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 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! 

Areas of Specialty:  Marital Counseling, Couples Counseling, Christian Counseling, Church Consultation, Church Leadership Support, Substance Abuse 

Credentials: 

· Licensed Mental Health Counselor 

· Gottman Marital Therapy Certified 

· International Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (IAADC) 

· EMDR Trained

About Me:  

I've been practicing as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for 12 +years. I graduated with my M.A from Wheaton College in 2011 and my second M.A from Moody Bible in 2015. My wife and our children moved to Iowa from Chicago in 2018. Currently, I'm in my last year at Moody as I'm work toward earning my doctorate

Regarding my clinical experience, I've had the privilege of working in many different types of counseling settings ranging from Community Mental Health to Inpatient Psychiatric Unit at Linden Oaks Hospital in Naperville, IL. I also have 5+ experience in working with Addictions Work.

Current Areas of Specialty work include; Marriage, Conflict Resolution, Teens, Parent- Teen Conflict Resolution, Motivational Coaching for teens considering life after high school. I am willing to sit in on panels or to present on mental health topics 

Outside of work, my hobbies include: Music Production, Music Recording, Fishing, CrossFit and Playing Sports, Listening to Good Music, Cooking and most importantly, learning about God and the world around me.

  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!