My Approach to Helping

Everyone deserves to be happy and cared about for who they are. As a therapist, I try to help each person find a way to be happy and healthy in their relationships with others and with who they are as a person. I strive to help anyone seeking help reach the goals they have for themselves and their relationships. I try to create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment that allows for honesty and self-exploration. I understand that life can tear us down and test us beyond what we believe we can handle at times. In those times, it is important to have at least one place we can freely breakdown and work to rebuild to a place we can be healthy as individuals and as partners, children, friends, and co-workers. I view my job as helping anyone looking for help or change to find what they need in themselves and their relationships and resources so that every person can feel confident and healthy as individuals, partners or family members.

More Info About My Practice

I am the founder of SS Therapy and Consulting, Ltd. I have two practice locations, one in Des Moines and one in Ankeny. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups. In our Ankeny location, our therapy dog, Chewy, is able to assist in sessions. He is a 3 year old goldendoodle who is hypoallergenic and loves people of all ages.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I enjoy working with active and retired military men and women and their families. I am competent in working with victims of abuse as well as perpetrators of abuse. I have extensive training working with couples. I have spent a lot of time working with teenagers who are in trouble either at school or with the law. This includes adolescents who have committed sexual offenses of some kind. Much of my training has been focused on helping people involved in larger systems such as the military, justice system, child protection services or medical services.

My Role as a Therapist

Finding a therapist that fits for you is extremely important. You should feel comfortable with the person you see for therapist and feel confident you can trust that person to help you reach your goals. As a therapist, my approach can be straight-forward and no nonsense when necessary. I view my role as a resource to help you get to a place you feel confident handling situations and challenges you face on your own, utilizing your coping skills, family, friends, and community resources to help you through. I am not a permanent fixture in your life, but rather a temporary person who is there to help you get past a difficult period in your life.

Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed

Life is not predictable and can give us more than we feel we are capable of handling at times. Everyone needs help at times and there is nothing wrong with asking for the help you need to get past the obstacles you face right now.