Therapists in Iowa
Center For Healing And Hope
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
The application of various strategies and interventions, from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR to Art and Play therapy techniques, allows our therapist's to develop treatment that represents the unique needs of each individual or family.
Where to begin? This question is so frequently asked and the answer is more simple than most think. The answer is to begin by allowing someone to help. Just allowing someone to provide you a space where you can begin your journey with support and acceptance. At the Center For Healing And Hope, therapy provides an environment of acceptance and understanding in which you and your therapist can work together to address any difficulties or challenges you may be facing.
The application of various strategies and interventions, from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR to Art and Play therapy techniques, allows our therapist's to develop treatment that represents the unique needs of each individual or family.
Where to begin? This question is so frequently asked and the answer is more simple than most think. The answer is to begin by allowing someone to help. Just allowing someone to provide you a space where you can begin your journey with support and acceptance. At the Center For Healing And Hope, therapy provides an environment of acceptance and understanding in which you and your therapist can work together to address any difficulties or challenges you may be facing.
I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant as well as a Certified Trauma Professional, & use a variety of integrative therapeutic techniques such as : EMDR, ego state, play and sand tray therapies, PCIT, CBT and DBT.
I strive to help others heal and become empowered while rediscovering their true sense of self and reconnect with their life purpose. Relationship is the foundation to healing and I use a client centered and attuned approach while integrating an individualized treatment plan to meet your goals. My goal is to meet you or your child where they are and be your guide to healing. I have over 30 years of experience working in the field of mental illness and developmental disorders.
I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant as well as a Certified Trauma Professional, & use a variety of integrative therapeutic techniques such as : EMDR, ego state, play and sand tray therapies, PCIT, CBT and DBT.
I strive to help others heal and become empowered while rediscovering their true sense of self and reconnect with their life purpose. Relationship is the foundation to healing and I use a client centered and attuned approach while integrating an individualized treatment plan to meet your goals. My goal is to meet you or your child where they are and be your guide to healing. I have over 30 years of experience working in the field of mental illness and developmental disorders.
Tami Wirth Hunter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50010
I specialize in play therapy for children, creating a safe space for self-expression and resilience.
Are you seeking compassionate therapy for yourself or your child? Look no further! I'm a Registered Play Therapist passionate about helping young children and adults find healing and growth. My journey in social work has taken me through diverse and impactful experiences. With a background that includes domestic violence, sexual assault advocacy, and the child welfare system, I bring a deep understanding of the complex issues individuals and families may face. My commitment to helping others thrive and find healing drives my private practice in Ames.
I specialize in play therapy for children, creating a safe space for self-expression and resilience.
Are you seeking compassionate therapy for yourself or your child? Look no further! I'm a Registered Play Therapist passionate about helping young children and adults find healing and growth. My journey in social work has taken me through diverse and impactful experiences. With a background that includes domestic violence, sexual assault advocacy, and the child welfare system, I bring a deep understanding of the complex issues individuals and families may face. My commitment to helping others thrive and find healing drives my private practice in Ames.
Alli Conrad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Waitlist for new clients
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).
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).
Sarah Kay Kosiba
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sioux City, IA 51106
To help caregivers struggling to balance between nurturing and limit setting, we'll find effective strategies to improve communication and trust between you and your child with Iowa PCIT and/or Play Therapy Techniques.
Happy to offer online therapy and remote EMDR. My work is evidence-based, unique, and creative. It is grounded in behavioral change, mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy, which has been shown to effectively reduce trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, childhood behavioral disorders, and grief. Through the therapy process adults, families, and children can find a safe place to develop the skills they need to heal, to grow, and to thrive. My goal is to make each session unique to the needs of each person so they can build upon what already makes them happy.
To help caregivers struggling to balance between nurturing and limit setting, we'll find effective strategies to improve communication and trust between you and your child with Iowa PCIT and/or Play Therapy Techniques.
