Male Therapists in Polk County, IA
Hello & welcome, friend. I am truly glad you are here. I enjoy working with all people but specialize in working with clients with trauma histories who feel disconnected from their bodies, have a hard time feeling their emotions, being vulnerable & are unable to 'disarm' & connect with others. Utilizing a person centered, queer feminist lens, I weave EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with somatic body experiencing, storytelling, parts work, imaginative play, guided imagery as well as expressive and mindfulness practices to promote internal growth within my clients.
Hello & welcome, friend. I am truly glad you are here. I enjoy working with all people but specialize in working with clients with trauma histories who feel disconnected from their bodies, have a hard time feeling their emotions, being vulnerable & are unable to 'disarm' & connect with others. Utilizing a person centered, queer feminist lens, I weave EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with somatic body experiencing, storytelling, parts work, imaginative play, guided imagery as well as expressive and mindfulness practices to promote internal growth within my clients.
Kenneth Roper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266 (Online Only)
I take a collaborative, nonjudgemental approach to mental health therapy that can help you develop the communication and coping skills needed to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD so you can recover and reach your full potential. Together we’ll work to resolve relationship conflicts, improve your self-esteem and manage unhealthy reactions or anger issues. I’ll teach you evidence-based techniques to deal with stress, sadness and fear, and help you not only control but understand your emotions.
I take a collaborative, nonjudgemental approach to mental health therapy that can help you develop the communication and coping skills needed to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD so you can recover and reach your full potential. Together we’ll work to resolve relationship conflicts, improve your self-esteem and manage unhealthy reactions or anger issues. I’ll teach you evidence-based techniques to deal with stress, sadness and fear, and help you not only control but understand your emotions.
I have decades of experience serving individuals who have been harmed by interpersonal abuse including child neglect and abuse, adult victims of physical and sexual violence, and terrorism. Both conventional psychological approaches and novel modalities are used that include Indigenous-inspired intensive treatments in or near natural settings. Conventional antidepressant and antianxiety medications are sparingly used to avoid suppressing rather than treating core issues. A hopeful posttraumatic growth model (PTG) is employed championing individual strengths.
I have decades of experience serving individuals who have been harmed by interpersonal abuse including child neglect and abuse, adult victims of physical and sexual violence, and terrorism. Both conventional psychological approaches and novel modalities are used that include Indigenous-inspired intensive treatments in or near natural settings. Conventional antidepressant and antianxiety medications are sparingly used to avoid suppressing rather than treating core issues. A hopeful posttraumatic growth model (PTG) is employed championing individual strengths.
My areas of focus are LGBTQIA+ issues, loss and grief, anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues. I work primarily with adults and LGBTQIA+ people of all ages.
My areas of focus are LGBTQIA+ issues, loss and grief, anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues. I work primarily with adults and LGBTQIA+ people of all ages.
Mason is a person-centered therapist with 5 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Mason is also an experienced life coach and sports psychologist helping young teens and adolescents with performance anxiety and other sports-related issues. Before becoming a therapist, Mason was a wrestling coach at the youth, high school, and college levels following his long-time career as competitor in the sport of wrestling. Mason strives to help all individuals in a safe, positive, and supportive environment to regain hope and heal.
Mason is a person-centered therapist with 5 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Mason is also an experienced life coach and sports psychologist helping young teens and adolescents with performance anxiety and other sports-related issues. Before becoming a therapist, Mason was a wrestling coach at the youth, high school, and college levels following his long-time career as competitor in the sport of wrestling. Mason strives to help all individuals in a safe, positive, and supportive environment to regain hope and heal.
www.kingdomcounseling.com Matt Ness is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). He is also an approved supervisor through the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. Matt completed his undergraduate studies at Central College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business Management. It was there that he recognized his giftings and God’s call on his life into the field of counseling, which led him to Wheaton College where he earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Matt’s studies included an emphasis in counseling adults and couples.
www.kingdomcounseling.com Matt Ness is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). He is also an approved supervisor through the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. Matt completed his undergraduate studies at Central College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business Management. It was there that he recognized his giftings and God’s call on his life into the field of counseling, which led him to Wheaton College where he earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Matt’s studies included an emphasis in counseling adults and couples.
