Maura (she/her/they/them) is a temporary licensed mental health counselor based in the West Des Moines office, providing both in-person and telehealth services for adults, emerging adults, and adolescents ages 14 and up. They are especially passionate about supporting emerging adults, LGBTQ+ clients, and BIPOC as they navigate identity, relationships, life transitions, and how they want to show up in their lives.

 Maura earned their Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Iowa and gained clinical experience within a university counseling setting, where they worked with college students navigating trauma, emotional dysregulation, suicidality, academic pressure, relationship concerns, OCD (including exposure and response prevention), and major life transitions within a fast-paced clinical environment. They also facilitated a women’s therapy group focused on connection, vulnerability, self-awareness, and interpersonal growth. These experiences strengthened their appreciation for the resilience clients demonstrate while navigating change, uncertainty, and emotional distress.  

Maura takes a holistic, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and affirming approach to therapy. Their work integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and feminist-informed approaches, tailoring therapy to each client’s unique needs and goals. They value creating a collaborative and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore difficult emotions, deepen self-understanding, strengthen relationships, and move toward lives that feel more authentic, connected, and aligned with their values.