Existential/Humanistic therapists in West Des Moines, Iowa IA

I specialize in depth, meaning-focused, and existential work with clients struggling to reignite a sense of purpose in their life. I can help you find a path forward through issues including chronic depression, trauma recovery, addiction, and living with ADHD or autism. I bring deep compassion, a wealth of reading and training, and a sense of humor about life into every session. I like clients who are their own people–we might get along if you're rebellious, nerdy, or like to question social norms. I work with clients to identify their areas of concern and then alternate between zooming in to change patterns using practical strategies, and pulling back to see the core issues and values that guide your bigger picture needs and choices. I am trained in EMDR therapy for trauma and negative core beliefs. I am LGBTQIA friendly, open-minded, and affirming of diverse lifestyles and identities.  

People come to me because they're navigating difficulties with life changes, depression, anxiety—any of a million ways that distress manifests itself in our lives. If I had to say I have a specialty, it's seeing you for the unique person that you are, and meeting you where you are in your struggle. I work with my clients to help discover what issues are causing difficulty or suffering and then to identify the strengths that people have inside of them to help address those challenges. I see my work as walking a path with you. It’s not my job to tell you which path to take or point you to a different path. My job is to walk alongside of you and point out some of the things you're not noticing. I accompany you down your path instead of telling you where to go. It's really common for people to think nobody sees them—nobody gets them—and that's my work. To set a safe place for you to be fully you, and to have somebody who sees you. Sees your doubts, your fears, all the things that you feel are flaws, and accepts you for all of that. I truly believe that at our core we're all trying to grow toward our truest self, and my job isn't to tell you what that true self is. It's really to just provide you a space to grow into that, and get out of your way, and support you and help you do it.