mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
(515) 585-8039 x1 View (515) 585-8039 x1
Photo of Jordan Ottenbacher, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Jordan Ottenbacher
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Currently accepting new clients. I work at New Life Counseling's West Des Moines office location, but also meet with clients via Zoom. I specialize in working with couples, mood disorders (Bipolar 1, 2, Cyclothymia, Dysthymia), childhood trauma, and treatment resistant anxiety / depression. In addition to this, I also treat sexual addictions (pornography, affairs, etc.), spiritual issues, and career challenges. My hope is that you would feel understood and confident in the care you are receiving, as we work together in discovering root issues and consider making life adjustments.
Currently accepting new clients. I work at New Life Counseling's West Des Moines office location, but also meet with clients via Zoom. I specialize in working with couples, mood disorders (Bipolar 1, 2, Cyclothymia, Dysthymia), childhood trauma, and treatment resistant anxiety / depression. In addition to this, I also treat sexual addictions (pornography, affairs, etc.), spiritual issues, and career challenges. My hope is that you would feel understood and confident in the care you are receiving, as we work together in discovering root issues and consider making life adjustments.
(515) 717-7790 View (515) 717-7790
Photo of Mike Stubbs - Clear Brook Counseling Professionals, LMFT, CADC, CCH, Marriage & Family Therapist
Clear Brook Counseling Professionals
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC, CCH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50010
NOW OFFERING MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN ANKENY AND AMES. At Clear Brook Counseling Professionals, we work together to provide you the therapy - family, couples, or individual that will deliver the best results for your unique needs. We believe life has meaning, and every moment is worth living. That's the end goal. At Clear Brook you'll experience a team of counselors, proven treatment, and techniques that work. The process is about finding clarity in the situation, and seeing change. Clear Brook Counseling Professionals weave proven practices and life-exercises into your therapy to help foster results.
NOW OFFERING MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN ANKENY AND AMES. At Clear Brook Counseling Professionals, we work together to provide you the therapy - family, couples, or individual that will deliver the best results for your unique needs. We believe life has meaning, and every moment is worth living. That's the end goal. At Clear Brook you'll experience a team of counselors, proven treatment, and techniques that work. The process is about finding clarity in the situation, and seeing change. Clear Brook Counseling Professionals weave proven practices and life-exercises into your therapy to help foster results.
(515) 200-7584 View (515) 200-7584
Photo of Anna Perry - Brightside Health, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brightside Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
Ames, IA 50010  (Online Only)
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
(515) 686-5941 View (515) 686-5941
Photo of Shelie Dawn Leighter - Center For Healing And Hope, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Center For Healing And Hope
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Where to begin? This question is so frequently asked and the answer is more simple than most think. The answer is to begin by allowing someone to help. Just allowing someone to provide you a space where you can begin your journey with support and acceptance. At the Center For Healing And Hope, therapy provides an environment of acceptance and understanding in which you and your therapist can work together to address any difficulties or challenges you may be facing.
Where to begin? This question is so frequently asked and the answer is more simple than most think. The answer is to begin by allowing someone to help. Just allowing someone to provide you a space where you can begin your journey with support and acceptance. At the Center For Healing And Hope, therapy provides an environment of acceptance and understanding in which you and your therapist can work together to address any difficulties or challenges you may be facing.
(712) 217-3497 View (712) 217-3497
Photo of Kenneth Dwayne Cameron, MA, NCC, LMHC, Counselor
Kenneth Dwayne Cameron
Counselor, MA, NCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50322
Today you are one step closer to achieving your goals and beginning a positive path toward growth and well-being. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work to better understand and resolve challenges in life. Applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will begin to change long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions holding you back from a more fulfilling and meaningful life.If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or ready to move in a new direction in life, I look forward to assisting you to achieve.
Today you are one step closer to achieving your goals and beginning a positive path toward growth and well-being. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work to better understand and resolve challenges in life. Applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will begin to change long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions holding you back from a more fulfilling and meaningful life.If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or ready to move in a new direction in life, I look forward to assisting you to achieve.
