Angela Emerson, LISW, CCTP, PMH-C
Owner, Clinic Director
I am a clinical social worker with a 34-year combined total of social work and mental health practice in the Des Moines area. I received my undergraduate degree from the New York Institute of Technology and my master’s degree from the University of Iowa.
My resume and my experiences over the past 34 years would be called eclectic in that I have assisted people from very diverse backgrounds with just as diverse issues, including the entire perinatal period, parenting challenges, life transitions, domestic violence, all forms of abuse, trauma, mental health, grief and loss, substances use disorders and more. In my past, I was a birth doula helping to deliver many babies throughout the community and then assisting to navigate through the postpartum period. Any issue related to the perinatal period would be considered a particular area of expertise that I have.
However, it is not all that I do as a mental health therapist. I have extensive training in the treatment of issues of attachment and trauma of all kinds, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, issues surrounding domestic violence and abuse, sexual assault, life transition challenges, grief and loss, and much more. I am trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems, an evidence-based therapy for trauma and dissociative disorders. I have received additional trauma-based education to become a certified clinical trauma professional.
Past clients have described my therapeutic style as inviting, warm, casual, and at times challenging. Building relationships is a strength that I bring and I rely upon my many years of experience to help guide which therapeutic modality I will use to assist you to navigate through your unique maze.
I invite you to send me an email with any questions you may have.
Jessica Gambrel, t-lmhc
With over 8 years of experience as a Professional School Counselor, I have had the privilege of working with students in both elementary and high school settings. My passion is in supporting teens and young adults while helping them manage stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, transitions, and life changes.
I strive to create an environment where you feel safe and eager to share what's on your heart. I bring authenticity, insight, acceptance, and understanding into our sessions, taking the time to get to know you while working to resolve root concerns. My goal is for you to leave each session feeling seen, heard, and supported. I hope to empower and inspire confidence, enabling you to navigate anything life throws your way.
To achieve this, I utilize a variety of counseling approaches ensuring that your treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs. We will work together to tackle your goals so that you never feel alone on your journey.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of the healing process and I’ll work to create a strong, trusting connection with each of my clients.
I received my Bachelors degree in Psychology (with minors in Family Services and Fine Art) from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in 2012, my Masters in School Counseling from Emporia State University - Kansas City in 2016, and my ASC in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UNI in 2024. I cherished my time as a school counselor, and realized that by transitioning to therapy, I had the potential to make an even more profound impact on people's lives by addressing concerns on a deeper level. When I am not in my office, I enjoy kickboxing, strength training, reading, and traveling.
I am Maddy
I have 5 years of experience in the mental health field; I work side by side with Angela. I am a 7-year-old retired racing Greyhound, and I primarily provide a place that people can come to admire and pet me.
When I sense that people are feeling sad or overwhelmed, I will come over to you and stand in front of you so that you can pet me. Sometimes, I might gently lean into you, and other times I will lay on the floor and place my head on top of your feet so that you can feel safe and protected by me. I especially love to lay on the couch and cuddle with you too. I am a gentle giant who loves people. I invite you to come and pet me!
I welcome pets and treats!