I received my PhD. in counseling Psychology from Iowa State University where I studied process dimensions in psychotherapy for my dissertation. I have Board Certification from the American Psychological Association's College of Professional Psychology for treatment of substance use disorders and additional training in existential, gestalt, cognitive-behavioral, and logotheraputic approaches to my work. My work with you would likely be an eclectic blend of cognitive-behavioral, existential and humantistic positions. Prior to becoming a psychologist I taught psychology full time at DMACC for 15 years.

In additional to working with individuals ages 13 and older, couples and families, I also work with veterans of the armed forces and with seniors. I also work with businesses and as a workshop facilitator.

I love my work and it is 'my calling.'
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Linda Trudeau, Ph.D. - Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - I earned my Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Counseling from Iowa State University, and also hold an M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Iowa. In my 20+ years of practice, I have worked with people with a variety of issues and concerns. I work with adolescents and adults, and see individuals, couples, and families.

I especially enjoy working with people on their relationship issues in the context of other concerns, such as depression or anxiety symptoms. I have found that family support can be an important component of recovery. I also have an affinity for women's issues and gay/lesbian issues. And, having raised two children through adolescence and beyond, I find I enjoy working with families during this often-stressful time of life. In addition, my rehabilitation background has proved useful in working with people adjusting to chronic health difficulties. I prefer to work in a brief, goal-directed therapy style that is collaborative. I see therapy as a tool for learning and self-discovery, and as a therapist, I see my role as a personal consultant to individuals and families.
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Summer K. Brunscheen, Ph.D. - Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University. I enjoy conducting therapy and psychological evaluations for children, adults, and older adults and work both at the Ames and West Des Moines CIPS locations. I have an integrative theoretical orientation that blends Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Play Therapy models. I provide individual psychotherapy for children as young as 4 years old, adolescents, adults, and older adults. I work collaboratively with individuals and their families on adjustment & transition issues, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, behavior disorders, & mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. I have a predominantly "here and now" and strengths-based focus and incorporate problem solving and therapeutic homework in sessions. In addition to therapy, I also conduct psychological evaluations to identify personality issues, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorders in order to help assess individuals' strengths, areas for growth, and to provide recommendations to help clients reach their goals in their school, work, and home settings.
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  Damini Parulekar, MD - Board Certified Consulting Psychiatrist - I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who has practiced in Central Iowa for the past 7 years. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults and adolescents. My areas of specialty include working with people with depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and other thought disorders. My goal is to provide quality care in a respectful and responsible manner. I strongly believe that it is important to attend to the whole person, including their biological and psychological functioning in the context of their social and cultural background. Click here to see my complete vita.

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Marcia L. Michaels, Ph.D. - Licensed Marital and Family Therapist - I provide brief therapy for individuals, couples, and families on a variety of issues. I have worked extensively with families experiencing marital problems, family conflict, and child/adolescent behavior problems. My specialty includes working with families experiencing stressful family transitions such as divorce and remarriage. In addition, I work with individuals who display symptoms of depression and adjustment difficulties due to stressful life events.

I take an ecological or biopsychosocial perspective in my work. In other words, I take several things into consideration when assessing the problem: the individual, the family system, and the larger socio-cultural context in which the person lives and works. In addition, my background in child and family development allows me to consider developmental issues that may be contributing to the problem. My theoretical orientation is systemic and I use several therapeutic models, such as Solution Focused, Strategic, and Cognitive Behavioral. I tend to work collaboratively with my clients to ensure they are experiencing the changes they desire for themselves. Click here to see vita.

Anthony Santiago, Ph.D., Licensed Marital & Family Therapy - My name is Anthony Santiago. I am a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist. My areas of interest include working with couples, families, adults, adolescents, and children. Some of the issues I work with include marital, problem solving/conflict resolution, step-families, single parenting, disciplining, communication, addictions, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral issues. In addition to my professional training in Marriage and Family Therapy I have also received training in church ministry and Christian theology. Where appropriate I do integrate spirituality in my work with my clients who desire such perspective and who present spirituality as a factor that governs their lifestyle. As a therapist I primarily see myself in the role of facilitating changes in concert with my clients own motivation and desire for changes. I tell my clients that their desire to seek help is a great strength in and of itself. My overarching theoretical framework is based on a systems perspective, which sees individuals as mutually influencing one another's behavior as opposed to focusing on a single individual. Within this overarching theory I primarily tend to use Solution Focused approaches and strategies. Solution Focused approach focuses on finding reasonable solutions and options as apposed to focusing on problems. I believe that all people have strengths no matter how bad things have gone wrong. I focus on using clients' strengths and past abilities as a foundation to develop new skills and abilities. I also believe in providing a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients can learn, develop, grow, and realize their potential and goals. Click here to see my vita.