Happy to offer online therapy and remote EMDR. My work is evidence-based, unique, and creative. It is grounded in behavioral change, mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy, which has been shown to effectively reduce trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, childhood behavioral disorders, and grief. Through the therapy process adults, families, and children can find a safe place to develop the skills they need to heal, to grow, and to thrive. My goal is to make each session unique to the needs of each person so they can build upon what already makes them happy.
Amy Parker Reid
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Child-centered play therapy can help all children express their emotions constructively.
Hi! I'm Amy Parker Reid. I am a master's level social worker in central Iowa with over 16 years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults. While on my journey I have gained a deep understanding of Iowa's mental health system, available resources in the DSM area, and special education services. As a former special education teacher and counselor, I have seen first-hand how difficult adjusting to new circumstances, routines, and relationships can bring about intense emotions and challenging behaviors. These stressors can often lead to a pattern of negative interactions and power struggles leaving parents frustrated.
Child-centered play therapy can help all children express their emotions constructively.
Hi! I'm Amy Parker Reid. I am a master's level social worker in central Iowa with over 16 years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults. While on my journey I have gained a deep understanding of Iowa's mental health system, available resources in the DSM area, and special education services. As a former special education teacher and counselor, I have seen first-hand how difficult adjusting to new circumstances, routines, and relationships can bring about intense emotions and challenging behaviors. These stressors can often lead to a pattern of negative interactions and power struggles leaving parents frustrated.
Nolan Marie Vitzthum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW, ACSW, RPT-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Humboldt, IA 50548 (Online Only)
We all have stories to tell, my role is to help you share yours. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor and Certified EMDR Therapist practicing in Iowa and Wyoming. I believe in the power of healing through connection. I feel this is what makes the therapeutic process so wonderful—creating a space of safety and trust for you to grow and heal in sharing your story and working through some of the most vulnerable parts of your life. Let's work together to help you re-write your story and create a narrative which truly represents you.
We all have stories to tell, my role is to help you share yours. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor and Certified EMDR Therapist practicing in Iowa and Wyoming. I believe in the power of healing through connection. I feel this is what makes the therapeutic process so wonderful—creating a space of safety and trust for you to grow and heal in sharing your story and working through some of the most vulnerable parts of your life. Let's work together to help you re-write your story and create a narrative which truly represents you.
I typically use a variety of modalities including Adlerian play therapy, EMDR, Positive Discipline, PCIT, Substance Use strategies, Firehouse strong.
I am currently accepting referrals for in person and telehealth, some weekend availability. Thank you for taking a moment to look through my profile, Counseling can be a scary step and finding the right person for you is essential. A little about me, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. I work with people of all ages and see individuals, couples, families. Therapy is a wonderful resource and a place to gain insights, grow in a safe and nonjudgmental space. My goal is to assist you in utilizing your own strengths to assist in achieving your goals Working with you to heal and be become their best.
I typically use a variety of modalities including Adlerian play therapy, EMDR, Positive Discipline, PCIT, Substance Use strategies, Firehouse strong.
I am currently accepting referrals for in person and telehealth, some weekend availability. Thank you for taking a moment to look through my profile, Counseling can be a scary step and finding the right person for you is essential. A little about me, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. I work with people of all ages and see individuals, couples, families. Therapy is a wonderful resource and a place to gain insights, grow in a safe and nonjudgmental space. My goal is to assist you in utilizing your own strengths to assist in achieving your goals Working with you to heal and be become their best.
Angela Cantrell Fielding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, RPT
Verified Verified
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
I am a licensed independent social worker with over 15 years experience. I have provide therapy services to toddlers with their parents, children, adolescents, teens. I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) trained in Adlerian Play Therapy and have specialized training in the evidenced based treatment of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). My office provides a PCIT suite to offer PCIT services effectively. I am also trained in trauma informed Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
I am a licensed independent social worker with over 15 years experience. I have provide therapy services to toddlers with their parents, children, adolescents, teens. I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) trained in Adlerian Play Therapy and have specialized training in the evidenced based treatment of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). My office provides a PCIT suite to offer PCIT services effectively. I am also trained in trauma informed Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Elevate Therapy + Assessment Orange City
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Orange City, IA 51041
Jennifer's training in Synergetic Play Therapy is beneficial for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD in youth.
