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realm therapy & wellness
a dedicated space for real life. real support. real growth.
this is your realm.
Specialized mental health therapy for women and children, offering in-person services in West Des Moines, and virtually throughout Iowa.
you’re welcome here.
Life doesn’t always unfold the way you imagined. Pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, loss, motherhood, and other seasons of life as a woman can change how life feels, and how you feel in it.
Your child may be having a hard time and not have the words to tell you why. Your family may be navigating a season of change that none of you expected. Or, you may simply notice that something just feels different.
At Realm, there is a dedicated space for the real version of you. Wherever you are in your journey, we would be honored to meet you there.
support for perinatal seasons.
Perinatal mental health includes your emotional and mental well-being through pregnancy, loss, fertility challenges, birth, postpartum complexities, motherhood, and other major reproductive transitions. While these seasons are common, struggling through them alone should not be.
Realm provides specialized perinatal mental health therapy for women navigating:
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy loss
- Postpartum anxiety or depression
- Birth trauma
- Infertility and fertility challenges
- Intrusive thoughts and OCD
- Grief and loss
- Motherhood and parenting
- Identity changes
- Life transitions
- Perimenopause
Therapy gives you room to process what has happened, understand what you are feeling, develop practical coping tools, and begin feeling more grounded and confident again.
nourish the developing child.
Children experience anxiety, grief, trauma, family changes, friendship problems, frustration, fear, and stress, just like adults do. The difference is how they communicate and process those experiences and feelings. Play therapy gives children a developmentally appropriate way to express what they are feeling, process difficult experiences, solve problems, and build new skills.
Kids Realm provides play therapy for children primarily ages 3–12 experiencing anxiety, trauma, behavioral concerns, grief, family changes, communication challenges, low self-esteem, or academic and social difficulties.
Through child-centered play therapy, children can:
- Learn to recognize and express emotions
- Build emotional regulation skills
- Develop confidence
- Solve problems more effectively
- Strengthen communication
- Build healthier relationships
- Grow in empathy
- Work through difficult experiences and transitions
why choose realm?
Life can be complicated, and sometimes you need support for yourself, your child, or both. At Realm Therapy and Wellness, you’ll find therapy for women and children under one roof. Realm is truly a place where you can bring the whole, complicated, very real version of yourself.
specialized
care
Get support from therapists with advanced training in perinatal mental health, trauma, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and child-centered play therapy.
real-life
support
Therapy should help outside the therapy room. We focus on practical tools, meaningful growth, and care that fits your actual life.
meeting you
where you are
You do not have to know exactly what kind of therapy you need before reaching out. Tell us what is going on, and we will help you find the right next step.
our adult & child therapists.
Our team includes licensed clinicians with backgrounds in counseling, social work, education, child-centered play therapy, and perinatal mental health.
Perinatal Mental Health, Women’s Mental Health, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Offers telehealth and in-person sessions.
education & experience
I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Iowa. During graduate school, I worked as a medical social worker on a mother-baby floor and in the NICU, where I developed a passion for supporting women and families through pregnancy, birth, and the transition into parenthood.
Since then, I have worked in school-based mental health, higher education, and private practice with children, adolescents, and adults. My specialties include training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I work with women through many seasons of life, with a particular focus on pregnancy, postpartum anxiety and depression, postpartum OCD, infertility, pregnancy loss, anxiety, and life transitions. My own experiences with the perinatal and postpartum seasons have deepened my passion for this work and my desire to help women feel understood and supported.
my approach to therapy
My approach is strengths-based, relational, and collaborative. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful work and that clients should feel comfortable showing up as they are and being honest about what they’re experiencing. I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion into the therapy room while helping clients recognize the strengths and resources they already possess.
I take a whole-person approach, looking beyond symptoms to understand the experiences, relationships, and patterns that shape how someone moves through the world. I work alongside clients to create individualized goals and tools that support meaningful change. I believe therapy can be more than a place to alleviate difficult symptoms; it can also be a space to better understand yourself, reconnect with who you are, and grow into a life that feels more aligned with your values.
beyond the therapy office
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, traveling, camping, visiting national parks, and caring for my plants and flowers. I find something grounding about slowing down, spending time outdoors, and enjoying the simple parts of everyday life.
