Find a Therapist

Kayla Kerekes, LCSW, is a skilled therapist who is passionate about guiding individuals through life's challenges, personal relationships, and self-discovery. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in helping adults and elders dealing with depression, trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. Kayla is adept in various therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing, along with providing EMDR therapy for those needing specific trauma-focused interventions. She believes in understanding the underlying maladaptive patterns that shape her clients' perspectives and emotions, aiming to facilitate meaningful change. Her approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, focusing on establishing a genuine connection with clients to explore their experiences and self-perceptions in a supportive environment. Kayla honors the opportunity to be part of her clients' journeys toward growth, resilience, and living a life free from shame, guilt, and blame. She is dedicated to empowering those she works with to break free from their limitations and embrace life wholeheartedly.

Grant Kobayashi-Hinds, LPCC, is a dedicated counselor whose passion for counseling is rooted in a strong belief in people and the capacity for meaningful change. His purpose is to meet clients exactly where they are in their journey, providing an open, safe, and supportive atmosphere for exploration and growth. Grant collaborates with individuals to create a solid therapeutic alliance, discovering the tools necessary for achieving their goals and enhancing their quality of life. He enjoys working with adult individuals and couples across various issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. His approach to counseling is informed by a humanistic, person-centered perspective, emphasizing healing through the therapeutic relationship and self-awareness. By nurturing this relationship and fostering awareness, Grant offers empathy, genuineness, and support, focusing on the present moment. He believes that every person has the potential to be their best self and works alongside his clients to help them uncover that potential. Together, they can promote the ideal self.

Sara Koval is a dedicated therapist passionate about helping individuals achieve positive change in their lives. She understands that struggles with mood, anxiety, trauma, and addiction can impede personal growth. With a commitment to developing tailored plans, Sara collaborates with her clients to devise effective strategies addressing their unique issues and goals. Having worked in the behavioral health field since 2011, she has gained valuable experience working with diverse populations in various settings, making her adaptable to the distinct needs of each client. Her expertise lies extensively in assisting individuals coping with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Acknowledging the challenges of seeking help, Sara strives to create a supportive environment where recovery and growth are not only possible but expected. If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulties and seeking a compassionate, knowledgeable therapist, she invites you to explore the opportunity to work together.

Christiane Laracuente believes that the dragonfly, a symbol of change recognized worldwide, embodies the journey of self-realization that stems from mental and emotional growth and the understanding of life's deeper meanings. This belief inspired her to name her practice Dragonfly Counseling, reflecting her mission as a dedicated agent of change for her clients. With over 25 years of experience working with children, youth, and families in diverse settings, she focuses on supporting them in overcoming a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, anger management, grief, self-esteem challenges, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and trauma. Christiane is an innovative and compassionate therapist who provides culturally relevant counseling, fostering an empathetic environment where clients feel heard and understood. Her extensive experience with culturally diverse individuals enables her to facilitate meaningful change, guiding clients on their path to emotional well-being and success.

Maria Lebovich understands that past events can evoke painful memories that linger long after they occur, making it difficult to confront them, even years later. She recognizes that many individuals struggle with self-worth and healthy relationships, even when they excel in other areas of life. For those who find it hard to relate to others reporting a happy childhood, Maria is dedicated to providing support in reclaiming the life they envision for themselves. She firmly believes in the potential for positive change and emphasizes that while the past cannot be altered, it does not have to dictate one's identity or future. Maria assists clients who have faced trauma in navigating their healing journey in a safe, non-judgmental environment, fostering feelings of relief and hope. She is committed to helping individuals enhance their self-worth, manage emotional triggers, and build healthier relationships with loved ones. Together with her clients, Maria crafts a personalized plan to facilitate the achievement of their goals, ensuring a holistic and tailored approach to their mental health needs.

Dr. Ann Lefevre is a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience, primarily acquired at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She understands that experiencing tragedy, trauma, or abuse can lead to overwhelming emotions, anxiety, depression, and a sense of disconnection. Many individuals find themselves haunted by nightmares or troubling thoughts, isolating while grappling with feelings of helplessness. Whether struggling for years or facing new challenges, people can find hope and a path to recovery with Dr. Lefevre's guidance. Specializing in trauma, depression, and anxiety, she employs research-backed techniques aimed at fostering healing and resilience. Dr. Lefevre recognizes that reaching out for help can be daunting, so she takes a gentle approach, allowing clients to progress at their own pace. By offering secure telehealth sessions, she is committed to ensuring her services are accessible wherever clients may be located. Her dedication to meaningful recovery allows individuals to regain control over their lives, reconnect with others, and rebuild their emotional and physical intimacy.