The primary mission of Elevate is to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to our clients. Our settings are designed to ensure a welcoming atmosphere that is professional and confidential. The clinicians at Elevate bring many years of combined expertise in their respective fields and have been trained in an array of evidence- based modalities. We are committed to implementing interventions with fidelity and ease.
Jennifer's training in Synergetic Play Therapy is beneficial for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD in youth.
The primary mission of Elevate is to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to our clients. Our settings are designed to ensure a welcoming atmosphere that is professional and confidential. The clinicians at Elevate bring many years of combined expertise in their respective fields and have been trained in an array of evidence- based modalities. We are committed to implementing interventions with fidelity and ease.
Heidi Powers
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Hiawatha, IA 52233
Waitlist for new clients
I love play therapy and have found it to be an effective way of encouraging children to express feelings, improve communication and solve problems.
Do you have increasing concerns about your child’s mood and behavior? Perhaps your child has experienced a change, loss, traumatic experience or is struggling with peer relationships. As a parent, when your child is hurting, you hurt with them. While it can be difficult to ask for help, you don’t have to face these struggles alone. Many children experience mental and behavioral health challenges that are treatable. Through therapy, your child can develop healthy coping tools, improve emotional regulation, and learn positive and appropriate ways to get their needs met.
I love play therapy and have found it to be an effective way of encouraging children to express feelings, improve communication and solve problems.
Do you have increasing concerns about your child’s mood and behavior? Perhaps your child has experienced a change, loss, traumatic experience or is struggling with peer relationships. As a parent, when your child is hurting, you hurt with them. While it can be difficult to ask for help, you don’t have to face these struggles alone. Many children experience mental and behavioral health challenges that are treatable. Through therapy, your child can develop healthy coping tools, improve emotional regulation, and learn positive and appropriate ways to get their needs met.
I am a trained in play therapy and use drawing, art and games for diagnostic and treatment intervention.
There are many reasons you may be looking for a counselor. There doesn't need to be a specific reason, you may simply be looking for a perspective, a good listener or to gain insight. Common reasons people seek counseling: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma or Abuse, Grieving and Life Stressors. I can walk alongside you as you navigate a painful or difficult time in your life.
I am a trained in play therapy and use drawing, art and games for diagnostic and treatment intervention.
There are many reasons you may be looking for a counselor. There doesn't need to be a specific reason, you may simply be looking for a perspective, a good listener or to gain insight. Common reasons people seek counseling: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma or Abuse, Grieving and Life Stressors. I can walk alongside you as you navigate a painful or difficult time in your 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.
Navigating the complexities of daily life can often feel overwhelming, particularly when faced with unprocessed trauma, behavioral challenges in children, or a lack of support in relationships. In my practice, I strive to create a calm and supportive environment for women, children, couples, and families, fostering growth and resilience through person-centered therapy. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, attachment, women’s issues, relationships, Adverse Childhood Experiences, family dynamics, and building resilience.
Navigating the complexities of daily life can often feel overwhelming, particularly when faced with unprocessed trauma, behavioral challenges in children, or a lack of support in relationships. In my practice, I strive to create a calm and supportive environment for women, children, couples, and families, fostering growth and resilience through person-centered therapy. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, attachment, women’s issues, relationships, Adverse Childhood Experiences, family dynamics, and building resilience.
I want to help clients build the strength and confidence to face major life transitions and effectively work through uncomfortable emotions. If someone is struggling with postpartum depression, for example, I will support them until they realize they’re not alone and they are feeling able to cope. When you work with me, you’ll become more confident in asking for help and reaching out to resources and supports. Overall, I will help you find a sense of hope that it's not always going to be like this.
I want to help clients build the strength and confidence to face major life transitions and effectively work through uncomfortable emotions. If someone is struggling with postpartum depression, for example, I will support them until they realize they’re not alone and they are feeling able to cope. When you work with me, you’ll become more confident in asking for help and reaching out to resources and supports. Overall, I will help you find a sense of hope that it's not always going to be like this.
