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Grief counselors and therapists in Des Moines, IA


Top grief and loss counseling therapists in Des Moines, IA
Coping with death or loss is deeply personal, and Des Moines residents can access grief counseling through Headway's network of warm, affirming providers. Whether you're grieving a partner, parent, child, or friend, our therapists use proven methods including imaginal recounting and meaning-making to help you process unresolved grief.
As a seasoned practitioner (since 2006) with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I have dedicated my career to mastering a diverse range of therapeutic modalities to better serve my clients.
My clinical practice is grounded in extensive training across several specialized frameworks, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Hypnotherapy into my work, allowing for a highly tailored and comprehensive approach to psychological wellness.
If you've been told your anxiety, exhaustion, or emotional shifts are "just stress" or "just aging" — and something in you knows it's more than that — you're in the right place. I'm Kristal, a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting people through life's most challenging transitions. That career — rooted in crisis intervention, child welfare, and working alongside people experiencing homelessness — built in me a deep capacity to sit with complexity, pain, and change without flinching. That foundation now drives my specialized work with women navigating perimenopause and menopause. I bring both clinical expertise and lived experience to this work. I've walked this road myself — which means when you show up, you will be genuinely seen and heard, perhaps in a way you haven't been in a long time.
Check me out on the Grit to Growth Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTvAK4pRlkM
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in painful relationship patterns, carrying the effects of trauma, or facing a life transition that feels hard to manage, therapy can be a place to exhale. I work with adults who want support making sense of what they’re going through and finding practical ways to feel more grounded, understood, and in control. I also support clients navigating family dynamics, including experiences related to autism, adoption, and complex relationships.
As a fully licensed therapist for 4+ years Ashley has had experience working with a wide range of clients. Recently she has begun to focus on women's health, ADHD and those with addiction issues.
Whether you’re dealing with a long-standing struggle or a new crisis, finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. I offer a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel supported from the start. Whatever you’re carrying, we’ll work through it together and find a path forward that helps you feel better.
I am so happy you are here. I've practiced counseling since 2012 and am a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa. I provide telehealth therapy, which is an accessible way to receive healing from the comfort of your home. My work includes helping people with life transitions, relationship conflicts, grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I offer both individual and couples counseling.
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Minnesota with a PhD in Psychology, 7 years of experience working as a therapist, and 22 years of experience working as a coach. I have accumulated a wide range of experience working with a diverse clientele. Some of the many issues I have worked with people on are depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, trauma, parenting problems, relationship issues, ADHD, sexual abuse, pornography addiction, and anger management.
Great to meet you!
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with 6 years of experience, I believe that prioritizing your mental health is essential to creating happiness and stability in life. I know that seeking help can be one of the hardest steps, and I truly respect the courage it takes to reach out. I focus on supporting clients who are navigating addiction, trauma, and other significant stressors, and I’m committed to meeting you with empathy, understanding, and honesty from the very beginning.
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