Teen Therapy Iowa | Adolescent Counseling Des Moines | Heart & Vine Counseling
Heart & Vine Counseling — Colfax, Iowa

Teen Therapy in Iowa

Adolescent counseling for ages 10+ — DBT skills, trauma support, identity work, and a space where teens can actually be honest about what's going on

Schedule a Consultation

A Therapist Who Actually Gets Teens


I have a special passion for working with teenagers and young adolescents. Before starting Heart & Vine Counseling, I worked in a residential treatment facility for youth ages 10–17 and served as a community mental health provider — so I've walked alongside a lot of young people doing their best to survive really hard things, often quietly, with more on their shoulders than most adults realize.

Teens deserve a therapist who takes them seriously, doesn't talk down to them, and creates a space where they can be honest without fear of judgment or consequences. That's what I aim to provide — a warm, nonjudgmental space where your teen can show up exactly as they are.

Ages Served: I work with children and teens starting at age 10, through adolescence and into adulthood. Whether your child is in middle school, high school, or just starting college, I can help.

What I Help Teens With


Anxiety & Worry Academic Stress Social Pressure & Friendships Trauma & Abuse Identity & "Who Am I?" Depression & Low Mood Self-Harm Urges Anger & Emotional Outbursts Family Conflict Life Transitions Faith & Spirituality Questions Grief & Loss Low Self-Esteem ADHD-Related Struggles

How I Work With Teens


🧠

DBT Skills

Practical, teachable skills for managing big emotions, tolerating distress, and navigating relationships — tools teens can actually use at school and home.

🌱

Brain-Based Education

Helping teens understand what's happening in their brain and nervous system — so they see themselves as human, not broken or "too much."

🔍

Identity Work

Helping teens get to know themselves — their values, strengths, and story — so they have a clearer sense of who they are and where they're going.

🌊

Trauma-Informed Care

A safe, paced approach to processing difficult experiences — with full respect for the teen's comfort and readiness.


A Note for Parents & Guardians

I know it can feel vulnerable to hand your child over to a therapist. Here's what you can expect from me:

Collaboration: I'll work with you as a team. For younger teens especially, I'll keep you informed about general progress and involve you in goal-setting, while still protecting your teen's privacy and sense of safety in the therapy room.

Transparency about limits: I'll be clear about what I can and can't share, and why. Your teen needs to trust that the therapy space is safe — that's what makes it work.

Communication: If I have concerns about your teen's safety, I will always involve you. You won't be left in the dark about anything that matters.

I'm happy to answer your questions before your teen's first session. Reach out anytime.


Teen Therapy FAQ


My teen doesn't want to go to therapy. What should I do?

This is very common. Teens often resist therapy because they're worried about being judged, "fixed," or forced to talk about things they're not ready to discuss. I'd encourage you to frame it as a space that's for them — not something being done to them. Sometimes it helps to let them know they're in control of what they share. If they're willing to try one session with no commitment, that's often enough for them to see it's not what they feared. Feel free to reach out and I can talk through strategies with you.

Will you tell me everything my teen says in therapy?

No — and that's actually important for therapy to work. Teens need to know the therapy room is a safe space where they can be honest without everything going back to their parents. I'll keep you informed about general progress and themes, and I'll always involve you if there are safety concerns. But the specifics of what your teen shares stay confidential, just as they would for an adult client.

Do you offer telehealth for teens?

Yes. Telehealth is available for teens anywhere in Iowa. Many teens actually prefer video sessions — they can connect from their own room, which can feel less intimidating than coming to an office. All sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

What age do you start working with?

I work with children and teens starting at age 10. If your child is younger than 10, I'm happy to provide referrals to therapists who specialize in younger children.

Your Teen Deserves Support

Reaching out is the first step. I'll respond within 2–3 business days to answer questions and talk through whether I'm a good fit for your teen.

Get in Touch View Services & Fees