In Person Therapists in Ankeny, IA
My professional experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of concerns including symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, relationship distress, self-harm, domestic violence and much more. With over 15 years of mental health experience my empathetic, client-centered approach empowers my clients to feel heard and understood through the therapeutic relationship.
My professional experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of concerns including symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, relationship distress, self-harm, domestic violence and much more. With over 15 years of mental health experience my empathetic, client-centered approach empowers my clients to feel heard and understood through the therapeutic relationship.
Mary Kate Leister
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
“The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.” –Brené Brown Hi! I’m Mary Kate. I am a Master’s level social worker in central Iowa. I have 8 years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults. On my journey as a social worker, I have gained a deep understanding of Iowa’s mental health system, community resources in the DSM Metro and surrounding areas, and special education services. In addition to providing therapy, I currently work as a school social worker.
“The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.” –Brené Brown Hi! I’m Mary Kate. I am a Master’s level social worker in central Iowa. I have 8 years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults. On my journey as a social worker, I have gained a deep understanding of Iowa’s mental health system, community resources in the DSM Metro and surrounding areas, and special education services. In addition to providing therapy, I currently work as a school social worker.
We have immediate openings at our Ankeny office. Our therapists are the most compassionate that you will find. We understand that the pressures in life, such as jobs, finances, marriages and other relationships can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, hopelessness and isolation. We have all had difficulties. We want to help you overcome these difficulties by listening to you and helping with solutions that can help you.
We have immediate openings at our Ankeny office. Our therapists are the most compassionate that you will find. We understand that the pressures in life, such as jobs, finances, marriages and other relationships can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, hopelessness and isolation. We have all had difficulties. We want to help you overcome these difficulties by listening to you and helping with solutions that can help you.
Paul Aaron Guerdet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
*Telehealth and in person available* I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker who works with teens and adults struggling with anxiety and/or depression. I help those grappling with irritability, feelings of isolation, sleep disturbances, feeling overwhelmed, and struggles with motivation. If you're feeling on edge, alone, like no one understands what you're going through, or if you need a new perspective, I will work to help you make sense of your experiences and get you to a place you want to be. I match well with teens finding their place as adults, and adults who grew up in toxic environments, wanting to process.
*Telehealth and in person available* I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker who works with teens and adults struggling with anxiety and/or depression. I help those grappling with irritability, feelings of isolation, sleep disturbances, feeling overwhelmed, and struggles with motivation. If you're feeling on edge, alone, like no one understands what you're going through, or if you need a new perspective, I will work to help you make sense of your experiences and get you to a place you want to be. I match well with teens finding their place as adults, and adults who grew up in toxic environments, wanting to process.
Dar is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (MSW, LISW) who graduated from the University of North Dakota. Dar has over 30 years experience working in social services, with 10+ years providing psychotherapy. They have experience working with adolescents, and adults struggling with serious mental illness, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma. They are experienced in treating mood disorders, complex relational issues, coping with chronic medical diagnosis’ such as HIV, and concerns specific to the LGBTQ+ community.
Dar is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (MSW, LISW) who graduated from the University of North Dakota. Dar has over 30 years experience working in social services, with 10+ years providing psychotherapy. They have experience working with adolescents, and adults struggling with serious mental illness, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma. They are experienced in treating mood disorders, complex relational issues, coping with chronic medical diagnosis’ such as HIV, and concerns specific to the LGBTQ+ community.
I have been working within the social service field for over 12 years. My approach is simple and straightforward. The foundation of my clinical work is person-centered which aims to establish and build a relationship to foster safety and set goals you hope to achieve. Genuineness and empathy are incredibly important in the therapeutic relationship. I believe my knowledge and experience will help assist you to find the solutions you need to feel better and more settled in your unique circumstances. You are brave to take the first step in finding a therapist, and I'm excited to work with you as you start your journey.
I have been working within the social service field for over 12 years. My approach is simple and straightforward. The foundation of my clinical work is person-centered which aims to establish and build a relationship to foster safety and set goals you hope to achieve. Genuineness and empathy are incredibly important in the therapeutic relationship. I believe my knowledge and experience will help assist you to find the solutions you need to feel better and more settled in your unique circumstances. You are brave to take the first step in finding a therapist, and I'm excited to work with you as you start your journey.