Perinatal Mental Health, Women’s Mental Health, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Offers telehealth and in-person sessions.
education & experience
I grew up in South Dakota and completed my master’s degree in counseling from South Dakota State University. I began my career as a School Counselor, working with children and families in public schools in Iowa and Indiana. My own perinatal experiences then sparked a passion for women’s mental health and led me to pursue licensure in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
I have specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through Postpartum Support International and am certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I work with adults in all stages of life, with a special focus on pregnancy, postpartum anxiety and depression, infertility, pregnancy loss, OCD, anxiety, grief, and life transitions.
my approach to therapy
I believe therapy works best when you feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you. There is no linear path to healing, and you don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Together, we’ll make room for the hard things, build on the strengths you already have, and ultimately help you feel grounded, connected, and more like the person you want to be.
beyond the therapy office
Outside of the office, you’ll usually find me with my husband and our four young kids. I love organizing spaces, yoga, walking, running, cleaning, singing, and listening to music. I’m also someone who still appreciates a good old-fashioned phone call over a string of text messages, and I treasure time spent with family and friends.
Specialized training in play therapy
Offers in-person sessions
education & experience
I completed my master’s degree in School Guidance and Counseling from Northwest Missouri State University. I started my career as an Elementary School Counselor and acquired 13 years of experience in public schools in MO and KS. I transitioned to private practice after completing MidAmerica Nazarene’s Play Therapy certificate program. I’m currently completing training requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist. As a child therapist, I love getting to combine my experience in schools with a new passion for creativity and therapeutic play.
I primarily work with children ages 3-12. I use child-centered play therapy and other play-based modalities to address challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, learning difficulties, grief/loss, and life transitions. Additionally, I offer parent-child sessions to strengthen attachment and skills.
what my support looks like
My approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, and child-centered. I use both directive and non-directive techniques to help children express themselves, process emotions, and build confidence. Play sessions can include carefully selected toys, games, movement, sand trays, storytelling, creativity, and reflection.
As a parent, you’ll play an active role in the therapeutic process. We will work together to better understand your child’s behavior, identify patterns and strengths, and develop practical strategies that can be used outside of sessions. The collaboration may look like regular check-ins, discussion around progress and treatment goals, psychoeducation, and exploring ways to respond to challenging behavior. I work alongside you as a partner—bringing clinical expertise while recognizing that you are the expert on your child.
beyond the therapy office
I am a wife and mother to three young kids. I understand the real challenges of parenthood in this busy season of life! As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors, watching sports, and relaxing at the lake– my happy place! I also have a love for children’s books and enjoy valuable moments reading to my kids.
adult & child therapy services.
perinatal mental health therapy
Perinatal mental health therapy supports women through the emotional challenges of conception, pregnancy, birth, and the first years of their baby’s life. It can help with anxiety, depression, OCD, birth trauma, and the many adjustments that come with becoming a parent.
Therapy can provide practical coping tools, help you process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and support bonding with your baby, so you can feel more grounded, supported, and confident in this new realm.
perinatal mental health therapy
Perinatal mental health therapy supports women through the emotional challenges of conception, pregnancy, birth, and the first years of their baby’s life. It can help with anxiety, depression, OCD, birth trauma, and the many adjustments that come with becoming a parent.
Therapy can provide practical coping tools, help you process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and support bonding with your baby, so you can feel more grounded, supported, and confident in this new realm.
accelerated resolution therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a brief, focused approach that uses guided eye movements and visualization to help you process distressing memories and experiences.
ART can be helpful for trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and other experiences that continue to affect how you feel or function. It can help reduce the emotional intensity of difficult memories and give you practical tools to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
individual therapy
Individual therapy gives you dedicated space to explore what you’re experiencing, better understand yourself, and work through challenges with personalized support.
No matter what challenges you’re navigating, individual therapy can help you develop new perspectives, strengthen coping skills, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Choose the setting that works best for you with in-person therapy or virtual sessions.
play therapy
Play therapy gives children a developmentally appropriate way to express emotions, process difficult experiences, and work through challenges they may not yet have the words to explain.
It can help children navigate trauma, anxiety, fears, behavioral concerns, and major life changes such as divorce or the arrival of a new sibling. Through therapeutic play, children can build emotional regulation, strengthen communication and problem-solving skills, develop confidence, and build healthier relationships.
adult & child therapy services.
perinatal mental health therapy
Perinatal mental health therapy supports women through the emotional challenges of conception, pregnancy, birth, and the first years of their baby’s life. It can help with anxiety, depression, OCD, birth trauma, and the many adjustments that come with becoming a parent.
