Hello There...
Before you decide to let us get to know you, please get to know us. Relationship is everything, especially when it comes to finding a therapist. The right fit makes all the difference! While no one is for everyone, we are dedicated to supporting you and will do our very best to find someone that works for you (even if it isn’t one of us). That’s just how important mental health and well-being are to our group.
We provide an intentionally inclusive, comfortable, and warm atmosphere. We do our best to make you feel right at home. Our providers are experienced, well-trained, and invested in your wellness and health. We can’t wait to meet you.
Our Team
Jess Pladsen, LMFT, RPT-S
Therapist, Approved AAMFT & Play Therapy Supervisor
Specializations
Anxiety, Attachment, Depression, Life Transitions & Adjustments, Trauma, Panic Disorder
Modalities
Narrative, Experiential, Psychodynamic, IFS, Solution-Focus, Sandtray, EFT, DBT, Autplay, EMDR (level 2), Person-Centered Play Therapy, Theraplay, & Somatic (SE, TEB, & Bodynamics)
Works With
Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy
Availability
T & W 9-5, Th 9-4 and F 9-noon
To our gifts, those of letting go, moving toward, and embracing change. Be seen, be heard, be you. Please accept this invitation to befriend curiosity. You are the writer of your story, perhaps not all the characters or experiences that have happened. However, you can create new meaning, energy, and life within your story. Find the unclaimed unconditional love that belongs to you. Move toward wholeness, full-heartedness, and acceptance… If this speaks to you, I warmly welcome you to be brave enough to risk. To be vulnerable enough to heal. To do the work of moving toward your balance, health, and wellbeing. I believe in the power of healthy authentic relationship. I am truly honored, humbled, and invested in this work.
ABD PhD: Marriage & Family Therapy, specialization in Neuroscience, Mount Mercy University, August 2018- present
Master’s Degree: Marriage & Family Therapy, Mount Mercy University, 2012
Bachelor of Arts Degree: Major in Psychology, Minor in Sociology, Mount Mercy University, 2008
Adjunct Professor in MFT at Mt. Mercy University, 2022- present
US Association of Play Therapy, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, 2021
Iowa Association of Play Therapy: General Board Member, 2020-present
Publication as co-author in Journal of Family Therapy, 2020
AAMFT Approved Supervisor, 2019
US Association of Play Therapy, Registered Play Therapist, 2018
IAPT Rookie of the Year Award 2017
Christine Woodruff Award 2008
Guest College Lecturer & Community Presentations
Amy Reihman, LMHC
Therapist, Supervisor
Specializations
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Woman’s Issues, & Life Stressors or Transitions
Modalities
Narrative, EMDR, Solution-Focused, Collaborative, CBT, and Somatic (TEB)
Works With
Adolescents, Adults, Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy
Availability
M 9-5, T 9-2, W 9-5, Th 9-5
Every person is unique with their very own experiences and stories. Amy embodies this idea in her therapeutic approach. Each person’s therapy experience should honor these differences and be as individualized as they are. Passionate about helping clients feel safe and comfortable Amy strives to create an inviting therapeutic environment that fosters and promotes the type of healing and change you may be seeking. Collaborative in her approach, a primary goal is to support you in making the progress you want, around the goals that matter to you.
While the process of therapy can be hard and difficult at times, these challenges create the possibility for amazing change and growth to occur. Creating new possibilities around what may have felt impossible, opening the ability to inspire and center us. Amy believes in and enjoys taking moments to reflect upon your growth and steps you have taken, supporting you in the spaces that may be uncomfortable at times. One of the most impactful therapeutic tools we possess as therapists is the ability to connect with others on a genuine, authentic, human level.
