Therapists in Des Moines, IA
Ryan McClure
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50310
Waitlist for new clients
I have been providing therapy support within the Des Moines area for over 24 years and the co-founder of the counseling agency Lifeworks Inc. My primary areas of interest include helping individuals overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, social phobias, low self-esteem, anger issues and overall learning how to effectively manage challenging emotions that often present themselves. Typically, I serve clients older than 12 and younger than 99. I love my profession and take pride in assisting and supporting clients that I see each week. Therapy is a good thing. It will surprise you.
I have been providing therapy support within the Des Moines area for over 24 years and the co-founder of the counseling agency Lifeworks Inc. My primary areas of interest include helping individuals overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, social phobias, low self-esteem, anger issues and overall learning how to effectively manage challenging emotions that often present themselves. Typically, I serve clients older than 12 and younger than 99. I love my profession and take pride in assisting and supporting clients that I see each week. Therapy is a good thing. It will surprise you.
Available 6am-3pm. I work with adolescents, adults and couples. As a former high school educator, I'm passionate about helping adolescents who are experiencing anxiety, stress, and self-esteem issues. I have special interests in working with student athletes, LGBTQ clients, and those in faith transitions. I am also passionate about helping couples reconnect, stop ineffective communication patterns, heal emotional wounds and navigate mismatched values and desires. I use my background as a yoga teacher to incorporate mindfulness and meditation techniques (tantra, metta, spiritual, moving) when these approaches serve the client.
Available 6am-3pm. I work with adolescents, adults and couples. As a former high school educator, I'm passionate about helping adolescents who are experiencing anxiety, stress, and self-esteem issues. I have special interests in working with student athletes, LGBTQ clients, and those in faith transitions. I am also passionate about helping couples reconnect, stop ineffective communication patterns, heal emotional wounds and navigate mismatched values and desires. I use my background as a yoga teacher to incorporate mindfulness and meditation techniques (tantra, metta, spiritual, moving) when these approaches serve the client.
Whether someone is experiencing a significant life change, struggling with past trauma, seeking to improve self-esteem, or aiming to reach personal goals, therapy can be beneficial. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for all individuals, families, and couples. I endeavor to assist clients to rediscover joy and connection, manage anxiety or depression, or navigate grief or trauma. I utilize mindful, solution-focused interventions and a collaborative process, intended to empower clients to improve their lives and implement change.
Whether someone is experiencing a significant life change, struggling with past trauma, seeking to improve self-esteem, or aiming to reach personal goals, therapy can be beneficial. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for all individuals, families, and couples. I endeavor to assist clients to rediscover joy and connection, manage anxiety or depression, or navigate grief or trauma. I utilize mindful, solution-focused interventions and a collaborative process, intended to empower clients to improve their lives and implement change.
Rachel C Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50312
My approach in therapy is about establishing connection with my clients and validating their experiences. I enjoy creating a space where people feel respected, safe, and able to share anything that may be on their minds. The effect of having one’s feelings and thoughts acknowledged and understood is a significant component in working toward progress and relief of symptoms they struggle to manage. I also believe that therapy is a collaborative process. I work together with clients and families to identify goals that enable them to feel empowered to make healthier decisions.
My approach in therapy is about establishing connection with my clients and validating their experiences. I enjoy creating a space where people feel respected, safe, and able to share anything that may be on their minds. The effect of having one’s feelings and thoughts acknowledged and understood is a significant component in working toward progress and relief of symptoms they struggle to manage. I also believe that therapy is a collaborative process. I work together with clients and families to identify goals that enable them to feel empowered to make healthier decisions.
Jacy Jensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone has a story, and each story is different and deserves to be told. Our stories at times can be filled with unexpected and sometimes overwhelming challenges that affect each of us in different ways. Through my own personal and professional story, I have discovered that building a supportive relationship through therapy creates a safe place to explore life struggles, understand difficult issues, develop new skills, enrich relationships, and work through situations to lead a more authentic life.
Everyone has a story, and each story is different and deserves to be told. Our stories at times can be filled with unexpected and sometimes overwhelming challenges that affect each of us in different ways. Through my own personal and professional story, I have discovered that building a supportive relationship through therapy creates a safe place to explore life struggles, understand difficult issues, develop new skills, enrich relationships, and work through situations to lead a more authentic life.