Therapy can provide practical coping tools, help you process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and support bonding with your baby, so you can feel more grounded, supported, and confident in this new realm.
perinatal mental health therapy
Perinatal mental health therapy supports women through the emotional challenges of conception, pregnancy, birth, and the first years of their baby’s life. It can help with anxiety, depression, OCD, birth trauma, and the many adjustments that come with becoming a parent.
Therapy can provide practical coping tools, help you process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and support bonding with your baby, so you can feel more grounded, supported, and confident in this new realm.
accelerated resolution therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a brief, focused approach that uses guided eye movements and visualization to help you process distressing memories and experiences.
ART can be helpful for trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and other experiences that continue to affect how you feel or function. It can help reduce the emotional intensity of difficult memories and give you practical tools to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
individual therapy
Individual therapy gives you dedicated space to explore what you’re experiencing, better understand yourself, and work through challenges with personalized support.
No matter what challenges you’re navigating, individual therapy can help you develop new perspectives, strengthen coping skills, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Choose the setting that works best for you with in-person therapy or virtual sessions.
play therapy
Play therapy gives children a developmentally appropriate way to express emotions, process difficult experiences, and work through challenges they may not yet have the words to explain.
It can help children navigate trauma, anxiety, fears, behavioral concerns, and major life changes such as divorce or the arrival of a new sibling. Through therapeutic play, children can build emotional regulation, strengthen communication and problem-solving skills, develop confidence, and build healthier relationships.
working with realm.
You don’t have to know exactly what you need or have the right words. You just need a place to start.
1
book an appointment.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, birth trauma, infertility, intrusive thoughts, identity changes, or simply feeling unlike yourself, you can start by telling us what’s going on. No perfect explanation required.
Telehealth and in-person sessions are available.
2
get support
that fits.
Our therapists bring specialized training in perinatal mental health, trauma, and child-centered therapy, along with real-life experience as women and moms. We’ll help you find the approach that fits your needs and your season of life.
3
feel more like yourself again.
With practical tools, compassionate support, and specialized care, you can process what you’ve been carrying, strengthen your relationships, and move forward with greater confidence and connection.
find your inner strength.
Take the first step toward feeling more supported, understood, and confident in what comes next through perinatal mental health therapy, individual therapy, and child-centered play therapy.
For general questions or inquiries, email info@realmtherapy.org and we will help pair you with a therapist who best fits your needs.
You can also complete our form, and we’ll be in touch soon.
our belief.
We believe every woman and child deserves a space to feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. By honoring each person’s unique experiences and offering specialized care, we strive to foster healing, connection, and real growth.
our mission.
Realm’s mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care that empowers women and children through various seasons of life.
our core values.
realness
nurture
trust
compassion
growth
frequently asked questions.
How do I get started with therapy?
Getting started begins with reaching out to schedule an initial appointment. You can email info@realmtherapy.org for general inquiries or help finding the right therapist for you, or you can book directly here.
Where are you located?
We are located for in-person services at 7755 Office Plaza Dr N Suite 160, West Des Moines, IA 50266, or virtually across all of Iowa.
Which insurance policies do you accept?
We accept Wellmark, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem.
What if I don’t have insurance you take?
We will work with you to offer a sliding scale fee that fits your financial needs, or we will assist you in finding a provider who accepts your insurance.
What is your cancellation policy?
You are required to send a message to your provider at least 24 hours prior to your appointment, or there will be an automatic fee of $100 charged to your credit card on file.
How do I know which type of therapy is right for me or my child?
You don’t have to determine that on your own. Your therapist will take time to understand what you or your child are experiencing, listen to your goals, and recommend an approach that fits your unique needs. Whether that means perinatal therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, play therapy, or another therapeutic approach, you can find personalized support at Realm Therapy and Wellness.
What is the No Surprises Act?
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate
If you do not have health insurance or choose not to use your insurance, you have the right to know what your medical care is expected to cost before receiving services. Under federal law, health care providers must provide an estimate of the expected charges for scheduled, non-emergency medical services and items. This estimate may include the cost of the primary service as well as related expenses.
You may request a Good Faith Estimate from your health care provider before scheduling your care. For scheduled services, you should receive the estimate in writing at least one business day before your appointment or service.
If the amount you are ultimately billed is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you may have the right to challenge or dispute the bill.
