In this giant Carnival of Life, are you on the Roller Coaster full of ups and downs, on the repetitive slow-motion Carousel, on the Tilt-A-Whirl feeling unbalanced and squashed by outside forces, in the House of Horrors where every view is distorted and you can hardly find the exit, or on the Raging River where everyone else stays dry while you get drenched?
Are you here by choice and enjoying the adventure, hanging on for dear life and fearing disaster ahead, or confused about how someone was able to drag you here against your better judgement?
Though everyone's Carnival visit is unique, if you invite me to join this part of your journey, I can help you explore the decision-making processes and life events that have led you to this place. I will assist you in building skills and finding resources to thrive beyond the dangerous curves, the jarring stops and reverses, and the nauseating spins and loops. You will be empowered to choose and create more positive, adaptive ways forward, to better enjoy the ride and have a more fulfilling adventure.
Because the best outcomes are achieved with a good client/counselor fit, I always welcome feedback regarding what has been helpful, as well as not helpful, so that methods can be adapted to achieve the best results.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I received my doctoral degree from The University of Iowa and I have worked for over 30 years helping individuals and couples become more intentional and response-able in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
I began my career doing in-home therapy with complex, multi-problem families, and I have worked in Community Mental Health Centers and Private Practice settings. In addition, I worked for 8 years with the Air National Guard, helping to institute a new program that focused on reducing suicide risk and increasing resilience, while reducing the stigma of using mental health services to maximize personal functioning.
When describing people, my least favorite word is NORMAL. I believe that each individual is unique, and deserves to be treated in caring and respectful ways that help them grow, versus being treated like a diagnostic label that needs to be fixed. It is the difference between:
"It sounds like you may be struggling with depressed feelings. Let's explore the conditions that seem connected to when those feelings hit really hard, compared to when they seem to lighten up."
versus
"You are depressed. Here is what you need to do to change."
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Penny Brower. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
There is no one better who could have been in this position to help guide me in this roller coaster of a life. When feeling like I had no one, my therapist was everything I needed to keep going and to trust/love myself. Every session for the past couple years has always been so healing. I am SO thankful I made the choice to join BetterHelp.
Written on Aug 03, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Dr. Brower is a great listener and always finds relatable information that helps me better understand myself and my experiences. I've been seeing her for over a year now, and in that time, she has created a space where I feel genuinely heard, supported, and empowered. Her thoughtful guidance and compassionate approach have made a real difference in my life. I’m so grateful for the work we’ve done together and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled and caring therapist.
Written on Jun 18, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 2 years and 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Dr Penny has been life changing in the two sessions I have had so far. Looking forward to continued advancement in the process and better coping skills
Written on Jun 18, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse, and grief
Penny Brower. Look for her first
Written on Mar 04, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Very happy
Written on Feb 17, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning relationship issues
Wonderful therapist with great strategies for neurodivergent folks. Very good listener, and has great suggestions/advice for almost anything
Written on Jan 09, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Dr. Brower's compassion is her secret power. She listens- boundlessly- and gently suggests: books, articles, different perspectives, and ways of looking at things. Her help has had a significant impact on my life.
Written on Nov 28, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 3 months on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Dr. Brower has been a great source of information and has outstanding listening skills to guide me through many facets of my life. She has outlined means that are within my capabilities to push through trying times with a clearer more calmer approach to struggles. I can’t thank her enough for all she continues to do for the betterment of me.
Written on Sep 03, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd
I never had therapy before and I was so lucky to get Dr. Bower on my first therapist match! I was dreading the thought of therapy but Dr. Bower is so kind, professional, educated, and she truly cares about her patients. I never see myself changing to a different therapist!
Written on Aug 14, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I have only been seeing Penny for a couple/few months now, but she was immediately receptive to my issues and even offered some semblance of guidance and understanding prior to our first session. That's what made me feel like I was in the right hands BEFORE even speaking with her in our first session.
And that's the key, here. It doesn't feel like she's plainly working a script and ticking boxes. There's a level of investment there that I've never gotten out of therapy in the past. She's incredibly resourceful and is helping me figure out my personal accountability, insecurities, how to mwnwhe my anxiety and interactions with others, as well as everything in between.
As with everything, managing my mental health has been a process. I am honored, confident, and thankful that Penny is helping me find my path. The future finally feels attainable. Still scary, but attainable. That's more than I could say a few months ago.
Once more, thank you.
Written on Dec 06, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Dr Penny Browser has been so helpful to me in this therapy journey. I had so much unpacking to do with trauma, neurodivergence, and life circumstances and she helped me untangle it all every step of the way. She is communicative and understanding, and would take the time outside of appointments to send me more tools to help me navigate life. I'm so thankful for her time and energy and would always recommend her services.
Written on Apr 26, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 10 months on issues concerning depression, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Dr. Brower is excellent. Her kind and genuine intelligence and her sincere affability create a comfotable atmosphere in which to discuss and work through serious issues. I highly recommend Dr. Brower. Thank you.
Written on Apr 06, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Working with Dr. Brower has been a positive experience. Her expertise and empathy help make for meaningful weekly sessions. She’s helped me articulate my concerns and respectfully identify ongoing behaviors or issues. She’s informed, and often references literature and data that has helped shape my understanding and outlook on personality disorder and ADHD. Before starting, I was worried that therapy would be too slow or delicate, however, she quickly got a read on me and met me where I was. She takes great notes and reminds me of topics or things that I mentioned many sessions ago. Having her help has had a constructive and measurable affect on my personal life, work, and mental health.
Written on Feb 15, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
I started receiving therapy from Dr. Brower to help my ex-girlfriend and I separate and process all the emotions that came with it. Dr. Brower was able to handle our situation without judgment or preconceived notions. She handled it with grace and great care. My ex-girlfriend and I were able to separate on good terms and I believe Dr. Brower had a lot to do with this. I continue to see Dr. Brower regularly to discuss the grieving process and other events in my life and always look forward to sessions with her!
Written on Jan 26, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 4 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
I can tell she respects me. She's very sharp and makes me feel very seen and considered. Shes able to imagine and piece together the situations where our experiences don't overlap. She's extremely accomodating and I don't know how else I'd be able to get such a high level of care. She's definitely the best therapist I've ever met. I like her conversational style.
Written on Jan 08, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Dr. Brower has been seeing me for months now and I feel like I finally have a safe space to talk about feelings I have had for years. She sends relevant resources and overall makes me feel very supported. I look forward to our calls.
Written on Dec 21, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, self esteem, coaching, and adhd
She's Wonderful!
Written on Oct 10, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and adhd
I had to change therapist when we relocated to a different state…I was paired with Dr Brower and I felt I did not skip a beat in my journey! She is responsive, intuitive and very helpful .
Written on Jul 11, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, and coping with life changes
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