(515) 608-5418 View (515) 608-5418
Photo of Robin Hoffman - Tanager Place Mental Wellbeing Clinic, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tanager Place Mental Wellbeing Clinic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
At Tanager Place, we believe that children are our future, and we want to help them be the best they can be. Our team of dedicated providers will support your child in reaching their optimal potential by helping them be socially engaged, happy, healthy, and headed for a bright future. If you are concerned about your child's social, emotional, or behavioral wellbeing, we are here with experts ready to help.
At Tanager Place, we believe that children are our future, and we want to help them be the best they can be. Our team of dedicated providers will support your child in reaching their optimal potential by helping them be socially engaged, happy, healthy, and headed for a bright future. If you are concerned about your child's social, emotional, or behavioral wellbeing, we are here with experts ready to help.
(319) 251-2445 View (319) 251-2445
Photo of Erika Bandilla, MSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erika Bandilla
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, IA 50701
Waitlist for new clients
My ideal client is someone who recognizes the importance of their mental health and is ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. They may be struggling with a variety of issues: anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or low self-esteem. They have a genuine desire to understand themselves better, improve their well-being, and live a more fulfilling life. Ultimately, my ideal client wants to experience a sense of empowerment, self-acceptance, and achievement. They understand that investing in their mental health is a valuable and transformative endeavor, and they are committed to the process of growth.
My ideal client is someone who recognizes the importance of their mental health and is ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. They may be struggling with a variety of issues: anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or low self-esteem. They have a genuine desire to understand themselves better, improve their well-being, and live a more fulfilling life. Ultimately, my ideal client wants to experience a sense of empowerment, self-acceptance, and achievement. They understand that investing in their mental health is a valuable and transformative endeavor, and they are committed to the process of growth.
(319) 408-8705 View (319) 408-8705
Photo of Holly Smigel Journey Counseling Services, LMHC, Counselor
Holly Smigel Journey Counseling Services
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
North Liberty, IA 52317
I have worked in a variety of mental health settings over a period of 20+ years including residential treatment for children and adults, supported living services for adults with mental illness, chemical dependency treatment, emergency/crisis counseling, biblical counseling in church settings, hospital programs for adults with chronic mental illness and vocational counseling. My areas of specialty include depression and anxiety in women. I offer individual counseling for women, children and teens. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa.
I have worked in a variety of mental health settings over a period of 20+ years including residential treatment for children and adults, supported living services for adults with mental illness, chemical dependency treatment, emergency/crisis counseling, biblical counseling in church settings, hospital programs for adults with chronic mental illness and vocational counseling. My areas of specialty include depression and anxiety in women. I offer individual counseling for women, children and teens. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa.
(319) 313-5079 View (319) 313-5079
Photo of Dr. Araceli Cabarcas, PsyD, MSCP, Psychologist
Dr. Araceli Cabarcas
Psychologist, PsyD, MSCP
Verified Verified
Lockridge, IA 52635  (Online Only)
Kudos to you for beginning this journey for yourself! The next step will take time…finding the right provider can seem overwhelming but trust your instincts. The relationship with your therapist will determine if you feel safe to open up or be receptive to new ways to address your concerns. I like to get feedback from clients on what works for them or not. Some people like to hear lots of feedback and some want to be heard so it’s important for me to know what you prefer. This is a relationship and it’s important to me that your needs are met. It takes courage to start therapy and you having a positive experience is essential.
Kudos to you for beginning this journey for yourself! The next step will take time…finding the right provider can seem overwhelming but trust your instincts. The relationship with your therapist will determine if you feel safe to open up or be receptive to new ways to address your concerns. I like to get feedback from clients on what works for them or not. Some people like to hear lots of feedback and some want to be heard so it’s important for me to know what you prefer. This is a relationship and it’s important to me that your needs are met. It takes courage to start therapy and you having a positive experience is essential.
(872) 327-9455 View (872) 327-9455
Trauma and PTSD Therapists

When should I seek treatment for trauma?

Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.

How long does trauma therapy take?

Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.

What happens if trauma is left untreated?

Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.

Can PTSD come back after treatment?

It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.