Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA

Many of the clients I work with come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or weighed down by experiences they’ve carried for far too long. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship patterns rooted in early attachment wounds, or the lingering impact of trauma. Others are navigating life transitions, loss, or changes in identity that leave them uncertain about their next steps. At the core, most are seeking relief, clarity, and a stronger sense of themselves. They want to feel more regulated, more confident, and more capable of moving through daily life without being held back by old patterns or emotional pain.

I am a counselor that will meet you where you are and challenge you to get to where you want to be, by being warm, understanding, and compassionate. I view trauma as a whole body experience and work with you at your pace. I have more than 10 years of experience working with those who have experienced trauma both as an advocate and therapist.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with teens and adults who are navigating challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I am passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop a stronger sense of identity.

As a lifelong Missouri resident and educator, I am very familiar with the specifics that come with living in this area.

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).

I enjoy working with individuals through the journey of achieving the goals they have with counseling or even just helping them figure out their goals. I feel like individuals are who they are based on their experiences and that when we give them time to view experiences from a holistic view point, they will recognize that they are powerful.

Counseling is not something that is necessarily a quick fix, but you will hopefully walk away with some insight on how you can move forward in a positive and healthy manner.

I recognize the impact being a member of a marginalized group can have on someone and respect the needs of all of these populations. I look forward to answering any of your questions and assisting you on your journey.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I specialize in helping individuals navigate life's most overwhelming moments. When you are in the middle of a crisis, it can be incredibly difficult to see a way out. My goal is to provide a safe, stabilizing environment where we can untangle the chaos together.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as both an educator and hospital social worker, giving me firsthand insight into the pressures and challenges that often accompany helping professions. In addition to my clinical experience, I've spent many years serving in Christian ministry, an experience that continues to shape the compassion, perspective, and care that I bring to my work. As a therapist, I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and life transitions.

Life's challenges can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected-but meaningful change is possible. Finding the right therapist is an important step, and I appreciate you taking a moment to learn more about me. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wisconsin dedicated to helping adults navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical support.