Travis Semmens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
I enjoy working with children, teens, families, and adults to help them solve their problems. I have been working as a therapist since 2008, and worked with children at a residential campus for the six years prior to that. I love finding solutions and watching people blossom and thrive when they are no longer burdened by their personal struggles.
I enjoy working with children, teens, families, and adults to help them solve their problems. I have been working as a therapist since 2008, and worked with children at a residential campus for the six years prior to that. I love finding solutions and watching people blossom and thrive when they are no longer burdened by their personal struggles.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (tLMHC) who thinks of therapy as a collaborative process between therapists and clients. As the guide in this relationship, my job is to help clients recognize, understand, and overcome challenges that continue to impact the quality of their life. My aim is to use cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other research-based interventions, to assist clients in implementing necessary changes in their lives while providing safety and connection in a meaningful therapeutic relationship
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (tLMHC) who thinks of therapy as a collaborative process between therapists and clients. As the guide in this relationship, my job is to help clients recognize, understand, and overcome challenges that continue to impact the quality of their life. My aim is to use cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other research-based interventions, to assist clients in implementing necessary changes in their lives while providing safety and connection in a meaningful therapeutic relationship
William M McGhghy
Counselor, MS, tLMHC, IADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50322 (Online Only)
I have immediate openings and evening availability for Telehealth only anywhere in Iowa. Please request me when setting up services when calling the office. I view life as an ongoing journey for everyone and on this journey of life, we all have life controlling issues that prevent us from achieving our purpose in life. My purpose as a counselor is not to tell you what is wrong in your life but to come along with you in this journey of life and help you to recognize those barriers that prevent you from achieving your purpose in life, until you come to the point where you can finish your life journey on your own.
I have immediate openings and evening availability for Telehealth only anywhere in Iowa. Please request me when setting up services when calling the office. I view life as an ongoing journey for everyone and on this journey of life, we all have life controlling issues that prevent us from achieving our purpose in life. My purpose as a counselor is not to tell you what is wrong in your life but to come along with you in this journey of life and help you to recognize those barriers that prevent you from achieving your purpose in life, until you come to the point where you can finish your life journey on your own.
Freedom and relief from emotional and relational struggles is possible. Anxiety, depression, and other internal conflicts are very real and more common than most people realize. You do not have to be alone in the struggle. I will come alongside you as you move towards a healthy and satisfying life.
Freedom and relief from emotional and relational struggles is possible. Anxiety, depression, and other internal conflicts are very real and more common than most people realize. You do not have to be alone in the struggle. I will come alongside you as you move towards a healthy and satisfying life.
Dr. Kevin Allemagne
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LISW, LIMHP
Verified Verified
Johnston, IA 50131
Having been a clinical mental health therapist for 25 years, I recognize the decision to seek help can be difficult and challenging. My practice endeavors to create a comfortable and safe environment exploring your concerns in a collaborative and professional manner. I am committed in working to provide real solutions empowering individuals, couples, and families to achieve their personal and professional goals. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how therapy may be helpful with your needs.
Having been a clinical mental health therapist for 25 years, I recognize the decision to seek help can be difficult and challenging. My practice endeavors to create a comfortable and safe environment exploring your concerns in a collaborative and professional manner. I am committed in working to provide real solutions empowering individuals, couples, and families to achieve their personal and professional goals. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how therapy may be helpful with your needs.
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It is my belief that the greatest changes a person can make in life are done through the relationship between the therapist and the client. Joining with the clients I work with on their journey is truly a rewarding experience. It is my goal to help individuals understand and overcome the unique barriers in life through empathy, acceptance and unconditional positive regard. I believe that true change can come by using the individual's strengths and positive attributes along with humor to assist clients in achieving their unique goals.
