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.'
Click here to see my complete vita.

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.
Click here to see my complete vita.

Summer K. Brunscheen, Ph.D. - Licensed Psychologist, Certified Health Service Provider

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 at the Ames CIPS location. 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.
Click here to see my complete vita. Email Dr. Brunscheen.

Russell Lark, Ph.D. - Licensed Psychologist

I recently relocated to central Iowa and am currently accepting new clients. The primary focus of my practice is helping adults and older adolescents (15-17) deal with the stresses of life (relationship problems with partners, friends, and family of origin, anxiety, depression, eating concerns, spiritual concerns, etc.). Often when people first begin therapy they have little joy in their lives, and I strive to help them find that joy. I like to say that I help people laugh. While I'm not a comedian one of my goals is to help people feel free enough to LAUGH.

L - Love themselves,
A - Accept themselves,
U - Understand themselves,
G - Grow (personally/spiritually), and
H - Help themselves overcome obstacles

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to help you achieve your goals.

I am both a licensed Psychologist and Health Services Provider in Iowa. I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2007 after completing my Psychology Internship at Iowa State University's Student Counseling Service (2005-2006). Prior to moving to Des Moines and joining CIPS, I was employed as a Staff Psychologist at the Wake Forest University Counseling Center for 21 months.

Click here to see my complete vita.

Joann Seeman Smith, Ph.D., LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor
I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University. In my practice, I provide psychological assessments and therapy to children (as young as 2-years-old), adolescents, adults, and families. My areas of specialty include working with children, adolescents, and adults who have autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, behavior problems, depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties due to abuse, bereavement, or divorce.

My goals in psychological assessment and therapy are to help people identify their strengths and areas for growth, and to provide recommendations to help clients reach their goals in school, work, and home settings. I have an integrative theoretical orientation that blends Play Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy models. With young children I typically work in a play therapy modality in combination with a child's parents and family members.

Click here to see my complete vita

  Damini Parulekar, MD - Board Certified Consulting Psychiatrist

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who has practiced in Central Iowa for the past 10 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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Anthony Santiago, Ph.D., - Licensed Marital & Family Therapist

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.

Kimberly R. Worrell, 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 help them learn and use healthier coping skills. In my work, I have also helped many people to make difficult decisions and changes to live more satisfying lives. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), I have been doing outpatient therapy in a mental health setting for the past 16 years. My Masters' degree is in Clinical Social Work, which I received from the University of Iowa in 1991 and have advanced training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy. It is important to me to provide a nonjudgmental, confidential, safe environment with respect for all individual differences. I often help people address problems such as anxiety, phobias, past abuse & trauma, PTSD, career changes, depression, eating disorders, difficult transitions, grief & loss and even pet loss. During this process, when people do good teamwork, they usually experience personal growth beyond what they ever believed they would be able to achieve!
Click here to see vita.

Kathy Richardson, B.S.N., C.P.N.P., A.R.N.P. - Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner

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

Darshan Singh, Ed. D., NASP -Licensed Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist-

My therapeutic approach includes teaching - learning model, coaching, guidance, encouraging, providing knowledge & information, suggestions and recommendations to assist my students/clients to achieve their personally defined goals to improve the quality their life. I impress upon my students to be aware and mindful (consistently on a twenty-four hour basis) about their life being unique, authentic, stand-alone, and sacred with a special meaning and purpose. Primary emphasis is on personal, family, work, social and spiritual dimensions of life. Nurturing one's inner spirit, the golden core and the essence of one's being in order to carve his or her very own independent life-style is reinforced during each session. Global and secular outlook on life is also nurtured and encouraged. I serve all age groups. My thirty-nine years experince includes teaching, consulting, evaluations, therapy, counseling and administration in public and pri vate sectors. I am the founder and manager of Living Skills, LLC ( established in 1999) - a psychological services private business. Presently I am providing services in two nursing care facilities in Des Moines Area and am affiliated with Cental Iowa Psychological Services.

