Therapists in Iowa

Meet Mike Arieta, LICSW Hello and welcome. I’m Mike Arieta, a licensed clinical social worker with nearly three decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and teens through life’s most complex challenges. Since 1995, I’ve worked across diverse settings—from foster care and homelessness to adoption and refugee support—and have been practicing clinically since 2011. My therapeutic approach is body-based and trauma-informed. I believe our bodies often speak before our minds can make sense of what we’re feeling. This philosophy guides my work with clients navigating trauma, PTSD, and transitions that require deep emotional resilience. I integrate movement-based and somatic strategies to help clients reconnect with themselves and their communities. Currently, I’m completing my Doctor of Social Work degree at Tulane University, where my research focuses on trauma recovery and evidence-informed practices that foster healing. I also hold advanced training in adoption competence and provide support to foster youth, adoptive families, and caregivers navigating complex systems. Therapy, for me, is a collaborative journey. I’m honored to walk alongside my clients as they reclaim their stories, build strength, and move toward meaningful change. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my work—I look forward to connecting with you.

I am a Clinical Social Worker that focuses on helping people who are experiencing anxiety or depression. I have been in this field for more than 10 years and love watching people I work with feel like they have control over their lives again. I believe that the body and brain hold onto experiences after certain events and might get hung up or even stuck. In my assessments, I determine how these impacts can reveal themselves in our behaviors and the decisions that we make every day. I work to help identify where the mind and body have gotten hung up and I use an eclectic “whole person” approach to unraveling these barrier areas in life.

I’m a therapist dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges and build more meaningful connections. I work with adults facing anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns, as well as couples seeking to improve communication and strengthen their bond. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can better understand yourself, develop new tools, and move toward the life and relationships you truly want. Together, we can work toward healing, growth, and lasting change.

ABOUT ME Thank you for taking the first step towards seeking help. That is the first step to reaching your potential and a happier more fulfilling life. My name is Dr. Ana Mercedes Lopez, I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Health Care Provider with over 28 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults (English and Spanish speaking). I love working with others and believe that life provides us with continual opportunity for personal growth and change because we are all “a work in progress.” I have a wide range of experience working with individuals and a particular passion for helping people, but I am particularly passionate about working with individuals with a history of psychological trauma (sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and neglect). I have worked with a wide range of clients over many years and I look forward to working with you as well to help you to achieve your goals in order for you to maintain a healthy and positive outlook on life. I have a warm and friendly style and strongly believe in the importance of the therapeutic bond and building a healthy and trusting relationship with you. When working with me, you can expect me to be both knowledgeable yet down to earth. I look forward to working with you and to helping you to build on your strengths in a manner that is not judgmental and one which helps you to grow to you potential.

Creating a space where you can find what works best for you in your journey. Focusing on strengths helps individuals recognize their own resilience and capabilities, which is vital for growth. By tailoring my approach to each person's unique situation, I honor their individuality and foster a deeper sense of self-understanding and agency. People often thrive when they feel heard and supported in a way that aligns with their own needs and goals, rather than being pushed into a redefined mold.

I am a husband of 14 years, a father of a 11 y/o neurodivergent son and a 7 y/o precocious daughter, a veteran of the US Navy with 12 years served, including 1 deployment, and a geek. I am what the Japanese culture describes as an otaku, in that I work to support my passions. In my free time I enjoy video games (mostly on Nintendo Switch), movies (all kinds, although my favorite is the 2005 animated Transformers movie), books (current favorite author is Brandon Sanderson), and spending time with my family.

Hi there, my name’s Ephraim Tokar. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!