Couples Counseling Therapists in Des Moines, IA
Megan Jackson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50322
Megan's hope is that therapy will be a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients to engage with their deepest emotions and experience transformational healing and growth. She desires to offer a supportive and peaceful environment for clients to share in a unique and powerful therapeutic relationship. Megan admires any person who chooses to enter the therapy process and hopes to come alongside of her clients in a collaborative process so that they can experience the fullness of what therapy has to offer. Megan is deeply passionate about walking with her clients on their healing journeys.
Megan's hope is that therapy will be a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients to engage with their deepest emotions and experience transformational healing and growth. She desires to offer a supportive and peaceful environment for clients to share in a unique and powerful therapeutic relationship. Megan admires any person who chooses to enter the therapy process and hopes to come alongside of her clients in a collaborative process so that they can experience the fullness of what therapy has to offer. Megan is deeply passionate about walking with her clients on their healing journeys.
Jennifer Haidar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50311 (Online Only)
I am honored to walk alongside children, adolescents, adults and couples as they learn to navigate and find strength and purpose in their own story. I believe therapy is a healing relationship, in which individuals are empowered to use their own gifts and resiliency to heal and grow. I utilize several trauma-informed therapeutic approaches including EMDR, CBT, and IFS. With children, I enjoy using play, art, bibliotherapy and sand tray therapy alongside EMDR.
I am honored to walk alongside children, adolescents, adults and couples as they learn to navigate and find strength and purpose in their own story. I believe therapy is a healing relationship, in which individuals are empowered to use their own gifts and resiliency to heal and grow. I utilize several trauma-informed therapeutic approaches including EMDR, CBT, and IFS. With children, I enjoy using play, art, bibliotherapy and sand tray therapy alongside EMDR.
Tiffany Costello
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312 (Online Only)
I use the Gottman Method in my work with couples, and also to inform my work with individuals.
I believe that healing and growth takes place in the context of relationships. Unfortunately, our relationships can sometimes become distant, disconnected and a place of conflict, leaving us with unmet needs and just feeling “stuck.” We don’t feel safe asking for what we need, and maybe don’t even know what we need ourselves. The therapeutic relationship in counseling provides an authentic and safe place in which healing can begin to take place.
I use the Gottman Method in my work with couples, and also to inform my work with individuals.
I believe that healing and growth takes place in the context of relationships. Unfortunately, our relationships can sometimes become distant, disconnected and a place of conflict, leaving us with unmet needs and just feeling “stuck.” We don’t feel safe asking for what we need, and maybe don’t even know what we need ourselves. The therapeutic relationship in counseling provides an authentic and safe place in which healing can begin to take place.
LaJuana Walker-McGill
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50301 (Online Only)
I work primarily with adults and couples with a variety of issues.
Are you looking for ways to improve your quality of life? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that is dedicated to helping others create positive outcomes for their lives. Through 24 years of experience in private practice, I have demonstrated my dedication to the empowerment of men, women, adolescents, couples, and families. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment that promotes positive outcomes for the clients that I serve. Virtual therapy appointments available for Iowa clients. Do you have Aetna, Cigna, or Optum (Optum EAP) insurance? Please click my website link to request a consultation.
I work primarily with adults and couples with a variety of issues.
Are you looking for ways to improve your quality of life? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that is dedicated to helping others create positive outcomes for their lives. Through 24 years of experience in private practice, I have demonstrated my dedication to the empowerment of men, women, adolescents, couples, and families. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment that promotes positive outcomes for the clients that I serve. Virtual therapy appointments available for Iowa clients. Do you have Aetna, Cigna, or Optum (Optum EAP) insurance? Please click my website link to request a consultation.
Jen Sand
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312 (Online Only)
I have also obtained further training in delivering couples therapy in the Emotionally-Focused Therapy model.
I believe therapy is a way to develop a secure connection that can be rare in everyday life. Developing this connection allows one a space to express authentically what may have been hidden or not heard. Within the safety of this space, real change can begin to occur. So often we believe that it is by applying willpower to an issue that we can instigate change, and are left feeling defeated in the end. In therapy, we get the chance to take these moments of defeat and transform them. We can reorganize, reorient, gain hope, and live more satisfying lives.
