Sexual Addiction Therapists in Marshalltown, IA
![Photo of Heather Joy Thomas, LISW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e09afc96-74bb-4081-afba-17b594f58f10/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Joy Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marshalltown, IA 50158 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Welcome! My name is Heather Thomas, and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with over 18 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse fields. Currently, I serve as the Director of Counseling at Grand View University, where I provide short-term therapy services, oversee internship programming, and actively contribute to various committees including the Peer Wellness, Behavior Intervention Team, and DEI committee. I have a rich background working as a Therapist, Director, and Regional Director in community mental health, substance use, and crisis services.
Welcome! My name is Heather Thomas, and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with over 18 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse fields. Currently, I serve as the Director of Counseling at Grand View University, where I provide short-term therapy services, oversee internship programming, and actively contribute to various committees including the Peer Wellness, Behavior Intervention Team, and DEI committee. I have a rich background working as a Therapist, Director, and Regional Director in community mental health, substance use, and crisis services.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Chris Chandler, MA, LPCC, LMHC, LPC, CSAT-S, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa816b45-da60-472c-b2e2-27ff80433ccb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chris Chandler
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LMHC, LPC, CSAT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Urbandale, IA 50322 (Online Only)
My passion is helping people build healthy and meaningful lives. I am a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist trained by Dr. Patrick Carnes, the pioneer in the field of sex addiction. I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with all forms of addictions and compulsive behaviors including: sex, pornography, drugs, alcohol, food, work, spending, codependent relationships, etc. I use Internal Family Systems, and Lifespan Integration to help people become free from underlying relational/attachment wounds.
My passion is helping people build healthy and meaningful lives. I am a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist trained by Dr. Patrick Carnes, the pioneer in the field of sex addiction. I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with all forms of addictions and compulsive behaviors including: sex, pornography, drugs, alcohol, food, work, spending, codependent relationships, etc. I use Internal Family Systems, and Lifespan Integration to help people become free from underlying relational/attachment wounds.
![Photo of Amy Muller - Inspire Mental Health Therapy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d636ff92-5c18-49b6-af5e-9b7ea97c58e7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Inspire Mental Health Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
I have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, Gottman therapy, Sex Therapy, and Betrayal Trauma due to sexual addiction in couples.
Let’s face it—Life is HARD! For many of us the pressures of the world are often times overwhelming, and we are living each day just trying to keep our head above water. Some of us are in crisis, some of us are struggling, some of us are surviving the daily pressures of living. But what if we could be thriving? What would that look like? Where do we begin?
I have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, Gottman therapy, Sex Therapy, and Betrayal Trauma due to sexual addiction in couples.
Let’s face it—Life is HARD! For many of us the pressures of the world are often times overwhelming, and we are living each day just trying to keep our head above water. Some of us are in crisis, some of us are struggling, some of us are surviving the daily pressures of living. But what if we could be thriving? What would that look like? Where do we begin?
![Photo of Scott Liu - Dr. Scott Liu (Huan-Chung S Liu, Ph.D.), PhD, LP, HSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50f8ee7a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Scott Liu (Huan-Chung S Liu, Ph.D.)
Psychologist, PhD, LP, HSP
Verified Verified
Iowa City, IA 52240 (Online Only)
Scott is interested in working a broad range of concerns including depression and anxiety, identity and self-esteem issues, emotional expression (EQ), relationship, marriage/family concerns, men's issues, sexual trauma, sexual addiction, academic skills, and career concerns.
As a generalist, Scott finds that he works from an integrative lens, naturally leaning towards a client-centered, strengths-based, and multicultural perspectives. Often, he likes to integrate aspects of Interpersonal Therapy, family systems, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral theories with the bio-psycho-social framework. With extensive college counseling center experience (18+ years), Scott enjoys working with this population and understands the difficulties that often emerge during this transitional process (identities, relationships, self-awareness, etc.). Scott believed no concern is too big or too small to seek support.
Scott is interested in working a broad range of concerns including depression and anxiety, identity and self-esteem issues, emotional expression (EQ), relationship, marriage/family concerns, men's issues, sexual trauma, sexual addiction, academic skills, and career concerns.
As a generalist, Scott finds that he works from an integrative lens, naturally leaning towards a client-centered, strengths-based, and multicultural perspectives. Often, he likes to integrate aspects of Interpersonal Therapy, family systems, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral theories with the bio-psycho-social framework. With extensive college counseling center experience (18+ years), Scott enjoys working with this population and understands the difficulties that often emerge during this transitional process (identities, relationships, self-awareness, etc.). Scott believed no concern is too big or too small to seek support.