Welcome, you have made the decision to begin moving forward in a positive direction. A direction toward growth and well-being. While we cannot change difficult situations of the past, we can move forward to ensure a better present, and a thriving future. I have over 10 years in the Mental Health industry, and I am a active listener and goal oriented; as we move forward on your goals, we will be using complementary therapeutic approaches and techniques to facilitate the desired change. Remember, "You are on a road to a better place!"
Welcome, you have made the decision to begin moving forward in a positive direction. A direction toward growth and well-being. While we cannot change difficult situations of the past, we can move forward to ensure a better present, and a thriving future. I have over 10 years in the Mental Health industry, and I am a active listener and goal oriented; as we move forward on your goals, we will be using complementary therapeutic approaches and techniques to facilitate the desired change. Remember, "You are on a road to a better place!"
Elisa McAfee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
I became a therapist to be a professional “feelings friend” – a person whom others can approach with anything and everything in their times of need. No matter the situation, I strive to offer a warm, authentic, and supportive environment to help my clients pursue lasting change in their lives. In my office, you’ll get an advocate, a cheerleader, a teammate, a challenger, and a coach. Progress may look different for you depending on the day - however it does, I am honored to be a part of your healing.
I became a therapist to be a professional “feelings friend” – a person whom others can approach with anything and everything in their times of need. No matter the situation, I strive to offer a warm, authentic, and supportive environment to help my clients pursue lasting change in their lives. In my office, you’ll get an advocate, a cheerleader, a teammate, a challenger, and a coach. Progress may look different for you depending on the day - however it does, I am honored to be a part of your healing.
Jennifer Stimson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPA, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50312
Jennifer is passionate about supporting caregivers, couples, families, and individuals as they navigate life's many challenges and opportunities. She believes that so much agency can be gained in the discovery of one's authentic self. Jennifer provides a safe space for clients to engage in this meaningful work with the goal of helping them learn, accept, and live as their true self while managing any roadblocks along the way.
Jennifer is passionate about supporting caregivers, couples, families, and individuals as they navigate life's many challenges and opportunities. She believes that so much agency can be gained in the discovery of one's authentic self. Jennifer provides a safe space for clients to engage in this meaningful work with the goal of helping them learn, accept, and live as their true self while managing any roadblocks along the way.
Immediate appointments availiable. My name is Hilary Johnson and I am a licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMHC). Making the decision to come to therapy is not an easy one whether it is for you or your child. I am here to help by providing a safe, compassionate, and judgement free space. As a client centered therapist my goal is to focus on you and what you need out of therapy. I specialize in children (age 12 and up), teens, and young adults who have experienced trauma in their life. I also specialize in the LGBTQIA population, as an identified therapist.
Immediate appointments availiable. My name is Hilary Johnson and I am a licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMHC). Making the decision to come to therapy is not an easy one whether it is for you or your child. I am here to help by providing a safe, compassionate, and judgement free space. As a client centered therapist my goal is to focus on you and what you need out of therapy. I specialize in children (age 12 and up), teens, and young adults who have experienced trauma in their life. I also specialize in the LGBTQIA population, as an identified therapist.
Making the decision to start therapy can be a very vulnerable time, whether it be for you or your child. In therapy you will have a safe and judgement free space to meet your goals. I enjoy working with children and adults to recognize strengths and build on them to assist you in meeting your well being needs. Whether you are struggling to overcome an incident or event, wanting to make specific changes in your life, or looking to improve your overall quality of life and feel better about yourself, we will work together.
Making the decision to start therapy can be a very vulnerable time, whether it be for you or your child. In therapy you will have a safe and judgement free space to meet your goals. I enjoy working with children and adults to recognize strengths and build on them to assist you in meeting your well being needs. Whether you are struggling to overcome an incident or event, wanting to make specific changes in your life, or looking to improve your overall quality of life and feel better about yourself, we will work together.
Taking new clients. I offer telehealth and in person sessions. Feeling stuck in same unhealthy situations and relationships which produce anxiety, anger, depression and broken trust? We can explore communication patterns, attachment styles, and past traumas affecting relationships. I provide a nonjudgmental environment to work on your issues. I am experienced in areas of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, spirituality, and family issues of parenting, caretaking, LGBTQA issues, adoption, infertility. First I listen to your life situation, then give homework, and then build on your strengths so you can reach your life goals.