Imagine yourself feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, struggling to focus due to ADHD, or dealing with the heavy weight of depression. Perhaps you've experienced trauma that's left a lasting impact, or you're finding it difficult to navigate through grief after losing someone important to you. Maybe you're facing challenges in your relationships, feeling misunderstood, or having trouble connecting with others. These are some of the issues my clients face.
Imagine yourself feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, struggling to focus due to ADHD, or dealing with the heavy weight of depression. Perhaps you've experienced trauma that's left a lasting impact, or you're finding it difficult to navigate through grief after losing someone important to you. Maybe you're facing challenges in your relationships, feeling misunderstood, or having trouble connecting with others. These are some of the issues my clients face.
Wherever you are on your journey to healing, I’m ready to provide a listening ear and a safe space where we can work together and help you achieve your goals. I have experience serving individuals, couples, and families, and I’ll collaborate with you to build a therapy plan that works for you and your schedule. I am available to meet with you in-person or via video teletherapy.
Wherever you are on your journey to healing, I’m ready to provide a listening ear and a safe space where we can work together and help you achieve your goals. I have experience serving individuals, couples, and families, and I’ll collaborate with you to build a therapy plan that works for you and your schedule. I am available to meet with you in-person or via video teletherapy.
Candi Francis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New London, IA 52645
Life can feel hard, you feel stuck, no matter what you do. Maybe your child is having a lot of big emotions, taking over. Having a difficult time expressing them to get needs met. Getting out the door to school or activities just does not seem to go as planned. Fears and worries are taking over, and your sweet child just isn't themselves. You want your motto to be "A happy, healthy family" and yet it feels like it just doesn't quite get there. Thoughts of "How do I help this little person, be the best them and our family be the best us?" Sweet parents/caregivers, you and your little one(s) are amazing and I am so glad you found me!
Life can feel hard, you feel stuck, no matter what you do. Maybe your child is having a lot of big emotions, taking over. Having a difficult time expressing them to get needs met. Getting out the door to school or activities just does not seem to go as planned. Fears and worries are taking over, and your sweet child just isn't themselves. You want your motto to be "A happy, healthy family" and yet it feels like it just doesn't quite get there. Thoughts of "How do I help this little person, be the best them and our family be the best us?" Sweet parents/caregivers, you and your little one(s) are amazing and I am so glad you found me!
Rise Family Therapy Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, CTP
Verified Verified
North Liberty, IA 52317
The decision to start therapy for yourself or a family member is a big decision. As a therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals feel comfortable seeking mental health treatment and achieve emotional wellbeing. Regardless of your age, you are welcome here. I offer a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment for individuals to begin making the progress they hope to see. While life and circumstances are constantly changing, the one constant we have is the ability to choose our response to such changes.
The decision to start therapy for yourself or a family member is a big decision. As a therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals feel comfortable seeking mental health treatment and achieve emotional wellbeing. Regardless of your age, you are welcome here. I offer a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment for individuals to begin making the progress they hope to see. While life and circumstances are constantly changing, the one constant we have is the ability to choose our response to such changes.
Our New Life professionals provide outpatient counseling services for adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups at our locations in Ankeny and West Des Moines. Our professional training, experience, faith, and commitment to honoring each individual, enables us to offer counseling that empowers you with the tools, techniques, and confidence necessary to improve your life. We offer support and guidance in this journey through life's many changes and transitions as we partner together to work toward meeting your goals. Visit our counselor's page on our website to learn more about our therapists and their areas of focus.
Our New Life professionals provide outpatient counseling services for adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups at our locations in Ankeny and West Des Moines. Our professional training, experience, faith, and commitment to honoring each individual, enables us to offer counseling that empowers you with the tools, techniques, and confidence necessary to improve your life. We offer support and guidance in this journey through life's many changes and transitions as we partner together to work toward meeting your goals. Visit our counselor's page on our website to learn more about our therapists and their areas of focus.
See more therapy options for Iowa
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.