![Photo of Mary Meyer - Full Heart Family Therapy, PhD, LMFT, CSAT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f26bfc08-78de-43f6-9585-9570a3338bc2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Full Heart Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
We work with sexual addiction and betrayal trauma for family members, and have one of the only CSAT teams in the metro.
At Full Heart Family Therapy, we work with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of mental, emotional, and relational issues. Your therapist will strive to understand your story and your vision for your future, so we can help you overcome obstacles and create the life that you hope for. Our goal is to help you create a full life and a full heart!
We work with sexual addiction and betrayal trauma for family members, and have one of the only CSAT teams in the metro.
At Full Heart Family Therapy, we work with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of mental, emotional, and relational issues. Your therapist will strive to understand your story and your vision for your future, so we can help you overcome obstacles and create the life that you hope for. Our goal is to help you create a full life and a full heart!
![Photo of Krystyna Thompson, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45f9872e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Krystyna Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50021
Furthermore, I focus on sexual addiction, substance addiction, and co-occurring concerns.
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!
Furthermore, I focus on sexual addiction, substance addiction, and co-occurring concerns.
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!
![Photo of Tony Parmenter - Emdr + Integrative Healing For Complex Trauma, LMHC, LAADC, LCMHC, LCPC, EMDRIA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96ea8181-4187-4dc3-84c4-2d1dc1380624/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tony Parmenter - Emdr + Integrative Healing For Complex Trauma
Counselor, LMHC, LAADC, LCMHC, LCPC, EMDRIA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023 (Online Only)
I provide EMDR and other integrative therapies for healing complex and generational trauma and am currently accepting people interested in individual weekly therapy and half- and full-day intensives. My work is focused on helping your nervous system and inner child find freedom from wounds that are so deep, you may have never been aware of them. I have witnessed many of clients alleviate long-standing struggles/challenges related to Complex PTSD, unresolved childhood trauma, and related addiction issues through this work. I am the creator of TF-EMDR for nature-based work & MARS.
I provide EMDR and other integrative therapies for healing complex and generational trauma and am currently accepting people interested in individual weekly therapy and half- and full-day intensives. My work is focused on helping your nervous system and inner child find freedom from wounds that are so deep, you may have never been aware of them. I have witnessed many of clients alleviate long-standing struggles/challenges related to Complex PTSD, unresolved childhood trauma, and related addiction issues through this work. I am the creator of TF-EMDR for nature-based work & MARS.
![Photo of Ankeny Family Counseling, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f40f812-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Richard Joens - Counseling Associates of Central Iowa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79c5c483-3cd9-4cd1-ba95-21e96acc9b30/1/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Associates of Central Iowa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
We are a group of experienced, caring professionals who are committed to collaborate and meet you at your specific place in life. We can provide support and guidance by empowering you to develop the strength, wisdom and courage to cope with the challenges in your life. Whether you are struggling with a difficult life situation or need some encouragement and understanding to help you make personal changes, we can help. Please call or email us for a therapy consultation today.
We are a group of experienced, caring professionals who are committed to collaborate and meet you at your specific place in life. We can provide support and guidance by empowering you to develop the strength, wisdom and courage to cope with the challenges in your life. Whether you are struggling with a difficult life situation or need some encouragement and understanding to help you make personal changes, we can help. Please call or email us for a therapy consultation today.
![Photo of Jill K Shirley, JD, LMHC, IADC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26ca3b99-b27e-42e1-abc6-aea847b2cdc4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are facing life-changing circumstances, finally facing an ongoing issue and ready to change, or simply need an objective sounding board, reaching out to a therapist is a courageous step. We will work together to explore what underlies the difficulties you face and collaborate to find solutions and mechanisms for coping. In therapy we will work together to develop a trusting relationship so that you feel safe enough to express your most authentic and vulnerable self.
Whether you are facing life-changing circumstances, finally facing an ongoing issue and ready to change, or simply need an objective sounding board, reaching out to a therapist is a courageous step. We will work together to explore what underlies the difficulties you face and collaborate to find solutions and mechanisms for coping. In therapy we will work together to develop a trusting relationship so that you feel safe enough to express your most authentic and vulnerable self.
![Photo of Ben Lehl, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef0b60d5-c26b-4b79-9ebb-0acaa437ae1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ben is a kind and energetic Licensed Mental Health Counselor! He believes kindness, care and compassion are the foundations for successful therapy. He also feels honest, direct and authentic teamwork adds to positive outcomes. Ben is an EMDR-trained provider who specializes in trauma work, relationship issues, emotional or mood problems including anxiety and depression. He spent several years working in a public/community mental health environment and believes care belongs to every person, and there can be room for laughter and joy in it as well! Ben is a lifelong musician and loves the rock n' roll.
