Marriage Counseling Therapists in Pella, IA
Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or other struggles in your life? Maybe you avoid these feelings by stuffing your emotions down or distracting yourself with activities that ultimately don’t fix anything. Avoidance feels good now, but we know deep down it won’t bring the relief that we are craving. What you need is someone who is safe to talk to and who seeks to understand you. That will make a tremendous difference in your ability to cope and experience life with the joy, contentment, and purpose you are desiring.
Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or other struggles in your life? Maybe you avoid these feelings by stuffing your emotions down or distracting yourself with activities that ultimately don’t fix anything. Avoidance feels good now, but we know deep down it won’t bring the relief that we are craving. What you need is someone who is safe to talk to and who seeks to understand you. That will make a tremendous difference in your ability to cope and experience life with the joy, contentment, and purpose you are desiring.
Shanon A. Claussen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, RPT-S, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pella, IA 50219
Shanon Claussen LISW, RPT-S, CADC, Certified EMDR Therapist, has been providing mental health therapy since 2006, Shanon's clinical experience includes work with individuals (children 18 months & older, adolescents, adults, couples, & families). Shanon utilizes techniques appropriate to each client, individualizes treatment plans, & meets clients where they are at.
Shanon Claussen LISW, RPT-S, CADC, Certified EMDR Therapist, has been providing mental health therapy since 2006, Shanon's clinical experience includes work with individuals (children 18 months & older, adolescents, adults, couples, & families). Shanon utilizes techniques appropriate to each client, individualizes treatment plans, & meets clients where they are at.
More Therapists Nearby
Are you struggling with food or your body? The people I work with typically struggle with symptoms like binge eating, overeating, irregular eating patterns, or poor body image. I help people find relief from eating disorders. Often, I hear people express how their eating patterns have impaired their relationships, mood, and daily activities. They may be experiencing mood or anxiety-related issues, in addition, to their food struggles. Most people I work with say that their work with me is their first time conceptualizing their concerns as a mental health issue and are seeking treatment for the first time.
Are you struggling with food or your body? The people I work with typically struggle with symptoms like binge eating, overeating, irregular eating patterns, or poor body image. I help people find relief from eating disorders. Often, I hear people express how their eating patterns have impaired their relationships, mood, and daily activities. They may be experiencing mood or anxiety-related issues, in addition, to their food struggles. Most people I work with say that their work with me is their first time conceptualizing their concerns as a mental health issue and are seeking treatment for the first time.
Are you experiencing a mind-body disconnect? The individuals I work with typically are struggling with issues such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety issues. They want to be freed from being stuck in their head, and we work collaboratively to work through goals that create more mental peace. Typical symptoms I see in my practice are restrictive eating, binge eating, lack of pleasure or joy, and worried or obsessive thoughts. I see individuals ages 12 and up and work with all genders.
Are you experiencing a mind-body disconnect? The individuals I work with typically are struggling with issues such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety issues. They want to be freed from being stuck in their head, and we work collaboratively to work through goals that create more mental peace. Typical symptoms I see in my practice are restrictive eating, binge eating, lack of pleasure or joy, and worried or obsessive thoughts. I see individuals ages 12 and up and work with all genders.
Online Therapists
Mark J. Hillenbrand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW, RCSW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312 (Online Only)
My counseling experience includes providing interventions to positively address stress, life adjustments, marital issues, and psychological issues like addictions, depression, and anxiety. As a traumatic illness counselor, I help people overcome the obstacles associated with their illness. I have extensive experience working with people, couples, and families impacted by illness. A license from the State of Iowa authorizes me to practice as an independent clinical social worker. A license from the State of Missouri authorizes me to practice as a licensed clinical social worker.
My counseling experience includes providing interventions to positively address stress, life adjustments, marital issues, and psychological issues like addictions, depression, and anxiety. As a traumatic illness counselor, I help people overcome the obstacles associated with their illness. I have extensive experience working with people, couples, and families impacted by illness. A license from the State of Iowa authorizes me to practice as an independent clinical social worker. A license from the State of Missouri authorizes me to practice as a licensed clinical social worker.
Shelly Sandusky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alburnett, IA 52202 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have training in work with couples, families and individuals.
