Vanessa West, PhD., LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Business Owner

Do you feel like you need to be more connected not only to others; but yourself? As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the 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 have specialized training to provide therapy to first responders and their families. I specialize in working with both juvenile and adult offenders through the use of correctional counseling. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also provide strength based therapy to children, adolescents, and adults.
Little bit more about me:
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, social workers, and temporarily licensed marriage and family therapists 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 school-based therapy to youth at Vinton-Shellsburg Schools as well as offering in person and telehealth therapy to individuals and families both locally and within the state of Iowa.
Education:
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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminology from Iowa State University
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Master of Science in Criminal Justice from University of Central Missouri
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Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University with an emphasis in Correctional Counseling
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Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology from Walden University
Favorite Quotes:
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“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi
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“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -The Lorax (Dr. Seuss)
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“We are all a little broken. But last time I checked broken crayons still color the same.” -Trent Shelton
CLINICAL INTERESTS
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ADHD
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Anxiety
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Correctional Counseling
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Depression
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PTSD/Trauma
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Life Struggles and Transitions
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder
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Physical, Sexual, Emotional, and Mental Abuse
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Self-Esteem/Confidence Issues
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Schizophrenia
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Borderline Personality Disorder
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Dissociative Identity Disorder