Ben is a kind and energetic Licensed Mental Health Counselor! He believes kindness, care and compassion are the foundations for successful therapy. He also feels honest, direct and authentic teamwork adds to positive outcomes. Ben is an EMDR-trained provider who specializes in trauma work, relationship issues, emotional or mood problems including anxiety and depression. He spent several years working in a public/community mental health environment and believes care belongs to every person, and there can be room for laughter and joy in it as well! Ben is a lifelong musician and loves the rock n' roll.
![Photo of Patrick Turpin, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c540b64e-f630-41d0-b505-371bd0b7c820/3/320x400.jpeg)
Patrick is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who brings humor and authenticity to his work with adolescents and adults. He has experience working with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief and loss and other life experiences. He believes that each person has a unique story that has shaped their attitudes and experiences. Through his work he strives to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, gain insight into how those experiences impact daily life, and create a new reality that is more fulfilling, meaningful, and purpose driven.
Patrick is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who brings humor and authenticity to his work with adolescents and adults. He has experience working with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief and loss and other life experiences. He believes that each person has a unique story that has shaped their attitudes and experiences. Through his work he strives to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, gain insight into how those experiences impact daily life, and create a new reality that is more fulfilling, meaningful, and purpose driven.
![Photo of Laura L Housel, LMHC, ATR, CSAT, CTRS, CYI, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51cf20b7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura L Housel
Counselor, LMHC, ATR, CSAT, CTRS, CYI
Verified Verified
North Liberty, IA 52317 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling lost, alone, and misunderstood? Life and relationships aren't turning out quite like you thought? Maybe you never quite fit in or were able figure things out like others. You might be going through changes such as: shift in your work or career due to burnout or distress; transitioning from a religion; late diagnosis related to neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, etc.); exploring identity; realizing your coping strategies have become addictive or harmful; re-examining relationships, intimacy, roles, experiencing conflict or time of reckoning; feeling disconnected from self, others, spirituality; or experiencing grief or loss
Feeling lost, alone, and misunderstood? Life and relationships aren't turning out quite like you thought? Maybe you never quite fit in or were able figure things out like others. You might be going through changes such as: shift in your work or career due to burnout or distress; transitioning from a religion; late diagnosis related to neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, etc.); exploring identity; realizing your coping strategies have become addictive or harmful; re-examining relationships, intimacy, roles, experiencing conflict or time of reckoning; feeling disconnected from self, others, spirituality; or experiencing grief or loss
![Photo of Christa Eribal, LMSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d953409-6c32-494e-a95f-29d6d57533ff/3/320x400.jpeg)
No matter where you are on your journey to a brighter future, I’m ready to walk alongside you. I have been trained in providing trauma-focused therapy, and I specialize in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, I pull from many other practices as well, so we can work together to find what works best for you.
No matter where you are on your journey to a brighter future, I’m ready to walk alongside you. I have been trained in providing trauma-focused therapy, and I specialize in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, I pull from many other practices as well, so we can work together to find what works best for you.
![Photo of Jen Gauerke, MS, LMHC, CADC, CGP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1a52168-6ed6-460a-a968-e5527c135581/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jen Gauerke
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CADC, CGP
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309
Waitlist for new clients
Every person has the potential for growth. Yet, people can work very hard and not make progress. Old ineffective patterns, habits, even addictions, dominate and prevent happiness and growth. Hope can dwindle and lead many to believe they are broken or defective. There is hope! With extensive training and experience in treating trauma and addiction, I explore with you the reasons that patterns persist. I am invested in helping people understand themselves, as they build personal and relationship satisfaction. You can create a life, not simply existing, but full of creativity, connection and enjoyment.
Every person has the potential for growth. Yet, people can work very hard and not make progress. Old ineffective patterns, habits, even addictions, dominate and prevent happiness and growth. Hope can dwindle and lead many to believe they are broken or defective. There is hope! With extensive training and experience in treating trauma and addiction, I explore with you the reasons that patterns persist. I am invested in helping people understand themselves, as they build personal and relationship satisfaction. You can create a life, not simply existing, but full of creativity, connection and enjoyment.
![Photo of Nikki Julian - Julian and Associates Psychotherapy Services PC, PhD, LMHC, ACS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55f20e09-f5eb-4c1f-a883-0f736cb17de1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julian and Associates Psychotherapy Services PC
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52245
Dr. Julian has been in mental health practice since 2004 and is dedicated to the empowerment of her clients. She has specialty training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy from EMDRIA and Sex Therapy from the Florida Sex Therapy Institute.
Dr. Julian has been in mental health practice since 2004 and is dedicated to the empowerment of her clients. She has specialty training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy from EMDRIA and Sex Therapy from the Florida Sex Therapy Institute.