I have also obtained further training in delivering couples therapy in the Emotionally-Focused Therapy model.
I believe therapy is a way to develop a secure connection that can be rare in everyday life. Developing this connection allows one a space to express authentically what may have been hidden or not heard. Within the safety of this space, real change can begin to occur. So often we believe that it is by applying willpower to an issue that we can instigate change, and are left feeling defeated in the end. In therapy, we get the chance to take these moments of defeat and transform them. We can reorganize, reorient, gain hope, and live more satisfying lives.
Dr. Donald M. Kaesser
Psychologist, PC, PhD
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
Allison Robbins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312
I have over 20 years of experience working with loss/grief, trauma, relationship issues, adjustment issues, divorce, death/suicide, addictions ADHD/ADD, ODD/ conduct disorders, anxiety, depression, and those involved in the court systems.
Are you going through a major change? Do you remember being happy, but it was long ago? Does the anxiety you feel make you avoid doing the things that you used to enjoy? Change is difficult. Loss can be unbearable. These and so many other life challenges are the reasons why people come to therapy. Let's work together. I will help you unpack the load you are carrying through the use of different therapeutic techniques. Allow yourself to accept the help you deserve.
I have over 20 years of experience working with loss/grief, trauma, relationship issues, adjustment issues, divorce, death/suicide, addictions ADHD/ADD, ODD/ conduct disorders, anxiety, depression, and those involved in the court systems.
Are you going through a major change? Do you remember being happy, but it was long ago? Does the anxiety you feel make you avoid doing the things that you used to enjoy? Change is difficult. Loss can be unbearable. These and so many other life challenges are the reasons why people come to therapy. Let's work together. I will help you unpack the load you are carrying through the use of different therapeutic techniques. Allow yourself to accept the help you deserve.
Greg Allen Fuqua
Counselor, MA, T-LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50312
Waitlist for new clients
I'm Greg Fuqua, MA, T-LMHC, at Lifeworks (Des Moines). I am not currently taking new clients and referrals. I work with clients 13 yrs old and up. I have an art as therapy program for cancer survivors through Above and Beyond Cancer. I also love working with individuals, couples and families, sexual and gender diversity, neurodiversity, ADHD, chronic disease, cancer, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma and more. I often use Art Therapy, SE, IFS, ACT and I have an existentialist theoretical orientation. I believe in two big humanistic values; our need for connection and our need for expression. I cant wait to meet you!
I'm Greg Fuqua, MA, T-LMHC, at Lifeworks (Des Moines). I am not currently taking new clients and referrals. I work with clients 13 yrs old and up. I have an art as therapy program for cancer survivors through Above and Beyond Cancer. I also love working with individuals, couples and families, sexual and gender diversity, neurodiversity, ADHD, chronic disease, cancer, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma and more. I often use Art Therapy, SE, IFS, ACT and I have an existentialist theoretical orientation. I believe in two big humanistic values; our need for connection and our need for expression. I cant wait to meet you!
Gryphan Lott Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50317 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, self image, and relationship issues.
I believe we are all products of our experiences. I am a trauma focused, strengths based clinical social worker who is passionate about walking alongside my clients and helping them to identify their strengths to use in overcoming life difficulties and improving their future by reaching their personal goals.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, self image, and relationship issues.
I believe we are all products of our experiences. I am a trauma focused, strengths based clinical social worker who is passionate about walking alongside my clients and helping them to identify their strengths to use in overcoming life difficulties and improving their future by reaching their personal goals.
Megan Wych
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309
I'm a licensed clinician who offers a non-judgmental, mindful approach to development and change for individuals, couples, and families.
Do you feel like you've tried everything, and it is just not 'clicking' for whatever reason? Has your child's personality shifted? Do you recognize struggles where there have not been any? Are you uncertain about what to do next and afraid that whatever this is, it might get worse? You might not have the words to describe what's happening, or maybe you're left second-guessing your thoughts, feelings, or purpose.
I'm a licensed clinician who offers a non-judgmental, mindful approach to development and change for individuals, couples, and families.
Do you feel like you've tried everything, and it is just not 'clicking' for whatever reason? Has your child's personality shifted? Do you recognize struggles where there have not been any? Are you uncertain about what to do next and afraid that whatever this is, it might get worse? You might not have the words to describe what's happening, or maybe you're left second-guessing your thoughts, feelings, or purpose.
