Exceeding Expectations One Patient at a Time

VANESSA L. WEST, M.S., LMHC

Do you feel like you need to be more connected not only to others, but yourself? As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the beautiful state of Iowa, I can help you work through life’s struggles past or present. I provide mental health therapy services to individuals and families beginning as early as 4 years old. I provide therapy to first responders. I specialize in working with both juvenile and adult offenders through the use of correctional counseling. I provide strength based therapy to children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with, but not limited to, the following issues:

• ADHD

• Anxiety

• Depression

• PTSD/Trauma

• Life Struggles and Transitions

• Physical, Sexual, Emotional, and Mental Abuse

• Self-Esteem

• Schizophrenia

• Borderline Personality

Little bit more about me:

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Since 2006, I have experience working in a women’s domestic abuse shelter, residential treatment, and providing behavioral health and mental health therapy services. I love providing therapy to individuals but also enjoy conducting groups to allow clients to avoid feeling alone with their struggles. Additionally, I provide supervision for temporarily licensed mental health clinicians in the state of Iowa. I created my practice, Therapeutic Innovations, PLLC, in 2017 as I felt the need to provide more services to our rural communities. I provide in person therapy to youth at Vinton-Shellsburg Schools as well as offering telehealth to individuals and families both locally and within the state of Iowa. 

• Graduate of Iowa State University

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice from University of Central Missouri

• Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University

• Extremely close to having a Ph.D., in Forensic Psychology from Walden University

• Favorite Quotes:

• “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi

• “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -The Lorax (Dr. Seuss)

• “We are all a little broken. But last time I checked broken crayons still color the same.” -Trent Shelton

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::: HOPE ::: COURAGE ::: INSPIRE :::

::: INNOVATION FOR LIFE :::

Trauma Focused Care with Life Skill Building

Dawn Usher, MS, LMHCT

This is the first step on a journey toward well being.

Feeling lost, misunderstood, hopeless, angry, afraid, or ashamed?

We have all been there and will be again because we are human with intricate minds and strong emotions.

Allow me to walk beside you on this path and teach you how to build resilience, and become strong enough to take on the next challenge.

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More about me:

I work from a person-centered approach which means you lead in therapy and I will support you on the journey. I will provide psychoeducation regarding your diagnosis, medications, and treatment interventions

I specialize in trauma focused interventions with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to address the following mental health issues for adolescents, individuals, and couples.

• Trauma and PTSD                      

• Borderline Personality

• Mood Disorders

• Boundaries

• Marital / Relationship Conflicts

• Christian faith based approach for those seeking this

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• Graduated from Walden University in MN

• BS Psychology 2013 

• MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling 2017 

• Have background with Inpatient, Outpatient, and School based Therapy

• Group Therapy with DBT and Christian based themes

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