Therapists in Polk County, IA

Sometimes life can be difficult, and we need a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space to work through our struggles. My purpose as a counselor is to support you along the path to making positive changes in your life. It is not uncommon to feel stuck at times. I offer encouragement, hope, understanding, and added tools to assist you in achieving your goals.

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.

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.

Accepting NEW Clients (Telehealth & In-Person) As a mental health therapist, and a former police officer, I have over 14 years of combined experience in law enforcement and clinical counseling, and a unique perspective to life challenges. My mission is to make a positive impact and a difference in the lives of my clients by creating a safe and comfortable environment where they can explore, grow, and heal. I am passionate about supporting and enhancing the mental health and well-being of individuals, couples, families, divorced parents, college students, first responders (active/retired), and military veterans (active/retired).

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.

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.

Life can be hard sometimes. Even when things are difficult, I can assist you in learning new skills to help you grow into the individual you aspire to be. I provide a variety of therapy interventions such as CBT, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and many others. I have experience in seeing people of all ages, couples, and individuals.

If you have ever asked yourself if you are living as well as you could then counseling may be for you. I find most people (including my clients) can get by just fine on their own. I am here to help them do more than "just get by." My goal is to help you live the life you want and enjoy it more fully. How to better manage anxiety, improve mood, improve coping skills, and better your interpersonal relationships are something I enjoy helping people with. I also address people's history of trauma and how that may be affecting their life and/or relationships.

I believe that the therapeutic process begins with building a trusting relationship while providing a safe and non judgmental space to share life challenges and stressors. I provide services with a high degree of empathy in a manner that is very down to earth and authentic. I utilize an individualized, holistic, client centered approach that is tailored to meet your unique needs.

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.

Today you are one step closer to achieving your goals and beginning a positive path toward growth and well-being. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work to better understand and resolve challenges in life. Applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will begin to change long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions holding you back from a more fulfilling and meaningful life.If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or ready to move in a new direction in life, I look forward to assisting you to achieve.

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.

Congratulations on taking the first step to healing. At times life can be very challenging and keep us from becoming the person we see ourself becoming/being. Those challenges can come in many forms. They can be social, emotional, physical, financial or spiritual. I offer an environment that is peaceful and free of judgement. I am an exceptional listener with 17 yrs of experience working with individuals and families involved in the Child Welfare and Judicial Systems. I provide individual, family and couples counseling. You don't have to feel alone, I am here to take the journey with you!