Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA

Dealing with grief, loss, or trauma? Feeling disconnected, alone, and unhappy? Struggling with relationships, addiction, or painful wounds from childhood? If you said yes to any of these, I can help. Often, the burdens of trauma manifests itself in mysterious ways and can lead to various concerns such as depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship difficulties, trust issues, isolation, and shame. These challenges can hinder healthy relationships and self-care.

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Iowa, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach centers on helping people heal from trauma, manage grief, and build resilience through personalized, faith-informed counseling. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, including veterans, young adults, and individuals facing significant life transitions. My therapeutic practice focuses on addressing issues like social anxiety, self-esteem, communication challenges, and personal growth. Drawing from a trauma-informed and holistic perspective, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and rediscover their inner strength. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship dynamics, or personal healing, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. My practice welcomes individuals seeking a compassionate, conservative approach to mental health support, with a particular sensitivity to Christian perspectives and values. Together, we can work towards meaningful personal transformation and emotional well-being. I am a parent of 4 adult children. As a therapist, it is my honor to help my clients achieve their life goals and get to a calmer and more peaceful place. These past four years, I have completed thousands of live sessions with clients from all walks of life, careers, ages, financial status., and backgrounds. You will find our sessions productive, respectful, non-judgmental, interactive, supportive, creative, and informative. My rule is to listen to understand not to reply. You will feel heard and understood.

I work with women in their 20s and 30s who are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, or that overwhelming sense that life should feel more manageable by now. A lot of my clients have tried therapy before and felt like it wasn't clicking, like they were spinning their wheels. That's exactly the kind of stuck I help with.

Maybe you're carrying something you've never said out loud. Maybe you look fine from the outside and feel worn down underneath it. Either way, you don't need to arrive with the right words or an explanation.

I'm a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. I work with people living with trauma and PTSD, including the aftermath of crime and moments of real crisis. A lot of my work also deals with the weight people carry from what the world expects of them: the pressures that come with being a woman or a man, the small daily slights, discrimination, and inequality that add up over the years.

Outside of session you'll usually find me running, on a yoga mat, or watching basketball. I'm convinced cooking and gardening count as therapy too.

There are seasons in life when you're trying to understand who you are while also carrying the expectations of everyone around you. You may be navigating a new chapter in motherhood, questioning your relationships, exploring your identity, or feeling weighed down by anxiety that's become difficult to manage on your own. Whatever brings you here, you deserve a space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel genuinely supported. I provide virtual therapy for adolescents, adults, and older adults throughout Nebraska, helping people navigate anxiety, LGBTQIA+ concerns, maternal mental health, and relationship issues while also supporting women's issues, family challenges, trauma, stress, infertility, identity exploration, panic disorders, and cultural experiences that often become part of life's biggest transitions. My goal is to help you feel understood, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.

Hi, I'm Joanie! If you're feeling weighed down by trauma, anxiety, or painful life experiences, you don't have to navigate them alone. Trauma can leave you feeling stuck in the past, constantly on edge, or wondering why certain emotions and reactions seem so difficult to control. My approach is warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. I work with adults to better understand how past experiences continue to shape their lives today while helping them build the insight, confidence, and tools needed to move forward in a way that feels authentic and empowering.