Taking new clients. I offer telehealth and in person sessions. Feeling stuck in same unhealthy situations and relationships which produce anxiety, anger, depression and broken trust? We can explore communication patterns, attachment styles, and past traumas affecting relationships. I provide a nonjudgmental environment to work on your issues. I am experienced in areas of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, spirituality, and family issues of parenting, caretaking, LGBTQA issues, adoption, infertility. First I listen to your life situation, then give homework, and then build on your strengths so you can reach your life goals.
Mark Cowan is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 25 years' experience providing Clinical Social Work. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Psychology from Iowa State University and received his Master's in Social Work form the University of Iowa. Mark has worked with individuals, children/adolescents and families throughout his career. Specialties include family conflict, trauma, adolescent work, depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, sexual issues and men's issues.
Mark Cowan is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 25 years' experience providing Clinical Social Work. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Psychology from Iowa State University and received his Master's in Social Work form the University of Iowa. Mark has worked with individuals, children/adolescents and families throughout his career. Specialties include family conflict, trauma, adolescent work, depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, sexual issues and men's issues.
Jeremy Overbaugh values and enjoys working with children, adolescents, and families who are responding to a broad range of problems and concerns in their lives and relationships. He offers a relaxed, non-judgmental approach to therapy, with the goal of providing collaborative and effective treatment to the individuals he works with. Jeremy's primary areas of clinic focus include: ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, anger/behavioral issues, PTSD/trauma, ASD, family conflict/separation/divorce issues and school difficulties. Jeremy offers individual adult and couples therapy, as well.
Jeremy Overbaugh values and enjoys working with children, adolescents, and families who are responding to a broad range of problems and concerns in their lives and relationships. He offers a relaxed, non-judgmental approach to therapy, with the goal of providing collaborative and effective treatment to the individuals he works with. Jeremy's primary areas of clinic focus include: ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, anger/behavioral issues, PTSD/trauma, ASD, family conflict/separation/divorce issues and school difficulties. Jeremy offers individual adult and couples therapy, as well.
Krystyna Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50320
Currently accepting individual clients! My name is Krystyna Thompson and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a clinician trained in EMDR. I work with couples, individuals, and families on a variety of emotional and relational issues. As a therapist, it is important to me that I partner with my clients to create an individualized plan that fits best to encourage recovery. Each person is different and I hope to help you overcome the obstacles that have stopped you from feeling happy, fulfilled, and joyous in your life. You have taken the first step in achieving these goals, so congratulations!
Currently accepting individual clients! My name is Krystyna Thompson and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a clinician trained in EMDR. I work with couples, individuals, and families on a variety of emotional and relational issues. As a therapist, it is important to me that I partner with my clients to create an individualized plan that fits best to encourage recovery. Each person is different and I hope to help you overcome the obstacles that have stopped you from feeling happy, fulfilled, and joyous in your life. You have taken the first step in achieving these goals, so congratulations!
Dr. Ashley Nicole Frazier
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50301
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, it is my goal to help any and everyone who needs it. I am a multicultural therapist whose main goal is to assist my clients in being the best person they can be. When you come to Strength in Diversity therapy center you will feel welcomed and accepted no matter your creed, color, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. It is my hope that once you leave my therapy room you will feel rejuvenated, full of life, and ready to take on the world.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, it is my goal to help any and everyone who needs it. I am a multicultural therapist whose main goal is to assist my clients in being the best person they can be. When you come to Strength in Diversity therapy center you will feel welcomed and accepted no matter your creed, color, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. It is my hope that once you leave my therapy room you will feel rejuvenated, full of life, and ready to take on the world.
Women's Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50313
Do you need someone to talk to about your family, job, or relationships? Are you struggling with loss, abuse or harassment in the recent or distant past? Do you feel misunderstood or question your identity or direction in life? Do you feel like life has handed you some lemons? If this sounds like you, I offer confidential mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families in a private 1857 farmhouse set on a nature sanctuary. I strive to provide a safe space for survivors, LGBTQ, and people from diverse racial, ethnic religious and spiritual backgrounds. Naturally, diversity is celebrated here.