Kim Cade, M.S.W., L.I.S.W.- Licensed Master Social Worker - Guided by training and experience in family systems theory, I look at the uniqueness of each individual and the connections or interlocking relationships this individual has in family relationships, society, religious groups, professional environment, and their local community.

One area of interest and specialty I have, focuses on helping parents overcome family difficulties or lowering anxiety, creating a stronger family with a more open relationship between spouses and the parents and children. Also, other areas of specialty include working with teenagers and adults in understanding how substance abuse can be repeated through generations and how to break the cycle, and understanding family anxiety and how this can erupt into violence and a broken family unit. Sibling position or birth order and how this affects an individuals personality, their interactions with others, and the kind of relationships they tend to form is a strong interest of mine.

Overall, I am comfortable and qualified to work with most issues of individuals over the age of 12 - depression, anxiety, childhood abuse, domestic abuse, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, grief issues, obsessive-compulsive disorders, marriage issues and spiritual concerns. I have worked with children under age 12, as long as the parent(s) is the primary client and invested in treatment. I have the ability to apply diversity in my psychotherapy approach such as using cognitive or solution focused therapy when needed. Click here to see my complete vita.

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Lu Klatt , L.I.S.W., A.C.S.W. - Licensed Independent Social Worker
I work with adolescents and adults in individual, couples and family therapy to enable them to replace destructive behavior with healthy coping skills. I have helped many people to make difficult decisions and changes to live more satisfying lives. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and have been doing outpatient therapy in a mental health setting for the past 12 years. I received my Masters' in Clinical Social Work from the University of Iowa in 1991 and have advanced training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy. I strive to provide a nonjudgmental, confidential environment with respect for all individual differences. I often help people address problems such as eating disorders, difficult transitions, past abuse & trauma, PTSD, career changes, depression, anxiety, grief & loss and even pet loss. During this process, people often seem quite pleased at the personal growth they are able to achieve!
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Linda Feldman, LISW -
In my practice I work with children, adolescents, adults and couples. I have been working in the mental health field for 25 years. When appropriate I take a more in-depth (Psychodynamic/Developmental) approach with people to understand themselves better so that they can gain insight and make different choices and resolve long-standing problems and patterns. In addition I will use cognitive-behavioral strategies when needed. I have had additional post-graduate training in child play therapy, parent guidance, adolescent treatment, adult psychodynamic psychotherapy, grief and loss issues and minority mental health.

I am comfortable working with many different issues such as depression, anxiety, loss, life transitions, past abuse and trauma, personal relationships or work related difficulties, women's issues, gay and lesbian issues just to name a few. Another area of interest to me is working with minorities whether that is people of color or sexual orientation. I feel that the therapeutic relationship of trust and safety established between my clients and myself is very important to the healing process and to understanding oneself better. In addition I tend to take into account the "whole person" (emotional, physical and spiritual) in our work together and how they are inter-connected. Click here to see vita.

Kathy Richardson, B.S.N., C.P.N.P., A.R.N.P.-
I am an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner licensed in Iowa and Board Certified Nationally as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. My background includes 20 years experience with Child Health Specialty Clinics, which is affiliated with the University of Iowa and provides services for children with special needs and their families in a multi-disciplinary team setting. I have had most of my experience working with children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and developmental disabilities, however, am also experienced in the care of children of all ages with a variety of behavior challenges, including temper tantrums, enuresis, encopresis, sleep disorders, obesity and other eating disorders.

A child’s behavior is a combination of many factors, including genetics and environment.

With a thorough medical history, physical exam and psychological testing (provided by the therapists at CIPS or elsewhere), a diagnosis and treatment plan will be developed. This plan may include individual or family therapy, support groups, medications, or counseling regarding nutrition, sleep hygiene or behavior management.

A unique aspect of my service includes providing coordination of care among your various service providers including your family physician, psychiatrist or other medical specialists, school and therapist. As a parent of a child with special needs, I understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with many different professionals and a multitude of health, educational and behavior concerns. I have a great deal of empathy for parents raising a child with special needs, as I know personally the challenges and the joys involved. With a team approach, my goal is to build on your family strengths, promote a healthy lifestyle and support your family in your efforts to provide a safe, nurturing and positive environment for your child.

Click here to see my complete vita

Sue Reimers - Click here to see my complete vita.

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Dina Kasupovic - I am responsible for all billing, accounts payable and associated tasks in direct consultation with our corporate CPA. I work Monday-Friday out of the West Des Moines offices where I also do the payroll for all CIPS employees and am entrusted with the responsibility to see that all accounting and billing functions are done to the highest standard possible. In conjunction with other office staff I am the person you might speak with if you should have a billing or accounting question that they are not able to answer to your satisfaction. It is your satisfaction as a client and as a 'customer' of CIPS that I strive to meet relative to any financial or billing issue. I join with both the owners, the therapists and the staff in both offices to strive to serve you to the best of my/our ability-always.