It is my belief that the greatest changes a person can make in life are done through the relationship between the therapist and the client. Joining with the clients I work with on their journey is truly a rewarding experience. It is my goal to help individuals understand and overcome the unique barriers in life through empathy, acceptance and unconditional positive regard. I believe that true change can come by using the individual's strengths and positive attributes along with humor to assist clients in achieving their unique goals.
Doug Detrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, IADC, I
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Urbandale, IA 50322
Hi , I'm Doug. I am a licensed independent social worker who believes in helping people be their best by meeting them where they are at. I have over 11 years of experience helping over 1,100 clients with their life journey. I have worked with people on many different mental health issues. I specialize in anxiety disorders such as ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, phobias, trauma and other mental health issues to help them lead more productive lives. Laozi once said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” You have taken your first step by researching a therapist to work with who will meet your needs.
Hi , I'm Doug. I am a licensed independent social worker who believes in helping people be their best by meeting them where they are at. I have over 11 years of experience helping over 1,100 clients with their life journey. I have worked with people on many different mental health issues. I specialize in anxiety disorders such as ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, phobias, trauma and other mental health issues to help them lead more productive lives. Laozi once said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” You have taken your first step by researching a therapist to work with who will meet your needs.
Rich Webster
Counselor, MA, JD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Waitlist for new clients
I am excited to announce my practice is expanding. We now have three licensed therapists who are all fantastic caring people. It is important to accept a person exactly where they are, in a safe and non-judgmental space where we can explore their issues, find and nurture hope, and together work toward growth and equanimity. As a counselor, my job is to hear, accept and understand my client as a whole person and provide strategies to achieve their goals. Growth, healing and change can be challenging and may take hard work on the part of the client and the counselor. I am honored to be a part of that process with my clients.
I am excited to announce my practice is expanding. We now have three licensed therapists who are all fantastic caring people. It is important to accept a person exactly where they are, in a safe and non-judgmental space where we can explore their issues, find and nurture hope, and together work toward growth and equanimity. As a counselor, my job is to hear, accept and understand my client as a whole person and provide strategies to achieve their goals. Growth, healing and change can be challenging and may take hard work on the part of the client and the counselor. I am honored to be a part of that process with my clients.
Joe Nixon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling with LGBT+ related concerns? Are you struggling to come terms with your LGBT+ identity and/or struggling to find a way to move forward as an LGBT+ person? As a member of the LGBT+ community I am passionate about serving the LGBT+ community. Is a loved one of yours an LGBT+ member and you are struggling to move forward? accept? and/or want to reconcile with your LGBT+ loved one? Being LGBT+ can be hard in our society and it can help to talk about these experiences. Being fearful of our LGBT+ loved one's safety and well being can be stressful as well. If you feel like I can be of service I would be happy to help.
Are you struggling with LGBT+ related concerns? Are you struggling to come terms with your LGBT+ identity and/or struggling to find a way to move forward as an LGBT+ person? As a member of the LGBT+ community I am passionate about serving the LGBT+ community. Is a loved one of yours an LGBT+ member and you are struggling to move forward? accept? and/or want to reconcile with your LGBT+ loved one? Being LGBT+ can be hard in our society and it can help to talk about these experiences. Being fearful of our LGBT+ loved one's safety and well being can be stressful as well. If you feel like I can be of service I would be happy to help.
I believe it is important to meet you as an individual, couple or family where you are at in your unique journey in life. During this process, I feel it's essential for you to encounter a non-judgmental, accepting and empathetic atmosphere through which you can work on areas of your life at a pace you feel comfortable with. Additionally, it is my hope that you experience a sense of empowerment and motivation to grow and move towards self-discovery.
I believe it is important to meet you as an individual, couple or family where you are at in your unique journey in life. During this process, I feel it's essential for you to encounter a non-judgmental, accepting and empathetic atmosphere through which you can work on areas of your life at a pace you feel comfortable with. Additionally, it is my hope that you experience a sense of empowerment and motivation to grow and move towards self-discovery.
Struggling with one of life's many challenges? I know how difficult life's hardships can be. We often experience long lasting effects related to these events. You don't have to go it alone. I look forward to hearing from you and having the opportunity to walk alongside you on this journey.