Your story is important to this process and my desire is to help walk through your hurts, hangups, habits or healing, together and with compassion and grace. Whether you are dealing with anxiety or depression, seeking healing from trauma, hoping to work through grief with support, or seeking healthy communication or coping skills, these are all areas that a therapist can provide help. Clients want to connect, discover peace and truth in the uncertain or unknown, and my therapy style can help you work through your issues that you've faced.
Your story is important to this process and my desire is to help walk through your hurts, hangups, habits or healing, together and with compassion and grace. Whether you are dealing with anxiety or depression, seeking healing from trauma, hoping to work through grief with support, or seeking healthy communication or coping skills, these are all areas that a therapist can provide help. Clients want to connect, discover peace and truth in the uncertain or unknown, and my therapy style can help you work through your issues that you've faced.
Annie Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
One of the most elemental parts of being human is the need to be heard and listened to. Sharing our stories and doing the work of self-exploration requires a unique courage, and when we feel heard and understood, we are better able to recognize our own needs and see our own resourcefulness more clearly. I view you as the expert on your own life and experiences. My top priorities as a therapist are understanding your perspective, learning how this perspective has shaped your life, and partnering with you in support of your goals.
One of the most elemental parts of being human is the need to be heard and listened to. Sharing our stories and doing the work of self-exploration requires a unique courage, and when we feel heard and understood, we are better able to recognize our own needs and see our own resourcefulness more clearly. I view you as the expert on your own life and experiences. My top priorities as a therapist are understanding your perspective, learning how this perspective has shaped your life, and partnering with you in support of your goals.
I am here to guide you back to yourself. I believe you are actually the one who “knows,” and my job is to help you rebuild the trust you have within yourself to access your own knowing. My approach is rooted in relationships as the foundation of healing, esp. the relationship we have with ourselves. My intention is to assist you in re-discovering the authentic essence of who you are and to help you become more embodied, integrated and whole. I take a trauma informed, client-centered approach and draw from principals based on the interconnection of our beliefs, emotions, body, nervous system, brain, experiences and relationships.
I am here to guide you back to yourself. I believe you are actually the one who “knows,” and my job is to help you rebuild the trust you have within yourself to access your own knowing. My approach is rooted in relationships as the foundation of healing, esp. the relationship we have with ourselves. My intention is to assist you in re-discovering the authentic essence of who you are and to help you become more embodied, integrated and whole. I take a trauma informed, client-centered approach and draw from principals based on the interconnection of our beliefs, emotions, body, nervous system, brain, experiences and relationships.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to explore challenges people are experiencing and help them feel empowered to overcome these. I have experience and enjoy working with people who may experience the world through a unique lense and those who may have a history of adverse life experiences. The typical client I work with is an adolescent or adult and may struggle with internalizing emotions and get easily overstimulated, have lower self-esteem, or challenges with social interaction. They may feel misunderstood by important people in their lives.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to explore challenges people are experiencing and help them feel empowered to overcome these. I have experience and enjoy working with people who may experience the world through a unique lense and those who may have a history of adverse life experiences. The typical client I work with is an adolescent or adult and may struggle with internalizing emotions and get easily overstimulated, have lower self-esteem, or challenges with social interaction. They may feel misunderstood by important people in their lives.
Accepting new clients. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who works with individuals, couples and families who are struggling to manage life circumstances. I provide a non-judgmental, safe and supportive environment that offers guidance to help meet your goals through open and honest conversation.
Accepting new clients. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who works with individuals, couples and families who are struggling to manage life circumstances. I provide a non-judgmental, safe and supportive environment that offers guidance to help meet your goals through open and honest conversation.
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Jaclyn Leya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
Welcome! My goal is to provide the necessary support to navigate the therapeutic and integrative process of 'working-through' both negative experiences from the past and present. In hopes to gain more freedom to choose the outcome for your future. I will provide you with a safe space for self-exploration, and a model for self-reflection to utilize in everyday life.
Welcome! My goal is to provide the necessary support to navigate the therapeutic and integrative process of 'working-through' both negative experiences from the past and present. In hopes to gain more freedom to choose the outcome for your future. I will provide you with a safe space for self-exploration, and a model for self-reflection to utilize in everyday life.
