
Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

Sheila Funk-Jansen
Hello, my name is Sheila Funk-Jansen. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Iowa and Illinois. I graduated with my MSW in social work in 2003 from University of Missouri-Columbia. I have worked with a variety of courageous people in my journey to help them be more vulnerable, brave, and resilient. For the last 25+ years, I I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, family conflicts, and many other areas of life. I believe people have the resiliency to move the barriers that life presents to us. Life is all about learning. Learning about ourselves and giving up our comforts in life are scary even if they are unhealthy. Each person is unique and I am here to start where you are at in your journey. I utilize therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focus Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing along with utilizing other modalities. The client and therapist's alliance is crucial in providing a safe, non judgmental space to be open and vulnerable to see their potential and resiliency to grow when experiencing hurt and pain. I see people through the week along with some weekends. I work with schedules as much as I can to help get people in sooner when needed. I look forward in working with you. Sheila

Barbara "Barb" Kroening
Asking for help can be very difficult and I believe it takes a lot of strength. I feel everybody needs a little help at some point in their life and there is nothing wrong with that. I embrace the opportunity to be the person people can reach out to for that help. I feel honesty is very important and will offer a safe, non judgmental space for you to openly share your thoughts and struggles. I am a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Iowa with 15 years work experience. I believe it is important to meet people where they are at and am willing to do so while also offering gentle encouragement to help people get to where they want to be. I have worked with individuals with substance abuse issues, anger issues, trauma history, relationship issues, grief and loss, and parenting issues. I have worked closely with immigration populations on a professional and personal basis. I look forward to hearing from you.

Alice Rock
Hi. I have many years of doing substance abuse counseling in a hospital setting in Iowa. I have also worked as a school counselor with grades K - 8, I have taught Psychology courses on the college level and am familiar with all aspects of counseling theories and brain development. The college course I enjoyed teaching the most is "Wellness." This course discussed all aspects of both physical and mental health, which, of course are connected. I incorporate wellness and long-term balance in my counseling sessions.

Dr. Tracy Williams
I am licensed in three states with 24 years of professional work experience. I am a parent and grandparent. I have experience in helping adults, families, parents, and adolescents with a variety of concerns including relationship issues, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, past trauma and rebuilding confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support you in that journey and help you get where you want to go!

Jena Byorum
Hello- My name is Jena and I am a licensed therapist in Iowa with 11 years of professional work experience. Sometimes life is just hard. Sometimes feelings don't make sense or seem overwhelming. Sometimes having someone to help you figure things out can help you to start feeling better. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Kendra Covington
I am licensed in Iowa with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Kathryn Ard
I am licensed in Alabama with over 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Dr. Ashley Shelanski
I am licensed in Minnesota with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Joan Burgos
Hello! My name is Joan E. Burgos, and I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensed to practice in the state of Iowa. For seven years, I have worked as a counselor for two major community mental health agencies in the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. During this time, I have worked with both teenagers and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health issues, from depression to schizophrenia. I graduated with my MA in clinical psychology from the University of Tulsa in 2013. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, and my own therapeutic style combines elements of each. I've been passionate about psychology my entire life. As someone who has experienced serious mental health issues herself, I am intimately familiar with both sides of the therapeutic relationship. I have found it extremely beneficial to my practice to understand what it's like to sit in the client's chair, sharing a client's expectations for treatment. As a trans woman, it has been my pleasure to grow along with my local LGBT+ community. I have served as a volunteer counselor for an outdoor camp for LGBT+ youth, assisting teens with mental health issues and addressing crises that popped up during the trip. As a person of color, I have labored within my community to improve resource accessibility for other people of color, working most closely with the local Hispanic community. When I'm not doing therapy, I am an avid gamer and writer. I write primarily urban fantasy and science fiction, and I enjoy immersing myself in psychological and philosophical readings. I have a BA from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, in both English and Philosophy. I look forward to meeting and working with you to help you discover and become the best version of you.
Find a therapist serving clients in Iowa
What types of therapists are available to clients in Waukee?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Waukee that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Waukee available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Waukee therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Waukee therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Waukee region and in the state of Iowa.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Waukee can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Waukee may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Waukee offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.