I work with people who are struggling with personality disorders either because you yourself have a personality disorder or someone you care about has one. Personality disorders are unique in how they impact relationships and daily living and they need to be treated in a way that can work for them. I have extensive training in work with personality disorders and know how to help. I can work with you to understand parenting someone with a personality disorder diagnosis, or coping with a partner with a personality disorder, or help you to feel more able to lead the life you want despite having a personality disorder diagnosis yourself
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have training in work with couples, families and individuals.
I work with people who are struggling with personality disorders either because you yourself have a personality disorder or someone you care about has one. Personality disorders are unique in how they impact relationships and daily living and they need to be treated in a way that can work for them. I have extensive training in work with personality disorders and know how to help. I can work with you to understand parenting someone with a personality disorder diagnosis, or coping with a partner with a personality disorder, or help you to feel more able to lead the life you want despite having a personality disorder diagnosis yourself
I have specialized in working with grief, loss, trauma, relationship issues, LGBTQ issues, weight loss, eating disorders, pain management, marital problems, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, domestic violence, and work conflict.
Hello, my name is Dr. Jill Sudak-Allison. I have been a licensed mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist for over 30 years. I have worked in outpatient medical clinics, private practice, and university settings. My therapeutic style is supportive, holistic and transparent. It is my goal to offer a safe, empathetic, caring, non-judgmental, and open environment for you to explore issues that cause you distress. My passion is to help you find your way back to being yourself, resolving your problems, experiencing peace of mind and joy in your life again.
I have specialized in working with grief, loss, trauma, relationship issues, LGBTQ issues, weight loss, eating disorders, pain management, marital problems, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, domestic violence, and work conflict.
Hello, my name is Dr. Jill Sudak-Allison. I have been a licensed mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist for over 30 years. I have worked in outpatient medical clinics, private practice, and university settings. My therapeutic style is supportive, holistic and transparent. It is my goal to offer a safe, empathetic, caring, non-judgmental, and open environment for you to explore issues that cause you distress. My passion is to help you find your way back to being yourself, resolving your problems, experiencing peace of mind and joy in your life again.
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 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.
Stacy Grooms
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Stacy Grooms is a graduate of Mt. Mercy University, having earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in August of 2021. Stacy strives to offer a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, safe, and nonjudgmental. Stacy is excited to work with couples and families as well as individual adults, teens, and children. Particularly couples with fidelity, communication, and intimacy issues. Families in times of turmoil. Individuals with panic disorders, personality disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Stacy Grooms is a graduate of Mt. Mercy University, having earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in August of 2021. Stacy strives to offer a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, safe, and nonjudgmental. Stacy is excited to work with couples and families as well as individual adults, teens, and children. Particularly couples with fidelity, communication, and intimacy issues. Families in times of turmoil. Individuals with panic disorders, personality disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.
As a marriage and family therapist, I have the ability to work with individuals, couples, and families.
I want therapy to feel like a create your own adventure game. I want clients to feel like they have the opportunity to discuss anything and everything while having the ability to change the story if they don’t like it. I feel that it is important to have a mix of optimism and realism, setting realistic and optimistic goals can help boost a client’s willingness to complete the task or goal. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients become the best version or versions of themselves. With all of this in mind; I feel like it gives me the opportunity to work with several client issues and ages.
As a marriage and family therapist, I have the ability to work with individuals, couples, and families.
I want therapy to feel like a create your own adventure game. I want clients to feel like they have the opportunity to discuss anything and everything while having the ability to change the story if they don’t like it. I feel that it is important to have a mix of optimism and realism, setting realistic and optimistic goals can help boost a client’s willingness to complete the task or goal. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients become the best version or versions of themselves. With all of this in mind; I feel like it gives me the opportunity to work with several client issues and ages.
Katie Amos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Coralville, IA 52241
Waitlist for new clients
I have training and experience in marital and family therapy, play therapy, sandtray therapy, AutPlay, Applied Behavior Analysis and Theraplay.
As a marriage and family therapist, I am passionate about helping clients achieve emotional and physical wellness. I have several years of experience working with families and children; this has included community work, in-home work and clinical practice. I typically apply a solution focused, strength-based family systems model individualized to each unique client.
I have training and experience in marital and family therapy, play therapy, sandtray therapy, AutPlay, Applied Behavior Analysis and Theraplay.