My primary areas of focus are grief/loss, anxiety, depression and trauma. I utilize a positive and strength-based focus along with a cognitive behavioral approach in helping clients meet their goals. Helping clients identify and utilize their strengths in and outside of therapy is an important factor in my therapy. I also believe therapy is a collaborative approach and I aim at meeting my clients where they are while providing a safe and welcoming space to all. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, families and have a special interest in the elderly. I have twenty years' experience working with the elderly in Des Moines area.
My primary areas of focus are grief/loss, anxiety, depression and trauma. I utilize a positive and strength-based focus along with a cognitive behavioral approach in helping clients meet their goals. Helping clients identify and utilize their strengths in and outside of therapy is an important factor in my therapy. I also believe therapy is a collaborative approach and I aim at meeting my clients where they are while providing a safe and welcoming space to all. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, families and have a special interest in the elderly. I have twenty years' experience working with the elderly in Des Moines area.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and completed my master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as Community Counseling, at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. Prior to receiving my master’s degrees, I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at North Dakota State University. I have a background in working with all age groups, providing individual, couple, and family therapy. I utilize multiple modes of therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Multidimensional Family Therapy. I have experience with chemical dependency.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and completed my master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as Community Counseling, at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. Prior to receiving my master’s degrees, I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at North Dakota State University. I have a background in working with all age groups, providing individual, couple, and family therapy. I utilize multiple modes of therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Multidimensional Family Therapy. I have experience with chemical dependency.
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.
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.
Our New Life professionals provide outpatient counseling services for adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups at our locations in Ankeny and West Des Moines. Our professional training, experience, faith, and commitment to honoring each individual, enables us to offer counseling that empowers you with the tools, techniques, and confidence necessary to improve your life. We offer support and guidance in this journey through life's many changes and transitions as we partner together to work toward meeting your goals. Visit our counselor's page on our website to learn more about our therapists and their areas of focus.
Our New Life professionals provide outpatient counseling services for adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups at our locations in Ankeny and West Des Moines. Our professional training, experience, faith, and commitment to honoring each individual, enables us to offer counseling that empowers you with the tools, techniques, and confidence necessary to improve your life. We offer support and guidance in this journey through life's many changes and transitions as we partner together to work toward meeting your goals. Visit our counselor's page on our website to learn more about our therapists and their areas of focus.
I believe connection and relationship are cornerstones of successful therapy. I support an environment of warmth and openness because growth happens at the speed of trust. We will work collaboratively to identify and address your needs and desires. I seek to empower clients through validation, skill building, and values exploration. During therapy, I utilize acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing.
I believe connection and relationship are cornerstones of successful therapy. I support an environment of warmth and openness because growth happens at the speed of trust. We will work collaboratively to identify and address your needs and desires. I seek to empower clients through validation, skill building, and values exploration. During therapy, I utilize acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing.
Accepting new clients. When life gets hard, it can be helpful to have a safe place to let it all out. I'd be honored to be that safe place for you. I won't judge you, I won't criticize you, and I won't leave you feeling unsure of yourself. I will, however, motivate you when you're feeling overwhelmed, comfort you when you're hurt, reassure you when others make you feel unworthy, and challenge you to think differently.
Accepting new clients. When life gets hard, it can be helpful to have a safe place to let it all out. I'd be honored to be that safe place for you. I won't judge you, I won't criticize you, and I won't leave you feeling unsure of yourself. I will, however, motivate you when you're feeling overwhelmed, comfort you when you're hurt, reassure you when others make you feel unworthy, and challenge you to think differently.
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.
I received my master's degree in Counseling in 2012 from Drake University and have been a school counselor for 11 years. I completed my internship in 2023 and am now supporting clients in private practice. Through my experiences, I have learned a lot about meeting people where they are at and walking alongside them in their journey. Trusting the client to know when they are ready to make a change is an integral part of the process. Starting is the hardest part and I'm here to help you get started.
I received my master's degree in Counseling in 2012 from Drake University and have been a school counselor for 11 years. I completed my internship in 2023 and am now supporting clients in private practice. Through my experiences, I have learned a lot about meeting people where they are at and walking alongside them in their journey. Trusting the client to know when they are ready to make a change is an integral part of the process. Starting is the hardest part and I'm here to help you get started.