At New Life Counseling, a dedicated team of professionals provides outpatient counseling services for adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups across Ankeny and West Des Moines. With a strong foundation in psychology, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and social work, the counselors are equipped with advanced training and certifications, including addictions counseling, EMDR, and coaching. Their faith-driven commitment to honoring each individual fosters a therapeutic environment that empowers clients with essential tools and techniques for positive life change. The team specializes in a range of therapeutic modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), art therapy, and Christian counseling, addressing prevalent issues including marital and premarital challenges, anxiety, and men's issues. As professionals driven by compassion and understanding, they aim to walk alongside clients, providing support through life’s transitions toward emotional, psychological, relational, and spiritual health. At New Life Counseling, the mission is to create a safe space where individuals can thrive and make informed decisions for their well-being.

Diane Lindsay is a highly experienced therapist with over 30 years in the field, specializing in working with adults, adolescents, families, and couples. She views therapy as a collaborative journey, guiding her clients while allowing them the autonomy to choose their own paths. Having worked with a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds and life stages, Diane is particularly adept at meeting clients where they are and helping them move forward. With a genuine and down-to-earth demeanor, she connects well with male and female adolescents, as well as families. Diane employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, talk therapy, EFT, sand tray play therapy, and more, all tailored to support individuals dealing with trauma, behavioral issues, and relationship challenges.

Keith Long, LPC, is a seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to supporting teens, adults, and elders in their journey toward emotional well-being. He excels in working with individuals, couples, and families, particularly those grappling with obstacles such as trauma, PTSD, grief, and relationship issues. His collaborative and strength-based style centers around personal accomplishments, utilizing techniques in person-centered, cognitive, and brief solution-focused therapy to uncover the root causes of emotional and relational challenges. Keith's approach fosters the development of constructive solutions, empowering clients to cultivate satisfying and joyful relationships while finding greater meaning and purpose in their lives. By working closely with clients to identify their primary concerns, Keith facilitates the creation of tailored counseling strategies that align with their unique needs and goals. His commitment to incorporating client feedback enhances the therapy experience, guiding adjustments to therapeutic techniques as necessary to optimize results. Through evidence-based practices, Keith empowers individuals to engage actively in therapy, leading to a deeper understanding and resolution of issues in fewer sessions.

Gabby M. is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with extensive experience working with families, couples, and individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and elders. Her background spans various settings, such as inpatient/residential care, outpatient clinics, private practice, and withdrawal management. Gabby is deeply passionate about providing therapy that fosters lasting positive change and enhances the quality of life for her clients. She employs a diverse array of therapeutic approaches, including play therapy, art therapy, and sandplay therapy, alongside evidence-based models like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. Her commitment to culturally sensitive and trauma-focused care sets the foundation for her practice, enabling her to connect meaningfully with individuals facing challenges such as addiction, relationship issues, and trauma.

Caris Malone, LPCC, understands that unforeseen events can significantly alter one’s life. Many individuals strive to pick up the pieces and continue with life, yet they often find relationships and daily functions to be daunting tasks. In acknowledging that time does not always heal all wounds, she believes that a supportive presence, combined with professional guidance, can help clients rediscover their true selves. Caris provides a compassionate approach, offering her expertise in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a proven treatment for trauma and other mental health challenges. With a flexible schedule that includes evening office hours and online sessions, she makes it easier for clients to prioritize their mental health. Recognizing the challenges in finding the right counselor, Caris is committed to supporting potential clients through free phone consultations, allowing them to explore how her integrative therapy style, which encompasses mindfulness, compassion-focused techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, may benefit them on their journey toward healing.

Nina Marcus, MA, is a compassionate psychotherapist dedicated to supporting teens, adults, and elders (65+) in their journey toward healing and personal growth. A graduate of Leslie College in 1986, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. Nina specializes in addressing various issues, including anxiety, relationship challenges, and depression, while also offering guidance on trauma, PTSD, addiction, and life transitions. Her expertise encompasses a wide array of therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing her to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family she works with. Nina holds a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding personal issues, stress reduction, and emotional wellness, and is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their vulnerabilities and foster resilience. With an inclusive approach, she is attuned to the diverse experiences of her clients, including those within the LGBTQ+ community and those navigating life-altering challenges such as divorce, grief, and chronic pain. Nina's relational style fosters collaboration and empowerment, enabling her clients to gain insights and develop coping skills for a balanced, meaningful life.

Christine Mathias, LPC, offers individuals the opportunity to embark on a journey towards becoming their true selves. She creates a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their authentic identities. Many individuals struggle with self-acceptance, often settling for personas that they believe will be more likable to others, which can hinder the pursuit of meaningful relationships and career advancement, while also impacting self-esteem. Christine specializes in guiding adults and elders who wish to embrace their strengths and become their own greatest advocates. Together, they will navigate the obstacles that prevent them from living their truth, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Christine understands the importance of unconditional love, compassion, empathy, and forgiveness—values essential for personal growth. By practicing these, clients can attract similar qualities in their relationships. Christine believes that everyone has unique contributions to offer the world, and she is dedicated to exploring those possibilities with her clients, helping them find the peace and happiness they truly deserve.