Humor can be a great tool in this area, and laughter and shared smiles are encouraged. After all therapy incorporates the entire spectrum of emotion. When therapists are able to genuinely and authentically connect people feel seen, heard, and cared for. It ignites powerful healing and resilience, more impactful than any particular therapeutic technique or modality alone. To quote Brené Brown “shame is that warm feeling that washes over us, making us feel small, flawed, and never good enough… if we share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
Master’s Degree: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, Capella University, 2014
Bachelor of Science Degree: Major in Psychology, Minor in Sociology and Human Relations, University of Iowa, 2009
Approved Supervisor
Community Presenter & Speaker
Safe Haven: Board Member & Volunteer
Leona Childs, LMHC
Therapist
Specializations
Infertility Treatment Interventions, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, & Life Transitions
Modalities
Person-Centered, ACT, DBT, Strength-Based
Works With
Adolescents & Adults, Individual Therapy
Availability
M-Th 8-1
With experience comes new appreciation, insight, and understanding. You know yourself better than anyone. You are your best resource when it comes to therapy. As a mental health counselor, I take the time to get to know you in ways that you can be heard, understood, and heal. Providing the supports you need to promote a growth mindset and create new meanings and insights. Using a collaborative approach, I can help to facilitate and set attainable goals focused on your values, ambitions, and aspirations.
You deserve a safe, empowering, and compassionate space in which to explore these areas. I am very intentional about creating a genuine and mindful connection with clients and have acquired the skill of balancing between securing supportive and directive action-oriented communication often needed to make a difference. Currently, I work with adolescents and adults. My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. My passion and specialization is working with individuals impacted by infertility issues. I can navigate with you through the stages and complicated toil this can have across all aspects of a person’s life. With the specialized training as a mental health professional approved through the American Society of Reproductive Medicine for treatment and use of infertility interventions, I strive to provide exceptional care for infertility.
Please know you don’t have to go it alone. You can work through these spaces with someone who truly “gets it”.
Master’s Degree: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Northern Iowa, 2014
Bachelor of Arts Degree: Major in Psychology and Family Services, Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, University of Northern Iowa, 2011
Infertility and Treatment Interventions – Mental Health Professional Certificate – American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Guest College Lecturer & Community Presentations
Lindsay Miles, LISW
Therapist
Specializations
Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma
Modalities
Acceptance and Commitment, DBT, Solution-Focus
Works With
Adolescents, Adults, Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy
Availability
M: 4:30-7, T: 5:30-7:30, W: 4:30-7, Th: 4:30-6
No one should move through life, silently experiencing emotional distress with little to no sense of hope. Yet, so many individuals do. Whether it be a result of biology and/or experience, a person’s thoughts and emotions can greatly shape their reality- leaving them to struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel. By reconnecting with values, meaning, and purpose: a person can begin to break free from the hold of uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. While involvement in therapy entails a great deal of vulnerability, it can also be an important step toward desired growth. One of the best indicators of therapeutic success lies within the client-therapist alliance. For this reason, I look to provide a warm, non-judgmental presence that empathizes with the client’s journey and identifies areas of resilience, empowerment, and strength. Through a combination of Acceptance and Commitment, Dialectical-Behavioral, and Solution-Focused Therapies, I incorporate mindfulness strategies into my approach to support clients in creating lifestyle balance toward their desired values and goals.
Master’s Degree: Social Work, St. Ambrose University
Bachelor of Science: Psychology, University of Iowa
15+ years community service in mental health
Non-profit residential & crisis intervention
Public Education
Girls on the Run of Eastern Iowa Volunteer
Non-profit residential & crisis intervention
Girls on the Run of Eastern Iowa Volunteer
Critical Incident Stress Management Certified
Trauma Art Narrative Therapy Certified
Member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals
Recipient of 2021 Administrative/Support Staff Excellence Award
Adjunct Professor at St. Ambrose University’s Master’s of Social Work program
Community trainer, facilitator, presenter- topics include general mental health, anxiety, mindfulness, expressive arts in therapy, cultural humility, and trauma-informed practices
Madison Miller, t-LMFT
Therapist
Specializations
Anxiety, Depression, Relational, Development & Life Phase Transitions
Modalities
Narrative, Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, Emotional Focused Therapy
Works With
Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy
Availability
M-T: noon-7, W-F 9-5
Every person is capable of growth and improvement as they move through their personal journey. No two journeys are the same and no one should have to walk it alone. I am passionate about working collaboratively with clients, supporting them on their path to wellness, and encouraging the solutions that can make a difference. As a recent Master’s level graduate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Mercy University I am current on the latest effective treatment and best practices. My education in family systems, human development, and relationships can be helpful in providing new perspectives, awareness, and support in stepping out of these perpetual problems to find long-lasting solutions. Currently I am working toward becoming a registered play therapist and volunteer as the student board member for Iowa’s Association of Play Therapy. Sometimes my work, is literally PLAY! Thoughtful in my approach I create a welcoming environment and cherish forming meaningful connections with others. I truly care and have a high desire to help others reach their desired goals, cheering them on as they make this progress, and celebrating the positive impact this can have.