![Photo of Jami L Lacona, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50c65f4a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating adults who are struggling with symptoms related to untreated trauma and may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have clinical expertise in treating those who may be experiencing or recovering from narcissistic abuse. I utilize a blending of spirituality and psychology as well as cognitive behavioral therapy as treatment modalities.
I specialize in treating adults who are struggling with symptoms related to untreated trauma and may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have clinical expertise in treating those who may be experiencing or recovering from narcissistic abuse. I utilize a blending of spirituality and psychology as well as cognitive behavioral therapy as treatment modalities.
![Photo of Rachel M Klobassa, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ede955b9-70f8-4a2b-bd97-41db01d6c0dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on creating a therapeutic relationship that is cooperative, trusting and encouraging. I aim to create a safe, open environment for my clients to express their feelings and work through issues while feeling accepted and validated. I am an active therapist that offers suggestions, tools, action plans and homework based upon my client’s needs. I consider myself direct and straight forward but also steady and nurturing. I bring my authentic self to the therapeutic relationship which includes small doses of humor and sarcasm when appropriate!
I focus on creating a therapeutic relationship that is cooperative, trusting and encouraging. I aim to create a safe, open environment for my clients to express their feelings and work through issues while feeling accepted and validated. I am an active therapist that offers suggestions, tools, action plans and homework based upon my client’s needs. I consider myself direct and straight forward but also steady and nurturing. I bring my authentic self to the therapeutic relationship which includes small doses of humor and sarcasm when appropriate!
![Photo of Patrick Harnish -Hcc - Harnish Counseling & Consulting PLC, LMHC, NCC, CCTP, CYMHS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0d0155e-784e-40e6-9d74-29db63e4c483/1/320x400.jpeg)
Harnish Counseling & Consulting PLC
Counselor, LMHC, NCC, CCTP, CYMHS
Verified Verified
Mason City, IA 50401
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Nationally Certified Counselor, I specialize in working with adolescents (10 and up), couples, adults, and the elderly. My diverse therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and many more. I offer a range of therapies to equip you with the tools necessary to navigate life's challenges.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Nationally Certified Counselor, I specialize in working with adolescents (10 and up), couples, adults, and the elderly. My diverse therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and many more. I offer a range of therapies to equip you with the tools necessary to navigate life's challenges.
![Photo of Alyssa Anne Drury, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f039bb3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
All of us have some hard and difficult times in life and we need some help. Although this can be humbling, it usually pays off in the end. I am a very flexible and laid back person and am here to help you with whatever it is you are struggling with. There will be no judgment and we will work on what only you want to work on. I believe there is no magic answer to everything and not everything works for everybody, so it is you and I trying to figure out what works best for you.
All of us have some hard and difficult times in life and we need some help. Although this can be humbling, it usually pays off in the end. I am a very flexible and laid back person and am here to help you with whatever it is you are struggling with. There will be no judgment and we will work on what only you want to work on. I believe there is no magic answer to everything and not everything works for everybody, so it is you and I trying to figure out what works best for you.
See more therapy options for Marshalltown
Nearby Sexual Addiction Therapists Searches for Marshalltown
See More Sexual Addiction TherapistsNearby Searches for Marshalltown
See More TherapistsSexual Addiction Therapists
When should someone seek treatment for sex addiction?
People should seek treatment for sex addiction if they cannot control their sexual thoughts or behaviours to the point that it disrupts their ability to function in daily life, for example by threatening their finances, career, or relationships. This may include spending an excessive amount of time obsessing over sex, planning sex, watching pornography, or masturbating, as well as consistently engaging in risky sexual activities, using sex to escape distressing feelings, or attempting yet failing to control sexual behavior.
What are the most common treatment options for sex addiction?
Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for sex addiction; therapy helps patients better understand their compulsive thoughts and behaviors and develop strategies to manage their desires. Therapy may be supplemented by medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-androgens, and the alcohol and substance use medication Naltrexone, as well as support groups, such as 12-step programs.
How long does therapy take for sex addiction?
Recovering from compulsive behavior takes time and effort. There’s no precise timeline for treatment, but research suggests 12 therapy sessions may be enough to see change. Treatment for sexual compulsions requires honesty in therapy, a commitment to understanding triggers and developing coping skills, and potential lifestyle changes such as cutting out alcohol or drugs.
What if sex addiction is left untreated?
Compulsive sexual behavior can have serious repercussions if left unaddressed. For example, if sexual obsessions consume the vast majority of a person’s time, they may lose their job. If they can’t stop paying for sex, their finances may suffer. If they’re dishonest in their relationships, their partner may leave them. If they consistently feel shame, they may struggle with anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Therapy can help people develop the tools to manage sexual thoughts and behaviors that feel uncontrollable.