Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA

Welcome! My name is Melanie and I am the own of A Mindfulness Practice LLC. I earned my MS in Counseling with a concentration in mental health at NOVA Southeastern University in 2019. I have experience working with adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse. My work with adolescents includes depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, and sexual identity.

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.

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 earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Temple University and my Master of Social Work from Indiana University. With over 10 years of experience, I support individuals in managing anxiety, navigating depression, and healing from past trauma.

My approach blends evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness with a spiritually grounded perspective. While therapy is rooted in clinical skill, I also create space for deeper connection—often integrating spiritual awareness into the work for those who are open to it. I believe healing is not just mental, but also deeply internal and, at times, spiritual.

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.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor with my PhD in Psychology, I have been providing counseling for over 20 years. In that time, I have acquired the skills and compassion to help clients create the life they want for themselves. I serve as a guide and companion to clients on a journey of healing and self-growth.