Angie Allen, Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Every person has a story, and I consider it a privilege to help clients find healing and meaning within theirs. As a trauma-informed therapist, I offer a supportive space where individuals can feel safe, seen, and empowered to create lasting change. As a therapist of over 15 years, I am dedicated to helping adolescents and adults navigate life’s challenges with empathy, expertise, and a trauma-informed lens
Interested in setting up an appointment? Please call or text me at (515) 207-0310 or send an email to allencounselingdsm@gmail.com
Who We Are
Located in Clive, Iowa, I provide a safe, supportive environment where healing begins with compassion and connection. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in partnership. If you’re ready to start your journey contact me today.
Approach
I specialize in areas such as trauma, anxiety, depression, couples issues, self-esteem concerns, self-harming behaviors, sexual trauma, and TBI. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I tailor each therapeutic journey to your unique needs and goals.
What to Expect from Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a one-on-one process designed to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe, confidential space. In my practice, I take a trauma-informed, compassionate approach tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or just feeling stuck, therapy offers support, insight, and tools to help you move forward.
Here’s what you can expect:
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A Safe, Judgment-Free Space: I am here to listen with empathy and without judgment. Everything we discuss is confidential and centered around your well-being.
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Goal-Oriented Support: Together, we’ll identify what you want to work on and create a plan to help you get there. Goals can evolve as you grow and heal.
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Evidence-Based Approaches: I use proven methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other trauma-informed techniques to support meaningful change.
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A Collaborative Relationship: Therapy is a partnership. You are the expert on your life; as your therapist I bring the training and perspective to help guide the process.
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Personal Growth and Healing: Over time, many clients report greater self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, healthier relationships, and a deeper sense of peace and purpose.
What to Expect from Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is a space for partners to strengthen their relationship by improving communication, resolving conflict, and deepening connection. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or just want to build a healthier dynamic, I provide guidance in a safe, neutral setting.
Here’s what couples can expect:
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A Safe, Supportive Environment: a nonjudgmental space where both partners can feel heard, respected, and understood.
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Improved Communication: Learn how to express yourself clearly, listen with empathy, and resolve disagreements in healthy, constructive ways.
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Rebuilding Trust & Connection: Whether you’re working through a specific rupture (like infidelity or betrayal) or feeling emotionally distant, I help you rebuild trust and reconnect.
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Understanding Patterns: I'll help you identify and shift unhelpful relationship patterns rooted in past experiences or miscommunication.
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Collaborative, Balanced Support: I am not here to “take sides.” My role is to support both partners equally and help you work as a team toward your relationship goals.
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Customized Tools for Your Relationship: Every couple is different. I tailor therapy to your needs, using approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, or trauma-informed strategies when needed.
Couples therapy isn’t just for crisis—it’s for anyone who wants to grow together, improve emotional intimacy, and navigate life’s challenges as a stronger team.
What to Expect from Adolescent Therapy
Adolescence is a time of change, growth, and sometimes, struggle. Therapy can give teens a safe, supportive space to explore what they’re feeling, build coping skills, and grow in confidence.
Through a trauma-informed lens. I help them feel seen, heard, and understood without judgment.
Here’s what adolescent therapy involves:
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A Safe Space Just for Them: Teens often need a place to talk openly about what’s going on—whether it’s anxiety, depression, school stress, self-esteem, trauma, or relationships. Therapy offers that space, free from pressure or judgment.
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Respect for Their Voice: I build trust by meeting teens where they are, respecting their unique personality, pace, and perspective. They are active participants in the therapy process.
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Support for Emotional Growth: Therapy helps teens better understand and manage their emotions, navigate friendships and family dynamics, and develop healthier ways to cope with stress.
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Tools That Make Sense: I use age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR (when appropriate), and mindfulness techniques to help teens feel more in control and supported.
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Collaboration with Caregivers: While sessions are private, I work closely with parents and caregivers to ensure the teen is supported both in and outside of therapy. I'll guide you on how to best support their growth without overstepping their need for independence.
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A Focus on Safety and Healing: For teens who’ve experienced trauma or are struggling with self-harming behaviors, I take extra care to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care focused on healing and long-term wellbeing.
Therapy can be a turning point for teens—helping them feel more confident, connected, and capable as they navigate life’s challenges.
Areas of Expertise
I primarily use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-informed care. Depending on your unique needs, we may also draw from mindfulness techniques, strengths-based strategies, and solution-focused work.
Financial Information
I accept many of the local insurance plans including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
Frequency and Scheduling
Whether you're looking for a consistent weekly space or something more flexible, we'll find a rhythm that works for you.
In Person Appointments
I’ve chosen to offer therapy exclusively in person because I believe it provides the most effective environment for deep, meaningful therapeutic work. Being in the same physical space allows for a richer exchange of both verbal and nonverbal communication, which is essential for building trust, emotional safety, and connection.
In-person sessions offer fewer distractions, more consistent boundaries, and a sense of containment that can be difficult to replicate through a screen. For many clients, this creates a more grounded, focused, and emotionally supportive experience.