Welcome!
If you are looking for a therapist with a blank, neutral face who gives an occasional "mhm" while you vent for 50 minutes, I'm not your guy. If you're looking for a guide who'll work alongside you, support you, but also be realistic and direct with you when needed, I think we would make a good team. My goal is to empower my clients to find the tools and strategies they already have within themselves, cutting through the noise and bringing those to the surface.
I firmly believe in a mutually honest and direct therapeutic relationship. I will be direct with you throughout our session, and I ask you to be equally as direct with me. If one tool isn't working, we'll go back to the drawing board together to see why, and consider another strategy from your toolbox. In order to maintain a safe, quality therapeutic relationship, I will be checking in with you frequently to ensure we are working well together.
Much of my background and current work focuses on trauma and unpacking painful experiences from across the lifespan. I have worked with clients involved in addiction and substance use, as well as legal matters such as child protective services, probation, parole, and custody, and am comfortable navigating these complex issues.
I think if you're doing therapy right, it is not going to be easy. If you've gotten this far in reading my profile, you've already taken a brave first step. Therapy can be a fulfilling journey…and can be draining, difficult, and painful. You may come to a session feeling great and leave feeling a little rough. Other times you arrive distraught and leave feeling on top of the world. It is part of this complex, intimidating, but ultimately worthwhile journey. I'd be honored to walk alongside you.
In-person and remote options
Our office is conveniently located in West Des Moines. In-person and teletherapy options are available.