Be sure to keep a copy of your estimate for your records.
For additional information about Good Faith Estimates and your rights, visit CMS No Surprises or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
How do I contact you?
You can email the office at info@realmtherapy.org or complete this form, and we will help find the right provider for you.
When will I be billed?
Co-pays or self-pay rates are charged and processed within 24-48 hours after your session through SimplePractice, a fully HIPAA-compliant electronic health record (EHR) and practice management software.
What are your office hours?
Each provider sets their own schedule and is willing to work with you based on your availability. Most providers work Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am–4pm. Contact us at info@realmtherapy.org or complete this form, and please allow 1-2 business days for a response.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is generally private and confidential. Your therapist will explain how confidentiality works and the specific circumstances where information may need to be shared, such as situations involving safety or as required by law. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about confidentiality before you begin, so you can feel comfortable knowing what to expect.
What happens in a therapy session?
Every session looks a little different because your therapy is shaped around you. You’ll have space to talk about what’s happening in your life, explore thoughts and feelings, and work through challenges with your therapist. Together, you may identify patterns, practice new skills, or explore strategies that can help you feel more confident and equipped to navigate everyday life. There’s no expectation that you’ll have all the answers. Therapy is a place to start where you are and take things one step at a time.
Do you offer postpartum depression therapy?
Yes. Realm Therapy and Wellness offers specialized perinatal mental health therapy for women experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, grief, and other challenges that can come with the transition into motherhood. Our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help you process what you’re experiencing, build practical coping tools, and feel more grounded and like yourself again.
How do I know if perinatal therapy is right for me?
Pregnancy and the transition into parenthood can bring a wide range of emotions, from excitement and joy to anxiety, depression, overwhelm, and uncertainty. Perinatal therapy provides a safe, judgment-free space to work through these feelings, navigate changes in identity, and adjust to the demands of parenthood. You don’t have to wait until things feel unmanageable to seek support, and you can find compassionate guidance for every stage of the journey at Realm Therapy and Wellness.
What can I expect from a perinatal therapy session?
Therapy provides a supportive space to talk openly about what you’re experiencing, understand your emotions, and develop tools to help you feel more grounded and confident. Your therapist will take time to understand your unique circumstances and goals while helping you find strategies that work for you. This personalized approach is at the heart of care at Realm Therapy and Wellness.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and how does it work?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) uses guided techniques to help you process distressing memories, experiences, and emotions that may continue to affect your daily life. ART can help change the way difficult experiences are experienced and remembered, often without requiring you to repeatedly discuss every detail of what happened. This approach is one of the therapeutic options available through Realm Therapy and Wellness.
What can Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) help with?
ART may be helpful for people working through trauma, anxiety, fears, grief, difficult memories, and other experiences that continue to cause emotional distress. Your therapist will take time to understand your experiences and goals and determine whether ART is an appropriate fit for you. Realm Therapy and Wellness offers this approach as part of individualized care designed around your needs.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is an evidenced-based therapeutic approach that gives children a way to express emotions, process experiences, and resolve problems in their most natural form of communication–play. Children can explore and work through challenges in a safe and supportive environment at Kids Realm.
What concerns can play therapy help children with?
Play therapy can help children experiencing anxiety, fears, trauma, behavioral concerns, communication challenges, or difficulty adjusting to major life changes. It may be especially helpful when a child is struggling with experiences such as divorce, the arrival of a new sibling, family changes, or other difficult transitions. Realm Therapy and Wellness uses play therapy to help children build the skills they need to better understand and manage their emotions.
frequently asked questions.
How do I get started with therapy?
Getting started begins with reaching out to schedule an initial appointment. You can email info@realmtherapy.org for general inquiries or help finding the right therapist for you, or you can book directly here.
Where are you located?
We are located for in-person services at 7755 Office Plaza Drive North, Suite 160, West Des Moines, IA 50266, or virtually across all of Iowa.
Which insurance policies do you accept?
We accept Wellmark, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem.
What if I don’t have insurance you take?
We will work with you to offer a sliding scale fee that fits your financial needs, or we will assist you in finding a provider who accepts your insurance.
What is your cancellation policy?
You are required to send a message to your provider at least 24 hours prior to your appointment, or there will be an automatic fee of $100 charged to your credit card on file.
How do I know which type of therapy is right for me or my child?