Master’s Degree: Marriage & Family Therapy, Mount Mercy University, 2021
Bachelor of Science Degree: Psychology, Mount Mercy University, 2019
IAPT Rookie of the Year Award 2023
Iowa Association of Play Therapy: Student Board Member 2021-2022
Psi Chi – The International Society in Psychology 2018-19
National Society of Leadership and Success 2018-19
National Council of Youth Leadership Scholarship 2016
Sarah Bell, T-LMFT
Therapist
Specializations
Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Adjustment
Modalities
Solution-Focused, Experiential, Emotionally Focused Therapy
Works With
Adolescents, Adults, Individuals, Couples, & Families
Availability
We all struggle from time to time, no one is alone in this. Whether difficulties stem from emotions, relationships, day to day life, or anything in between. Having a non-judgmental space to share these experiences in can be immensely beneficial. Sometimes we need someone to actively listen and other times we need someone with the knowledge to provide skills and tools to make changes that can better our lives. It’s great when one person can do both. I firmly believe authentic and supportive relationships can help heal. While sometimes this process can be challenging, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart, it can be rewarding as well. My goal as a therapist is to provide an atmosphere of compassion and curiosity to help develop new insight and awareness. Supporting and building confidence, motivation, understanding, and resilience. Focusing on strengths and encouraging you to get to the place you want to be.
7+ years community service in mental health
Crisis intervention experience
Bailey Ryan, T-LMHC
Therapist
Specializations
Adjustments & Life Transitions, Anxiety, Depression & Grief
Modalities
Person Centered, CPT, Solution-Focused, Play Therapy
Works With
Children & Adolescents
Availability
Play is my favorite therapeutic language. I continue to be in awe of how play therapy supports children in processing and learning by doing what they do best. Play therapy expands children’s self-expression, self-esteem, communication, and emotional regulation skills. It is a highly effective modality of therapy for children. Play therapy supports healing, new awareness, ability for healthy connection, and problem-solving skills.
Children are talented, resilient, and can change the world! But sometimes they need a little help along the way. I strive to be an advocate, support, teacher, and listener as they work through whatever is brought to session. I help to give children the tools and skills they can use throughout their lifetime.
I have worked with children for years in both school and private practice settings. I firmly believe that relationships heal. Through my years of experience, I excel in creating a welcoming, safe, and nonjudgmental environment for children and adolescents to do the work they need to do in a trusting environment. I strive to meet the child where they are at and support in leading them where they need to go. I take an active approach utilizing a variety of interactive interventions, providing hands on tools that can support emotional regulation and coping skills. I also enjoy using art in session when appropriate. I am passionate and invested in my work. I am honored to be a part of a child’s journey and support them as they grow and learn.
Masters degree: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Iowa, 2020
Majors Psychology and Anthropology, Minor Human Relations, University of Iowa, 2018
IAPT School-Based Therapist of the Year Award 2023
7+ years community mental health services
Crisis Intervention Support Experience
Public Education Work Experience
The Green Bandana Project Trainer 2018–2020
Monica Siegel, T-LMFT
Therapist
Specializations
Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Relationship Stressors, Self-Esteem, Trauma
Modalities
Experiential, Narrative, Solution-Focused, EFT
Works With
Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy
Availability
M T 9–5, W 11–7, Th 9–4
Whether your hope for therapy is for finding change or acceptance, healing or wellness, know that you do not need to navigate it alone. Our greatest hope is to have the best possible experience in our relationships with others and within ourselves. We can not be content in our experience if we are caught up in our past or preoccupied with the future. However, we can work together to reflect on how we make meaning of the past, and how it influences our experiences, behaviors, and ways of being in our relationships.