Do you need someone to talk to about your family, job, or relationships? Are you struggling with loss, abuse or harassment in the recent or distant past? Do you feel misunderstood or question your identity or direction in life? Do you feel like life has handed you some lemons? If this sounds like you, I offer confidential mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families in a private 1857 farmhouse set on a nature sanctuary. I strive to provide a safe space for survivors, LGBTQ, and people from diverse racial, ethnic religious and spiritual backgrounds. Naturally, diversity is celebrated here.
Do you feel as if you have lost your way, like connections that were once there have somehow been severed due to trauma, anxiety or depression? Have you wondered how to regain or re-kindle those relationships with others? Sometimes on the journey through life, our ability to navigate can become overwhelming and confusing. It is during these times that having someone to support and encourage you in finding ways to mend relationships or make new connections can be useful.
Do you feel as if you have lost your way, like connections that were once there have somehow been severed due to trauma, anxiety or depression? Have you wondered how to regain or re-kindle those relationships with others? Sometimes on the journey through life, our ability to navigate can become overwhelming and confusing. It is during these times that having someone to support and encourage you in finding ways to mend relationships or make new connections can be useful.
If you have experienced trauma, loss, significant or unexpected change, family conflict, felt down and depressed, anxious, or all of the above I hope to be of help to you. I work with individuals, children, and families.
If you have experienced trauma, loss, significant or unexpected change, family conflict, felt down and depressed, anxious, or all of the above I hope to be of help to you. I work with individuals, children, and families.
Accepting new clients! I work with clients ages 12 through adulthood, whom may be struggling with a transition, depression and anxiety, or possibly a traumatizing event(s), as well as many other symptoms.
Accepting new clients! I work with clients ages 12 through adulthood, whom may be struggling with a transition, depression and anxiety, or possibly a traumatizing event(s), as well as many other symptoms.
Hello! I empower people weighed down by anxiety, anger, and distrust to lead fuller, more enriching lives. I also help those who feel disconnected from their families and partners to rebuild and revitalize their relationships. I offer a uniquely relational and personal approach to therapy. I dive into interpersonal dynamics, uncover unconscious perspectives, tap into the wisdom of the body, and harness your hidden strengths to help you find greater wholeness and enrichment in life.
Hello! I empower people weighed down by anxiety, anger, and distrust to lead fuller, more enriching lives. I also help those who feel disconnected from their families and partners to rebuild and revitalize their relationships. I offer a uniquely relational and personal approach to therapy. I dive into interpersonal dynamics, uncover unconscious perspectives, tap into the wisdom of the body, and harness your hidden strengths to help you find greater wholeness and enrichment in life.
See more therapy options for Des Moines
Self Esteem Therapists
When should a person seek therapy for low self-esteem?
When self-esteem problems begin to disrupt the healthy daily functioning of an individual, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If a person finds that they are not engaging with friends for fear of being judged, not completing work assignments because they don’t think they’re capable, or not finding romantic love because they don’t feel they’re worthy of it, a therapist may be able to help.
What are the signs of low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem is a common issue that can affect a person's mental and emotional well-being. Some common signs of low self-esteem include negative self-talk, perfectionism, social anxiety, difficulty making decisions, an inability to set boundaries, people-pleasing, and others. A lack of belief in oneself or one’s abilities and a feeling of not being worthy or deserving underlie most of these characteristics.
What causes low self-esteem?
Feelings of low self-worth can begin in childhood or adulthood. Being raised by a highly critical parent or growing up feeling constant disapproval can stay with a person well into adulthood. Specific issues in adulthood may also be a cause of low self-esteem. An unhappy relationship, a dysfunctional work or school experience can impact a person’s feelings of self-worth.
How can therapy improve self-esteem?
Therapists can help identify negative thought patterns that keep the client stuck in a loop of destructive self-talk and develop coping skills to change the voice in their head. A therapist can help with goal-setting, so that clients are better able to stay on task and build confidence from successfully completing work they’re proud of. Coaching a client on how to better communicate can improve relationships. These skills can result in someone with low self-esteem feeling empowered and living with less fear.