Struggling with one of life's many challenges? I know how difficult life's hardships can be. We often experience long lasting effects related to these events. You don't have to go it alone. I look forward to hearing from you and having the opportunity to walk alongside you on this journey.
Ever wondered why you feel stuck? Is life not going the way you always thought it would? Are you constantly wondering what to do next? With all that life throws at you, it makes sense that your mind is looking for an answer. Life is tough and I am on your team! I practice using a non-judgmental approach to who you are and accepting you.
Ever wondered why you feel stuck? Is life not going the way you always thought it would? Are you constantly wondering what to do next? With all that life throws at you, it makes sense that your mind is looking for an answer. Life is tough and I am on your team! I practice using a non-judgmental approach to who you are and accepting you.
Brett Vitzthum
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Brett provides in-office therapy services to individuals and families looking for a strength-based approach to address counterproductive behavioral functioning. He strives to develop healthy interpersonal dynamics and the skills necessary for optimal family, community and societal integration. Brett assists clients to identify their desired change goals such as communication, conflict resolution and social and emotional coping. He holds an awareness of cross cultural ethnicities and is versatile in providing services based on multicultural aspects.
Brett provides in-office therapy services to individuals and families looking for a strength-based approach to address counterproductive behavioral functioning. He strives to develop healthy interpersonal dynamics and the skills necessary for optimal family, community and societal integration. Brett assists clients to identify their desired change goals such as communication, conflict resolution and social and emotional coping. He holds an awareness of cross cultural ethnicities and is versatile in providing services based on multicultural aspects.
Welcome! My name is Riley Rodemaker (He/Him) and I am a tLMHC at LifeWorks - Ankeny. I know that reaching out for help can be very difficult and I have a lot of respect for the bravery that it takes. My hope is that we can work together to help you feel better. I believe that empathy and compassion serve as the foundation for any helping relationship. I am a generalist counselor (meaning I have some experience with a variety of issues); however, I especially enjoy working with clients on issues related to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and suicide/self-harm.
Welcome! My name is Riley Rodemaker (He/Him) and I am a tLMHC at LifeWorks - Ankeny. I know that reaching out for help can be very difficult and I have a lot of respect for the bravery that it takes. My hope is that we can work together to help you feel better. I believe that empathy and compassion serve as the foundation for any helping relationship. I am a generalist counselor (meaning I have some experience with a variety of issues); however, I especially enjoy working with clients on issues related to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and suicide/self-harm.
See more therapy options for Polk County
Male Therapists
As a man, why might I want to see a male therapist?
There are many reasons a man might wish to work with a male therapist, including a degree of shared identity, which may help client and therapist connect to each other and allow for a more free-flowing discussion of issues that can be deeply personal. Some men may feel more comfortable talking to a male therapist about relationship concerns, the pressures they feel around the roles society and family place on men, career or job challenges, self-esteem, or anger problems. For some men who have not had a male role models in their lives, a good male therapist may be especially helpful.
How can I find out about a therapist’s experience treating men?
Individuals looking for treatment should feel comfortable directly asking a therapist about their history treating men overall and the issues that arise in therapy with men. A good therapist will be happy to discuss such matters as well as their educational background, approach to treatment, and how they think they can aid a prospective client. Prospective clients should also ask what the expectation is for treatment, and what the fee structure is, and whether and which insurance plans are accepted.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist of the same gender?
Therapy is not gender-specific, but some men as well as women feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and history with a male therapist. An individual may feel that they have to explain less background information and be on the same page more quickly, particularly when discussing gender-specific challenges, in the case of male clients. Some women have prior negative experiences with women that predispose them to prefer working with a male in therapy. That said, a good clinician can transcend most if not all gender concerns. Ultimately, the most important factor in therapy is the connection and trust the client is able to build with the practitioner.
Would a male therapist have specific training in treating men?
Generally, no. There are no certifications for treating men specifically, but there are continuing education classes that therapists may take that focus on treating men as a group. There are many therapists who focus on men and male issues in their treatment and therefore have experience and expertise in this domain.