Meet our Team

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 I am a licensed mental health counselor, graduating with my masters in mental health counseling from Capella University in 2012. I founded Hope a family Counseling in 2019 in order to create an environment where neurodiversity could thrive. I am very passionate about preventative mental health, neurodiversity and suicide prevention and have personal experiences with each.

My approach to counseling is rooted in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. I believe that each person has unique strengths and innate potential for change and that you are the expert in you, I just get the honor of coming alongside you to help you reach your goals. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern, I am here to support you on your journey towards improved well-being. I aim to provide hope for the future, empower my clients to gain insight, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in their lives, or even just have a space to process life.

I look forward to meeting with you.

I am a dedicated mental health professional with a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. Born and raised in Iowa, I now reside in Des Moines, where I am raising my two children. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, reading, spending time with family, and traveling.

I completed my Master's Degree Coursework at Capella University and hold several certifications, including National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).

My professional experience spans a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, self-image, relationships, divorce, and grief/loss. I have also worked extensively and am passionate about working with individuals and families affected by Neurodiversity, Adverse Childhood Experiences, trauma, and substance abuse. My approach is client-centered and collaborative, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with.

I believe in the power and resilience of all people and am committed to providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can feel validated and understood. Together, we will work to navigate the difficult experiences in your life, helping you to find strength and healing.

I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on this journey! 

  My name is Brenda Lykins and I am a Licensed Master of Social Work. I was born and raised in Iowa, though I have relocated out of state and abroad, I always come home. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Grand View University and have been practicing for less than a year. I have a focused passion to work together with individuals struggling with their mental health to develop healthy coping skills, grounding techniques, insight and self-awareness. I like to work from a strengths-based perspective that focuses on finding each client’s strengths and using those to enable the desired changes the client wants to make. I practice empathy, compassion, and maintain a safe, non-judgmental place to allow you the comfort and security of sharing whatever you need or want to share. 

I am here to be a support for you to allow you to grow in the direction you’re hoping for. Mental health illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar I or II, borderline personality disorder, gender dysphoria, etc. are not a life-long sentence. While they may always be something you have to be aware of, there are tools and skills you can develop to manage the effects. 

I look forward to meeting you and joining you on your journey of growth, and self-acceptance.

Hello! My name is Taylor, and I am an intern at Hope Family Counseling. I graduated from Grand View University in 2021 with a bachelor’s in psychology. After taking some time off from school, I enrolled back at GVU and am working towards a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. I am passionate about helping individuals who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or panic attacks as I have a vast history with each, along with working with children of divorced parents or the parents themselves. That being said, I am excited to be able to work with all different ages and mental health backgrounds during my internship! 

I look forward to meeting you and learning from you during our time together!

  Hello, my name is Tate Powers. I am an intern here at Hope Family Counseling. I am currently working towards my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand View University. I have had an interest in mental health and how that affects our overall well-being for as long as I can remember. Outside of class and work I am typically spending time with my fiancé (husband in July of 2024!) We like to stay active and go on a lot of walks, play basketball, or anything really to get us outside! I also love doing anything artsy, I do a lot of drawing and painting since it is so relaxing :) I look forward to getting to work with you and supporting you in your mental health journey!

Hello, my name is Julie. I am a student at Grand View University, currently pursuing a Master's in Mental Health Counseling. I am an intern here at Hope Family Counseling. My interest in the mental health field began in 2020 when I became aware of the significant impact that mental health issues, including childhood traumas and abuse, have on the youth in my community. This realization inspired me to pursue a career where I could give back and make a meaningful difference, particularly in communities where mental health awareness is not widespread. I believe that individuals have the power to heal from their traumatic experiences and can achieve recovery through therapeutic counseling. Aside from my academic and professional pursuits, I am actively involved in my church as a Sunday school teacher, praise and worship leader, and choreographer for the church dance team. I am excited about the opportunity to meet and connect with you!