Therapists in Urbandale, IA

Accepting new clients! Immediate on line registration and appointment scheduling available. Accepting clients 18 + if you have Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance or private pay. Trying to find a therapist that is a good fit can be overwhelming. With over 20 years of clinical experience working in the mental health profession, I specialize in working with individuals struggling with emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, substances, stress management, communication, overall relationship dynamics, family conflict, school issues, and trauma.

I believe therapy is a way to develop a secure connection that can be rare in everyday life. Developing this connection allows one a space to express authentically what may have been hidden or not heard. Within the safety of this space, real change can begin to occur. So often we believe that it is by applying willpower to an issue that we can instigate change, and are left feeling defeated in the end. In therapy, we get the chance to take these moments of defeat and transform them. We can reorganize, reorient, gain hope, and live more satisfying lives.

I believe the first step to all healing and change is to desire something different. The fact that you are considering counseling is a good sign. I would be honored to hear your story and be involved in your journey.

I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on a variety of challenges. I especially enjoy working with kids using play-based interventions. Play therapy is an approach to counseling that allows children to use toys and other play materials to express their thoughts and feelings. I am a registered play therapist with many hours of specialized training in play therapy techniques. I am also trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

Have you been struggling with anxiety that gets in the way of the life you want to live? Is past trauma sabotaging your life? Are relationship issues or work stressors just “too much” right now? Has the communication broken down in your relationship and you don't know how to fix it? Therapy that is based on your goals and needs can help you learn important skills and heal the past. This can include managing and reducing anxiety, living more fully in the present, gaining clarity, healing past trauma, addressing work or relationship issues, and helping you gain tools to manage your emotions.

Whether it's depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, or tackling a new chapter of life, I love working with clients who are ready to understand themselves better, and looking for support in their growth. I believe every person has their own unique set of patterns for tackling life and emotions, and problems often arise when these patterns are no longer serving us well. It can be difficult and frustrating to seek a better life if we do not first understand what has brought us to our current struggle or what still stands in our way. I'm here to be a listener, companion, and problem-solver while you're on that journey.

Mark’s path consists of over twenty years of experience in Iowa and across the country in the areas of counseling, non-profit work, and human service work. He spent most of his early professional life working with at-risk kids and families and was able to fulfill his dream of teaching and coaching here in Central Iowa.

If you're like me, life can feel overwhelming at times. It's easy for us to get stuck in depression, anxiety, stress, anger, etc. Our emotions and thoughts can take us over if we don't know how to better manage them. Do you find yourself ruminating on the past? Worrying about the future? Getting pissed off about way too many things? It's easy to lose our way in life. If any of this feels familiar, you're not alone. Life is hard, but we can all learn different ways to better manage our own life. You can take control of your life.

Currently accepting new clients! Difficult situations, changes, events, or stressful situations in our lives can leave us confused, scared, and speechless. I want to commend you for taking the first step in the therapeutic process! My priority is creating a nonjudgmental environment where trust is developed and you feel safe with me—every single session and interaction. Therapy is a collaborative process between the two of us. I’m here to listen, support you, and give you opportunities to explore and design a plan that helps you move your life forward.

Are you feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed and need a calm, non-judgmental environment to explore your thoughts? You deserve to live a life that you feel excited about and leaves you looking forward to the day ahead! Anxiety and depression can feel like a weight that drags you down and feels like a burden. You really can have the life that you dream of and brings you happiness and fulfillment. I love to help people explore their thoughts and make connections between how their thoughts impact their choices and behavior while also learning how to make changes so that you design the life you want and the life that fulfils you.!

Hello, I am genuinely happy that our paths have crossed. During my years of practice, I have noticed that therapy is sought out when situations in our life are not feeling right. Often this has been going on for years. You are not alone! ​Change can be overwhelming; know that you have already taken the first step to healing by recognizing that something needs to change. You do not have to continue to feel the way you are right now. There is hope for a better and brighter future.

I currently have openings for new clients! We all know we live in overwhelming times. The stress of family, work, school, and life in general can really get to us. Sometimes, there is an issue that would be easier to manage if you have help. When it is time, reach out, help is available. I am ready to work with you to identify and target areas you choose. We will set goals and create strategies to increase your confidence in your ability to manage the multitude of stressors you face daily. I am here for that adventure, ready to help.

I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Nurse. I have been working with children, adolescents, and adults for over a decade. I have experience in a variety of settings which include outpatient, partial hospitalization, inpatient, emergency room services, and juvenile corrections. I like to utilize a variety of treatment methods which include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal therapy. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment to promote growth and change!

I work with couples, and individuals 14 years of age and older. If clients want to incorporate a spiritual perspective into counseling, I am happy to work with them through a Biblical perspective. My clinical interests are infertility, miscarriages, marriage counseling, trauma, anxiety, phobias, OCD, eating disorders, the rural community, and adjustments to life’s transitions. I have experience working with fertility challenges, miscarriages, anxiety, OCD symptoms, relational issues, couples, eating disorders, adolescents, depression, communication, and coping skills.

I am dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their lives and make informed decisions. By working collaboratively with clients, I aim to provide clarity and act as a reliable sounding board. My approach is rooted in evidence-based therapeutic treatment modalities that prioritize empathy, respect, and active listening. I am passionate about helping clients develop the skills and strategies necessary to cope with difficult situations, feel empowered to make positive changes, and achieve their goals.

I have worked with children and families for over 25 years in a multitude of capacities. I strive to meet my clients where they are and offer the most effective treatment approaches possible. I have extensive training and experience in working with those who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Trauma, Divorce and Blended Family Issues and parenting difficulties. I offer individual therapy and family therapy and work primarily with ages 10 to adult.

Are you feeling lost trying to figure out who you are or who you want to become? Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Often our self-limiting beliefs hold us back from living a fulfilled life. You may find that it is affecting the way you show up in the world and how you connect with others. What if it felt possible to break free from the past? Envision yourself feeling empowered. Imagine the weight being lifted. Growth and healing are possible.

I am an attachment and trauma-informed therapist. Our first priority will be to establish trust, mutual respect, consistency, and predictability so that you begin to feel safe. We will help you discover your strengths and will create goals to help you become your "best self". I prefer to utilize a variety of approaches in therapy, including teaching about attachment, neuroscience, mindfulness, coping skills, and how the body and brain work together to process our emotions. Note: Taking clients in Illinois only. Iowa clients will be referred to clinicians within our agency- www.inclusiveinsight.net.

I strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment for people to feel safe, genuine, and accepted, to work through issues. With over 20 years of experience, I work with many men who can be real about struggles with life changes, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and substance use. I also see women, couples, and adolescents. I enjoy the balance of working with a variety of people, and also feel passionate about making counseling a healthy place for men too. I take people serious and we can have fun too. Typical sessions involve more laughter than tears and are sprinkled with talk of sports, current events, and family.