Therapists in Urbandale, IA

Everyone experiences difficulties at some point in their lives. In those moments, reaching out for help can be one of the hardest things to do. It's my goal to make the counseling process as safe and welcoming as possible to help you reach your goals. I place emphasis on creating an environment that incorporates empathy, genuineness, understanding, and patience to develop an individualized form of therapy for each client.

Sarah believes we each author our own story in the context of our cultures and relationships. As a professional counselor, Sarah considers therapy to be the hope that change is possible, the past does not determine the future, and tomorrow can be different than today. Sarah remains humbled by the invitation to walk alongside individuals in their journeys toward wellness as they discover the richness within themselves to be whole, balanced, strong, and interwoven with healthy relationships.

I consider it a sincere privilege to walk along with a client during their life's journey. I utilize a client centered holistic approach and consider the client the expert of their experience. Together we process those concerns which are leading the client to therapy but you, the client, find the solutions and conclusions that work best for you. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy, which includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma informed care, and mindfulness based strategies.

***Currently Accepting New Clients*** Do you find yourself overwhelmed and need someone to talk to? Are you tired of struggling? Do you feel like you are a burden to your supports? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I welcome you to the beginning of your journey to healing. It can be difficult to deal with stressors and trauma alone. Therapy is a safe place where you will be able to unpack your hurt and concerns at your own pace. I collaborate with clients to identify their goals for therapy, and we will work as a team to help you meet these goals.

I look forward to helping clients meet their desired goals and achieve personal growth. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Family Services. I then attended Iowa State University and received a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. For fourteen years, I worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist, supporting patients and families who were experiencing acute or chronic illness. I also worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) and maternity units.

I am a licensed independent social worker and I currently provide therapy to kids ranging from ages 4-17. Children may display concerning behaviors and emotions such as a refusal to comply with expectations, inattention, impulsivity, a withdrawal from things they previously liked, excessive worrying, or being overly sensitive to different stimuli in the environment. These behaviors can negatively impact their relationships with parents and/or caregivers, siblings, teachers, and friends both at home and in school.

Healing is painful, it's going to hurt, and that's the work, but you don't have to do it alone! Whether it's individual or couple's work, I appreciate that you are taking the time to consider to engage in therapy to improve your well-being. For individuals, things we are going to explore to help you heal: your nervous system’s response to stress & safety, your life’s roadmap (where you came from), your life’s compass (where you are now), the motivation continuum (where you are going), your strengths, resources, & self-care skills.

I believe in the process of therapy and I am dedicated to helping you reach your goals. If you are seeking assistance and would like to begin therapy with a down-to-earth and compassionate therapist, I may be the right match for you. I believe you have the answers within you and any changes you make are the result of your hard work. If you choose to share your story with me, I will feel honored to help guide conversations, offer a different point of view, challenge thoughts, and listen with a non-judgmental mind and open heart.

Coming to therapy requires some bravery, and I am excited to join you in learning more about yourself and exploring your story. I have experience in working with many ages, and am currently taking clients ages 11 and up. My greatest joy as a therapist is giving people new ideas and ways of understanding themselves and their life stories, which can broaden the way they are living. I love to work with finding meaning in your life, exploring personal symbolism, images, and stories, and working with your strengths and resources to move you towards greater life satisfaction. I'll look forward to meeting you!

My approach to therapy is based on my belief that no two individuals are exactly the same, and what works for one person might not work for the other. With that in mind, I utilize an individualized therapeutic approach to identify and select the most effective method, to address the specific needs of each client. My work with clients has a firm foundation in person-centered and cognitive-behavioral therapies and frequently incorporates; dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and positive psychology.

Welcoming new client, in person or for Telehealth with availability for daytime Wednesday and Thursday. (availability updated 6/6/24) Art therapist that provides an alternate approach to traditional psychotherapy. No art experience required. Specializing in Child (6+), Adolescent, and Adults.

Jess completed her Bachelors at Luther Rice University and her Masters in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She has nearly 6 years of counseling experience working with co-occurring disorders and has a soft spot for those struggling with substance use. She has worked with a broad spectrum of issues from anxiety and depression to significant personality disorders. Jess is most recognized for her ability to identify and address impactful root-level issues.

My name is Alondra and I am a Temporary Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated from Utah Valley University and received a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Mount Mercy University. I am committed to embracing all individuals, with all experiences and perspectives, as they engage in healing through connection with self and others. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families and utilize an Emotion-Focused and Experiential approach. At my core, I value the importance of my clients living a full life and focus on human connection being the means to accomplish just that.

At Sage Counseling and Wellness, I believe that healing can occur to develop a fulfilling and harmonious life filled with meaningful connections. I strive to help clients discover and feel comfortable with their authentic self and empower them to have the courage to bring that authenticity into their relationships. I believe in the importance of maintaining a supportive and affirming environment throughout the therapeutic process. I welcome people from all walks of life, including but not limited to: LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and individuals with disabilities by providing a safe and affirming environment to all.

Are you feeling lost? Alone? Misunderstood? Do you ever wish that you could just talk to someone and they not only understand how you feel, but also allow you to be yourself? If you are looking for someone to listen, to understand, to support and push you necessary, then my hope is that I can help you. My clinical areas of interest and expertise include: addictions (gambling, gaming, drugs and alcohol, sex), anxiety, depression, sexual health and human sexuality, attachment issues, LGBTQIA+ and relationship and premarital/marital issues. If any of this sounds familiar, I may be speaking directly to you.

Life is a journey with challenging twists and turns that can be hard to navigate alone. Many feel stuck and unsure how to move forward. My goal is to guide people in overcoming these obstacles and pursuing a fulfilling life. I help individuals realize their desired selves by collaboratively identifying goals and working together to achieve them. My services support couples with communication issues, infidelity recovery, and daily struggles, as well as individuals facing trauma, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about supporting Veterans, drawing on my military background.

I enjoy working with clients who want to improve the way they approach their relationships with themselves, others, or the world. These clients may have recognized their current way of doing things is hurting themselves or others, or they may have simply identified they are not feeling their best. I am passionate about helping people understand and enact more effective patterns of being.

I know life gets challenging sometimes, especially when we bring childhood trauma or phase life problems and transitions. Coming to therapy is an excellent opportunity to give us a chance to heal from harmful experiences and learn from them. We need a space to understand what is happening with the people around us and us. It is okay to challenge ourselves to grow and change. The point is to feel and get better, with more personal resources, a deeper understanding, and a better way to connect with ourselves and others.

We all face difficult situations in our lives that can leave us feeling alone and overwhelmed. My goal is to help you find your true potential to lead a full and productive life. Together we can work to better understand and resolve the challenges that you face. By applying complimentary therapy approaches and techniques, we will identify negative perceptions or behavior patterns that may be keeping you from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.