You don’t have to determine that on your own. Your therapist will take time to understand what you or your child are experiencing, listen to your goals, and recommend an approach that fits your unique needs. Whether that means perinatal therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, play therapy, or another therapeutic approach, you can find personalized support at Realm Therapy and Wellness.
What is the No Surprises Act?
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate
If you do not have health insurance or choose not to use your insurance, you have the right to know what your medical care is expected to cost before receiving services. Under federal law, health care providers must provide an estimate of the expected charges for scheduled, non-emergency medical services and items. This estimate may include the cost of the primary service as well as related expenses.
You may request a Good Faith Estimate from your health care provider before scheduling your care. For scheduled services, you should receive the estimate in writing at least one business day before your appointment or service.
If the amount you are ultimately billed is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you may have the right to challenge or dispute the bill.
Be sure to keep a copy of your estimate for your records.
For additional information about Good Faith Estimates and your rights, visit CMS No Surprises or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
How do I contact you?
You can email the office at info@realmtherapy.org or complete this form, and we will help find the right provider for you.
When will I be billed?
Co-pays or self-pay rates are charged and processed within 24-48 hours after your session through SimplePractice, a fully HIPAA-compliant electronic health record (EHR) and practice management software.
What are your office hours?
Each provider sets their own schedule and is willing to work with you based on your availability. Most providers work Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am–4pm. Contact us at info@realmtherapy.org or complete this form, and please allow 1-2 business days for a response.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is generally private and confidential. Your therapist will explain how confidentiality works and the specific circumstances where information may need to be shared, such as situations involving safety or as required by law. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about confidentiality before you begin, so you can feel comfortable knowing what to expect.
What happens in a therapy session?
Every session looks a little different because your therapy is shaped around you. You’ll have space to talk about what’s happening in your life, explore thoughts and feelings, and work through challenges with your therapist. Together, you may identify patterns, practice new skills, or explore strategies that can help you feel more confident and equipped to navigate everyday life. There’s no expectation that you’ll have all the answers. Therapy is a place to start where you are and take things one step at a time.
Do you offer postpartum depression therapy?
Yes. Realm Therapy and Wellness offers specialized perinatal mental health therapy for women experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, grief, and other challenges that can come with the transition into motherhood. Our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help you process what you’re experiencing, build practical coping tools, and feel more grounded and like yourself again.
How do I know if perinatal therapy is right for me?
Pregnancy and the transition into parenthood can bring a wide range of emotions, from excitement and joy to anxiety, depression, overwhelm, and uncertainty. Perinatal therapy provides a safe, judgment-free space to work through these feelings, navigate changes in identity, and adjust to the demands of parenthood. You don’t have to wait until things feel unmanageable to seek support, and you can find compassionate guidance for every stage of the journey at Realm Therapy and Wellness.
What can I expect from a perinatal therapy session?
Therapy provides a supportive space to talk openly about what you’re experiencing, understand your emotions, and develop tools to help you feel more grounded and confident. Your therapist will take time to understand your unique circumstances and goals while helping you find strategies that work for you. This personalized approach is at the heart of care at Realm Therapy and Wellness.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and how does it work?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) uses guided techniques to help you process distressing memories, experiences, and emotions that may continue to affect your daily life. ART can help change the way difficult experiences are experienced and remembered, often without requiring you to repeatedly discuss every detail of what happened. This approach is one of the therapeutic options available through Realm Therapy and Wellness.
What can Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) help with?
ART may be helpful for people working through trauma, anxiety, fears, grief, difficult memories, and other experiences that continue to cause emotional distress. Your therapist will take time to understand your experiences and goals and determine whether ART is an appropriate fit for you. Realm Therapy and Wellness offers this approach as part of individualized care designed around your needs.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is an evidenced-based therapeutic approach that gives children a way to express emotions, process experiences, and resolve problems in their most natural form of communication–play. Children can explore and work through challenges in a safe and supportive environment at Kids Realm.
What concerns can play therapy help children with?
Play therapy can help children experiencing anxiety, fears, trauma, behavioral concerns, communication challenges, or difficulty adjusting to major life changes. It may be especially helpful when a child is struggling with experiences such as divorce, the arrival of a new sibling, family changes, or other difficult transitions. Realm Therapy and Wellness uses play therapy to help children build the skills they need to better understand and manage their emotions.
contact us.
We’re here to help. Complete the form below, and our team will be in touch to answer your questions and help you explore your options.