Grief counselors and therapists in Des Moines, IA

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in painful relationship patterns, carrying the effects of trauma, or facing a life transition that feels hard to manage, therapy can be a place to exhale. I work with adults who want support making sense of what they’re going through and finding practical ways to feel more grounded, understood, and in control. I also support clients navigating family dynamics, including experiences related to autism, adoption, and complex relationships.

As a fully licensed therapist for 4+ years Ashley has had experience working with a wide range of clients. Recently she has begun to focus on women's health, ADHD and those with addiction issues.

I believe mental health care works best when people feel truly known, respected, and safe. My approach combines evidence-based psychiatric care and medication management with compassionate, whole-person support. I work with children, teens, and adults, and I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable being honest without fear of judgment.

For clients who desire it, I also offer Catholic-integrated care that honors the role faith can play in healing, identity, relationships, suffering, purpose, and hope. My goal is never to pressure or preach, but to thoughtfully integrate Catholic values, spirituality, prayer, or faith-based perspectives into treatment in a clinically appropriate and supportive way. I especially enjoy helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, postpartum mental health, motherhood transitions, trauma, relationship stress, life changes, and struggles related to self-worth or burnout.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide medication management while also taking time to understand the deeper emotional, relational, lifestyle, and spiritual factors affecting mental health. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I am warm, approachable, thorough, and collaborative rather than rushed or impersonal.

Whether you are looking for practical symptom relief, deeper healing, or a provider who understands and respects your faith, my hope is that you feel supported, heard, and encouraged throughout the process.

I am trained in helping you (and the people you care about) to work through challenges in life like sensory issues, anxiety, depression, loss and grief, and trauma. My background includes training in trauma-informed expressive arts therapies and strengths-centered approaches so that we are supporting you living your best life.

I am seasoned therapist with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with a wide range of clientele.

I'm a licensed counselor in Iowa (in-person sessions in Manchester), and Texas, with eight years of experience in the counseling field. I earned my MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2019 and am a doctoral candidate (ABD) in trauma counseling from Liberty University with an expected graduation in summer 2026.

I have training and experience in trauma-informed treatment. Although I utilize others,t he primary modalities I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Extensive healthcare and mental health experience. Empowering others to achieve overall wellness and reach their goals. Open and receptive to feedback. Patient and understanding to where clients are in their current lives and situations. Values teamwork and collaboration in effort to resolve issues others are experiencing.