Kimberly Athuman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
I have experience in helping clients with depression, relationship issues, grief, self-esteem issues, parenting issues, anger management, attention deficit disorder ,(ADD/ADHD) Sleeping disorders ,Stress, Anxiety, Coping with life changes, Intimacy-related issues, Compassion fatigue, Trauma and abuse Family conflicts, LGBT.
I have experience in helping clients with depression, relationship issues, grief, self-esteem issues, parenting issues, anger management, attention deficit disorder ,(ADD/ADHD) Sleeping disorders ,Stress, Anxiety, Coping with life changes, Intimacy-related issues, Compassion fatigue, Trauma and abuse Family conflicts, LGBT.
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Elizabeth Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapy who enjoys working clients 16 and older. My passion is working with both individuals and couples and helping them navigate life graciously and with self compassion. I view the therapeutic relationship to be compassion filled and client-centered, meeting the client where they are at. I believe in utilizing a strength-based, holistic approach in working with clients, and I focus on relationships for the basis of making change.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapy who enjoys working clients 16 and older. My passion is working with both individuals and couples and helping them navigate life graciously and with self compassion. I view the therapeutic relationship to be compassion filled and client-centered, meeting the client where they are at. I believe in utilizing a strength-based, holistic approach in working with clients, and I focus on relationships for the basis of making change.
Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC is a group therapy practice dedicated to serving the mental and emotional health needs of individuals, couples, and families in the Des Moines, IA area.
Sampson Family Therapy Services staff strive to engage in a collaborative process with clients, coworkers, and the community to welcome growth, embrace strengths and successes, and acknowledge our role in making wellness a priority for others and ourselves. We work with many client needs and make it a priority to provide attentive and consistently accessible therapy services. It is the mission of Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC to embody a dynamic and progressive therapeutic service environment for the cultivation of health and well-being for clients served, employees, and the community at large.
Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC is a group therapy practice dedicated to serving the mental and emotional health needs of individuals, couples, and families in the Des Moines, IA area.
Sampson Family Therapy Services staff strive to engage in a collaborative process with clients, coworkers, and the community to welcome growth, embrace strengths and successes, and acknowledge our role in making wellness a priority for others and ourselves. We work with many client needs and make it a priority to provide attentive and consistently accessible therapy services. It is the mission of Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC to embody a dynamic and progressive therapeutic service environment for the cultivation of health and well-being for clients served, employees, and the community at large.
Aging Pathways, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50310
Aging can bring a host of new issues such as feelings of isolation after retirement, grief and loss due to deaths of friends and loved ones, and finding new meaning in life after old roles have disappeared. New roles such as being a caregiver for your parents, spouse, partner, adult child, or grandchild can also add stress at this time. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, and schizophrenia can continue and sometimes new mental health issues can arise. Health concerns and family dynamics can also make life challenging. Learning how to cope with these challenges and enjoy life is paramount.
Aging can bring a host of new issues such as feelings of isolation after retirement, grief and loss due to deaths of friends and loved ones, and finding new meaning in life after old roles have disappeared. New roles such as being a caregiver for your parents, spouse, partner, adult child, or grandchild can also add stress at this time. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, and schizophrenia can continue and sometimes new mental health issues can arise. Health concerns and family dynamics can also make life challenging. Learning how to cope with these challenges and enjoy life is paramount.
Akaisha Blackhawk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50311 (Online Only)
I am stoked to be where I am today, having an opportunity to serve you. I have experience with crisis intervention, primarily serving young adults and families. I consider myself mellow and empathetic. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults. I strive to provide a safe and unbiased place, where we can partner together in identifying areas of concern in your life and develop a treatment plan that works for you. I also offer telehealth options as part of the response to COVID 19 concerns.
I am stoked to be where I am today, having an opportunity to serve you. I have experience with crisis intervention, primarily serving young adults and families. I consider myself mellow and empathetic. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults. I strive to provide a safe and unbiased place, where we can partner together in identifying areas of concern in your life and develop a treatment plan that works for you. I also offer telehealth options as part of the response to COVID 19 concerns.
Darcy Jones-Cook
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50315 (Online Only)
Research has shown that the relationship between you and your therapist is the most important factor in whether therapy can be of benefit.