As a marriage and family therapist, I am passionate about helping clients achieve emotional and physical wellness. I have several years of experience working with families and children; this has included community work, in-home work and clinical practice. I typically apply a solution focused, strength-based family systems model individualized to each unique client.
Chris M Reid
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, tLMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
My Masters is in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Mercy University where I also took additional classes and outside trainings in Play Therapy, Sex Therapy, and Medical Family Therapy.
My goal is to inspire hope and help you discover the tools you need to solve your unique concerns while using a strengths-based, internal family systems and systemic approach. I am currently pursuing my play therapy certification and have great and broad interests in attachment issues, A.D.D, depression, anxiety, trauma, body dysmorphia, relationship dynamics, sex therapy, internet pornography addiction, medical trauma, and the social pressures of being single or divorced. I enjoy working with couples, individuals, families, and children. Change is possible. Let's explore the possibilities together.
My Masters is in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Mercy University where I also took additional classes and outside trainings in Play Therapy, Sex Therapy, and Medical Family Therapy.
My goal is to inspire hope and help you discover the tools you need to solve your unique concerns while using a strengths-based, internal family systems and systemic approach. I am currently pursuing my play therapy certification and have great and broad interests in attachment issues, A.D.D, depression, anxiety, trauma, body dysmorphia, relationship dynamics, sex therapy, internet pornography addiction, medical trauma, and the social pressures of being single or divorced. I enjoy working with couples, individuals, families, and children. Change is possible. Let's explore the possibilities together.
Donna Janosik
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
Iowa City, IA 52240 (Online Only)
I will draw from several treatment modalities including: cognitive-behavioral, positive psychology, family/ marital, and existential therapy.
Currently accepting new clients. Immediate openings available afternoons/evenings. 24 years experience working as a therapist: individuals, couples and families. Everyone is dealing with life's stressors, and sometimes things become overwhelming. I can help you work through these difficult feelings. I will teach you how to get rid of that negative, looping self-talk. You will gain insight by identifying triggers, and learning about coping tools to help improve functioning and decrease road blocks. I will collaborate with you on goals, and help you live life with an enhanced positive outlook. Your willingness is the key ingredient!
I will draw from several treatment modalities including: cognitive-behavioral, positive psychology, family/ marital, and existential therapy.
Currently accepting new clients. Immediate openings available afternoons/evenings. 24 years experience working as a therapist: individuals, couples and families. Everyone is dealing with life's stressors, and sometimes things become overwhelming. I can help you work through these difficult feelings. I will teach you how to get rid of that negative, looping self-talk. You will gain insight by identifying triggers, and learning about coping tools to help improve functioning and decrease road blocks. I will collaborate with you on goals, and help you live life with an enhanced positive outlook. Your willingness is the key ingredient!
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 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.
Dr. Lauren Clayton Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Lauren specializes in working with couples and families who are navigating medical conditions, medical trauma, marital distress, and navigating family dynamics. Lauren has been practicing since 2018 as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Lauren has a background in middle-grade education and the medical community. Lauren is passionate about teaching and enjoys training interns from the local Marriage and Family Therapy program and teaching classes at a local University.
Lauren specializes in working with couples and families who are navigating medical conditions, medical trauma, marital distress, and navigating family dynamics. Lauren has been practicing since 2018 as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Lauren has a background in middle-grade education and the medical community. Lauren is passionate about teaching and enjoys training interns from the local Marriage and Family Therapy program and teaching classes at a local University.
I enjoy working with clients who believe change is possible and have motivation for change. Oftentimes, when someone seeks counseling, it is at a time when it may not seem change is possible. A therapist can help provide other perspectives by seeing from the "outside in". In my 22 years of practice, I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship/ marital problems, abuse, trauma and grief. Regardless of how long you have been struggling with the issues you are seeking counseling for, I can help you navigate through them and provide the support that is needed.
I enjoy working with clients who believe change is possible and have motivation for change. Oftentimes, when someone seeks counseling, it is at a time when it may not seem change is possible. A therapist can help provide other perspectives by seeing from the "outside in". In my 22 years of practice, I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship/ marital problems, abuse, trauma and grief. Regardless of how long you have been struggling with the issues you are seeking counseling for, I can help you navigate through them and provide the support that is needed.
Lon Marshall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Coralville, IA 52241
I've served in the helping professions for 25 years and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist and counselor in Iowa.