I am here to create a relationship with you that is free of judgment and pressure. My passion lies in connecting with people, so I prioritize making you feel safe, respected, and free to be yourself. Our work together will enable you to feel more comfortable to express your emotions, to process your pain, and to identify and build on your strengths. Our ultimate goal is to make it more possible for you to feel more alive in each moment as it comes.
As a marriage and family therapist, I work with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. With a systemic, holistic perspective, I am interested in how you impact and are impacted by your relationships, family, and culture. Additionally, I place emphasis on the mind-body connection, helping people harness the deep impact that thoughts and feelings have on our physical health and vice versa. My approach is experiential, collaborative, and adaptable to you and your goals.
Master’s Degree: Marriage and Family Therapy, Mount Mercy University, 2022
Bachelor of Arts Degree: Major in Biology, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Minor in Chemistry, Coe College, 2020
Residential treatment experience
Gymnastics coach of over 8 years
As a triplet and one of five, I understand the experience of coming from a big family and being a multiple
Jason Cleveland, LMFT
Therapist
Specializations
Modalities
Narrative, Experiential, IFS, Solution-Focus, EFT
Works With
Availability
M 9–5, T 9–6, W 10–3, Th 10–6, F 10–2
Usually when someone asks me why they should go to therapy, I ask them if they think they could benefit from having a non-judgmental third party whose only motive in therapy is to help them get what they want in life. Having someone who can help identify the obstacles and then walk beside you to find healing and the solutions to the presenting struggles can be life changing. I want to be that person for you. The safe soul sherpa. To be for you at times a guide, to be someone you can feel safe with, to feel safe enough to feel and heal, to be someone to challenge you to grow and find the light that is always shining within you. Life can get cloudy and finding our way past the haze and though the thorns can be challenging. I believe that even in the mist of the darkest and scariest storms of life the light is and has always been shining on the other side of the swirling struggles of life. I feel as a therapist my role is to help equip you to withstand the storm and assess the storm damage and explore how you would like to rebuild after. Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of storms from long ago, or are currently in the midst of one, I hope to be able to lend a compassionate hand and walk through this experience with you to find healing and hope.
Marissa Quint, LMFT
Therapist
Specializations
Relationships & Attachment, Play Therapy, Anxiety, Depression, & Other Mood Disorders, Life-Cycle Changes & Adjustments, Self-Esteem
Modalities
Attachment, Emotion-Focused, Experiential, Adlerian
Works With
Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy
Availability
M noon-5, T-Th 9-5
Relationships help us feel connected and whole. When there is a breakdown in our relationships, it can lead to depression, anxiety, anger, and grief. Challenges in relationships can occur through a multitude of avenues, including military deployment/reintegration, adoption, infidelity, life adjustments, parenting, or divorce. I work with families, couples, and individuals of all ages to strengthen the emotional and relational bonds to help them experience more fulfilling relationships. I am dedicated to helping clients reach these optimal levels of wellness through a collaborative, non-judgmental, and empathetic stance. I work to make sessions feel less about advice giving and more about finding each individual’s, couples’, or family’s unique way of experiencing optimal personal and relational happiness. I understand reaching out for help can be hard, but if you are seeking help with the challenges you are experiencing, I would be honored to take the next steps with you on your journey towards healing.
Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Northern Iowa in Psychology and Family Services
Master of Arts degree from Mount Mercy University in Marriage and Family Therapy
IAPT Rookie of the Year 2020
Kalen Zeiger, MS, tLMFT, CCTP, CFTP
Therapist
Specializations
Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+ Stressors, Trans and Gender Affirming, Queer Affirming, Neurodiverse Validating, WPATH-based Assessments for Letters of Support
Modalities
Narrative, Solution Focused, Collaborative, Systemic
Works With
Individuals, Families, Couples & Partners, Groups, Adults, Adolescents, & Parents
Availability
M & F 9–5
I am a queer therapist who specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ populations including individuals, families, couples, and parents (both parents who are queer and parents of queer kids). I use postmodern therapy models to provide supportive and affirming mental health care. I have experience with WPATH-based psychosocial assessments and letters of support. As a trauma-informed and certified professional, my goal is to provide collaborative mental health support to individuals, couples, parents, and families like yours who are often navigating confusing and less than accepting social and care scenarios. I also understand that, unfortunately, queer people are more likely to have trauma. I became a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP) to help clients like you process trauma and move forward.
ABD PHD: Couple & Family Therapy, University of Iowa, August 2020–present
ABT MA: Educational Measurement & Statistics, University of Iowa, January 2021–present
Master’s Degree: Human Development & Family Science, focus in Marriage & Family Therapy, University of Central Missouri, 2020
Bachelor of Arts Degree: Major in Psychology, Minors in Anthropology, Sociology, and Women’s Studies, Columbia College, 2018
Certified Family Trauma Professional 2019–2026
2022 Social Justice Award, Couple & Family Therapy Program, University of Iowa
2020 Level I Award, E-entry Research Presentation: A Narrative Inquiry into Trans and Gender Variant Identities and Adverse Stress Experiences, Graduate Scholars Symposium, University of Central Missouri
2020 Reid Hemphill Outstanding Graduate Student Scholarship, Overall University Winner, Harmon College Winner, University of Central Missouri
2019 Level I Award, Research Poster and Presentation: The Role of Resources and Security on Primary Caregiver Negative Parenting Behaviors, Graduate Scholars Symposium, University of Central Missouri
2018 Presidential Award, Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri
Special Interest Professional Development: Cultural and Diversity Training & Education
Guest Lecturer & Community Presentations
Publication in Sexuality & Culture and other Journals
Chapter Author: “Cameras Off: Gender Dysphoria in Teletherapy” in The Therapist’s Notebook for Teletherapy with Children and Adolescents: Creative Interventions for Effective Online Therapy
Co-founder Diversity Equity & Inclusion Subcommittee for the Graduate Student Executive Committee at the College of Education, University of Iowa
2022–2023 Committee Member: Student Advisory Committee on Sexual Misconduct, University of Iowa
2019–2020 Committee Member: Sexual Assault Response Team through Survival Adult Abuse Center in Warrensburg, MO
Leslie Caton Frey, TLMFT
Therapist
Specializations
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Relationship Issues, Family Conflict, Life Changes, Stepfamilies
Modalities
Narrative, IFS, Emotion-Focused Therapy
Works With
Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individual, Couples & Groups, Family Therapy
Availability
M 8–5, T 9–2, W 9–5, Th 10–6
Feeling stuck in a relationship, job, or past experience? Maybe you don’t understand why you feel the way you do, why you can’t stop doing something you don’t want, or why you can’t start doing something you do. Maybe you’re dealing with something really painful that you need to work through but don’t know how. You’re the expert on your life, your strengths, and what you need to thrive. Sometimes you—and all of us—just need a little help to see it.
As a systems therapist, I understand that we’re all impacted by our environment, our history, and the people around us. I create a compassionate, non-judgmental environment to help you understand and accept yourself in new ways and learn what you need to get where you need to go. We will work at your pace without pressure.
Master’s Degree: Marriage and Family Therapy, Mount Mercy University, 2022
Bachelor of Arts Degree: English with an emphasis in Creative Nonfiction Writing, Minor in Gender Womens & Sexuality Studies, University of Iowa, 2015
Trained in Trauma—Focused CBT
Experience working on crisis hotlines and sexual assault survivor advocacy
Facilitated sexual assault survivor writing workshop and spoken word event