Do you sense something important is missing? You may have achieved a certain level of success in life, such as in your work and career, relationships, family. Or perhaps you feel out of balance, with one part of life on track while other parts struggle. Depending on many factors you may be focusing your attention in one area at the expense of other aspects of personal growth. Are stress-provoking events in the world increasingly “getting to you” and leaving you with even more distress? You're not alone. Whether you're new to therapy or a long time user, feel free to reach out to me.
Research has shown that the relationship between you and your therapist is the most important factor in whether therapy can be of benefit.
Do you sense something important is missing? You may have achieved a certain level of success in life, such as in your work and career, relationships, family. Or perhaps you feel out of balance, with one part of life on track while other parts struggle. Depending on many factors you may be focusing your attention in one area at the expense of other aspects of personal growth. Are stress-provoking events in the world increasingly “getting to you” and leaving you with even more distress? You're not alone. Whether you're new to therapy or a long time user, feel free to reach out to me.
Shelly Stewart-Sandusky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50322
Hello. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with couples and individuals needing help with relationship issues. I thrive on working with couples struggling with infidelity, rebuilding trust or communication/fair fighting and high conflict. The dynamic of a couple is unique and should be approached as such. I believe that every relationship can work and be healthy for both partners if both partners are willing to do the work and make changes. I am also certifified in treatment of personality disorders and am able to help in both individual and couples dynamics.
Hello. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with couples and individuals needing help with relationship issues. I thrive on working with couples struggling with infidelity, rebuilding trust or communication/fair fighting and high conflict. The dynamic of a couple is unique and should be approached as such. I believe that every relationship can work and be healthy for both partners if both partners are willing to do the work and make changes. I am also certifified in treatment of personality disorders and am able to help in both individual and couples dynamics.
Matthew Becker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309
I have worked with individuals and couples for eight years and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I enjoy helping adults learn new skills to deal with anxiety, codependency, romantic relationships, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, peer relationships, personal growth, low self-esteem, spirituality, stress, trauma & PTSD, and work-life balance.
I have worked with individuals and couples for eight years and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I enjoy helping adults learn new skills to deal with anxiety, codependency, romantic relationships, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, peer relationships, personal growth, low self-esteem, spirituality, stress, trauma & PTSD, and work-life balance.
Jacy Jensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone has a story, and each story is different and deserves to be told. Our stories at times can be filled with unexpected and sometimes overwhelming challenges that affect each of us in different ways. Through my own personal and professional story, I have discovered that building a supportive relationship through therapy creates a safe place to explore life struggles, understand difficult issues, develop new skills, enrich relationships, and work through situations to lead a more authentic life.
Everyone has a story, and each story is different and deserves to be told. Our stories at times can be filled with unexpected and sometimes overwhelming challenges that affect each of us in different ways. Through my own personal and professional story, I have discovered that building a supportive relationship through therapy creates a safe place to explore life struggles, understand difficult issues, develop new skills, enrich relationships, and work through situations to lead a more authentic life.
Janet Rieckhoff
Counselor, LMHC, MA, M DIV
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50314
I have worked 27 years with kids, families, couples, and individuals.
Taking new clients. I offer telehealth and in person sessions. Feeling stuck in same unhealthy situations and relationships which produce anxiety, anger, depression and broken trust? We can explore communication patterns, attachment styles, and past traumas affecting relationships. I provide a nonjudgmental environment to work on your issues. I am experienced in areas of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, spirituality, and family issues of parenting, caretaking, LGBTQA issues, adoption, infertility. First I listen to your life situation, then give homework, and then build on your strengths so you can reach your life goals.
I have worked 27 years with kids, families, couples, and individuals.
Taking new clients. I offer telehealth and in person sessions. Feeling stuck in same unhealthy situations and relationships which produce anxiety, anger, depression and broken trust? We can explore communication patterns, attachment styles, and past traumas affecting relationships. I provide a nonjudgmental environment to work on your issues. I am experienced in areas of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, spirituality, and family issues of parenting, caretaking, LGBTQA issues, adoption, infertility. First I listen to your life situation, then give homework, and then build on your strengths so you can reach your life goals.
See more therapy options for Des Moines
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.