Sue Reimers L.M.F.T., L.M.S.W. - Mental Health Therapist

I have been working as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist for the past 14 years with adults, adolescents and children as young as 3 years old. I enjoy guiding people through the exploration of problems/concerns such as life transitions, depression, anxiety, grief & loss, abuse & trauma, emotion regulation, interpersonal relationship concerns, gay/lesbian issues, adjustment challenges, issues of spirituality, and a variety of other mental health concerns. I have extensive experience working with individuals, groups, couples and families. I believe therapy is a tool for people to develop greater understanding of who they are, an opportunity to explore interpersonal patterns of interaction, and path for learning new skills to deal with life's challenges. With support and guidance most people are able to increase their level of confidence and develop an ability to make necessary changes in their lives. One of life's greatest tragedies is to allow the potential in an individual to remain undiscovered. Healing is possible when an individual's strengths are used as the foundation for recovery. Click here to see my complete vita.

Karen R. Ahrens, Psy.D. - Licensed Psychologist

I am a licensed psychologist with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Central College in Pella, IA and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. I have been in practice for five years, three of which I worked with the National Health Service Corps working in underserved areas of rural Kansas. My experience is as a generalist seeing clients ranging in age from adolescence to end of life, with a multitude of concerns and varying severity. I have treated outpatients, provided diagnostic testing, completed presurgical screening/testing, consulted with local hospitals and physicians, worked in local nursing homes, done forensic evaluations, taught a divorce class, and run inpatient psychoeducational groups.

In my current position, I will continue to see adults and adolescents in therapy and will have a significant part of my practice dedicated to psychological testing for all ages and to working with older adults both in the community and within local nursing homes. My work with you would be influenced not only by my background, but also by my belief in the Common Factors Theory for therapy. In the Common Factors theory, the largest part of change is accounted for by the quality of the relationship you have with your therapist and your experience of hope. My approach is eclectic in nature and is meant to join you where you are and to walk with you to a more comfortable place. I look forward to meeting you. Click here to see my complete vita.

Melissa Wubben, LMHC, CADC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and have been providing therapy for children, adolescents, and adults for over five years. The majority of my work has focused on survivors of trauma and related emotional obstacles, behavioral difficulties (e.g., oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorders, ADHD), interpersonal relationship issues (including codependence), and substance use concerns. When working with children and adolescents I not only work with the child/teen but also frequently work with parents in a co-therapy/co-parenting approach. This helps parents learn more effective behavior management techniques and improves parent-child communication and problem-solving.

I enjoy working with people from all different backgrounds and I value the unique circumstances each person brings with him or her regarding all aspects of diversity. I use a dynamic approach to therapy, drawing from several specialties including client centered, interpersonal, motivational, and cognitive behavioral techniques. My primary therapy goals are to create a safe environment for client self exploration, and increase client awareness through direct, open, reciprocal communication. Click here to see my complete vita.

Matthew T. Hiveley, LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I am currently working toward completing my Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy through Iowa State University. I hope to graduate by the summer of 2009 and will then apply for my Marriage and Family Therapy licensure. I have provided counseling/therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in many different capacities over the past 10 years.

My goals in therapy are to build a healthy, trust-based relationship with each and every person I work with, to empathize with the struggles they are facing, to help them focus on their strengths, and to empower them to make positive changes toward achieving their goals. I use a solution-focused approach to therapy that is future-oriented and goal-directed. I also take a system's perspective, meaning that I believe all individuals are influenced in one way or another by those who are close to them. For this reason, I believe in the importance of the family and I welcome the opportunity to include as many family members as possible in the treatment process. I also understand the importance of one-on-one time, however, and provide individual treatment if preferred. I have experience working with many different concerns within the family, including child/adolescent behavioral difficulties, parent-child relational difficulties, general parenting concerns, and couple/marriage difficulties. I also have experience working with individuals with various mental health diagnoses.

I thoroughly enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples, from all walks of life, and feel honored to have the opportunity to participate in the process of helping people improve their lives! Click here to see my complete vita.

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