A note from Elizabeth

Teen, ADULT & Couples’ Therapist

Our experiences play a big role in shaping who we are and how we see the world. By exploring and rethinking these experiences, we can gain new insights and find a path to a happier, healthier life.

I have an MBA from the Tippie Business School, University of Iowa, a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a dynamic background in helping people succeed.

My passion is centered on working to improve wellbeing. As a mediator for more than twenty years, I’ve helped people resolve conflicts and move forward with clarity and forgiveness. I have also been a business executive, both owning a consulting company and leading agencies providing mental health and disability services, strengthening families, and improving health.

Serving on the board of West Des Moines Community Schools has given me a deep understanding of the new pressures facing families, young people, teachers, and staff in our post-pandemic era.

I primarily use Narrative Therapy, which centers the client as the expert in their own life and helps them create space for growth and new possibilities that better reflect their values, strengths, and hopes. I also draw from other methods including Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients develop curiosity and compassion toward their internal parts, especially those shaped by trauma or protective roles; building emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving communication and boundary-setting in relationships with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) methods; and mindfulness, values clarification, and committed action—helping clients build psychological flexibility and take meaningful steps aligned with what matters most to them.

I love board games, quilting, gardening, riding my bike, and spending time with my three (adult) kids. I’m super curious – and love learning new things. I am seeing clients of all ages and abilities – including couples, families, executive, retirees, and teens. I’m excited to work together to rewrite your story, highlighting your strengths and resilience for a brighter. more fulfilling future.