It takes incredible courage to recognize a problem and deal with it. And it takes something more to change your life. It takes hope. That's why I specialize in a unique approach that can literally change the way you see yourself. I can help you explore solutions that can change your life. You'll begin to perceive yourself and others more positively. And you'll experience positive changes that can help you achieve your heart's desire. Finally, I'll help you discover personal resources that keep you focused on your strengths. You'll experience changes that can last a lifetime.
I've served in the helping professions for 25 years and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist and counselor in Iowa.
It takes incredible courage to recognize a problem and deal with it. And it takes something more to change your life. It takes hope. That's why I specialize in a unique approach that can literally change the way you see yourself. I can help you explore solutions that can change your life. You'll begin to perceive yourself and others more positively. And you'll experience positive changes that can help you achieve your heart's desire. Finally, I'll help you discover personal resources that keep you focused on your strengths. You'll experience changes that can last a lifetime.
Sara Nightingale Rome
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Waitlist for new clients
I work best with clients who are challenged by symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, trauma-related struggles, Bipolar Disorder, life transitions (job changes, marriage, divorce, having children, etc), acute stress, and overall mental well-being.
My goal as a therapist is to create a caring, supportive, and non-judgmental environment so a client can feel safe being themselves. I believe it is through this safety that the work to heal, learn, grow, and understand ourselves can happen. In order to gain contentment in life, breaking free from the patterns that have kept life in discontentment is key. I view therapy as a partnership between therapist and client so working together is essential to making lasting changes.
I work best with clients who are challenged by symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, trauma-related struggles, Bipolar Disorder, life transitions (job changes, marriage, divorce, having children, etc), acute stress, and overall mental well-being.
My goal as a therapist is to create a caring, supportive, and non-judgmental environment so a client can feel safe being themselves. I believe it is through this safety that the work to heal, learn, grow, and understand ourselves can happen. In order to gain contentment in life, breaking free from the patterns that have kept life in discontentment is key. I view therapy as a partnership between therapist and client so working together is essential to making lasting changes.
Currently accepting individual clients! My name is Krystyna Thompson and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a clinician trained in EMDR. I work with couples, individuals, and families on a variety of emotional and relational issues. As a therapist, it is important to me that I partner with my clients to create an individualized plan that fits best to encourage recovery. Each person is different and I hope to help you overcome the obstacles that have stopped you from feeling happy, fulfilled, and joyous in your life. You have taken the first step in achieving these goals, so congratulations!
Currently accepting individual clients! My name is Krystyna Thompson and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a clinician trained in EMDR. I work with couples, individuals, and families on a variety of emotional and relational issues. As a therapist, it is important to me that I partner with my clients to create an individualized plan that fits best to encourage recovery. Each person is different and I hope to help you overcome the obstacles that have stopped you from feeling happy, fulfilled, and joyous in your life. You have taken the first step in achieving these goals, so congratulations!
B.P.R. Therapy, Mediation & Coaching Svcs PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CCPT, CFTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Coralville, IA 52241
As a marriage and family therapist, certified trauma professional, and anti-racist practitioner, I possess a unique understanding of trauma and its transmission both generationally, genetically and systemically across ethnic group’s.
Families, couples and individuals impacted by trauma can find it difficulty to get the help they need. Trauma can impact a families basic ability to communicate and get along, fuel a couples difficulty to feel safe and heard by one another and erode an individuals ability to self regulate. It is common to feel stuck and more often than not, unacknowledged or unresolved trauma is the culprit. If you suspect there is trauma at play, holding you and your loved one back from real progress and change, real long lasting change is here.
As a marriage and family therapist, certified trauma professional, and anti-racist practitioner, I possess a unique understanding of trauma and its transmission both generationally, genetically and systemically across ethnic group’s.
Families, couples and individuals impacted by trauma can find it difficulty to get the help they need. Trauma can impact a families basic ability to communicate and get along, fuel a couples difficulty to feel safe and heard by one another and erode an individuals ability to self regulate. It is common to feel stuck and more often than not, unacknowledged or unresolved trauma is the culprit. If you suspect there is trauma at play, holding you and your loved one back from real progress and change, real long lasting change is here.
See more therapy options for Pella
Marriage Counseling Therapists
How does marriage counseling work?
Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.
How long does marriage counseling typically last?
Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.
Is marriage counseling effective?
Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.
Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?
Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.