
Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

Christine Topping
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Iowa with 8 years of experience working with couples, families, and individuals of all age ranges. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life stressors, grief and loss and ADHD. I also helped many divorced couples with co-parenting , and I have completed training for PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Training). My therapy style is welcoming of all concerns without judgement. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I care for each client in their own unique way to fit their goals and current situation. I change is possible for everyone. It takes courage to begin the change process and have a more fulfilling life. I am here for you if you are ready to take that step. I will provide support along the way while also challenging you. I look forward to working with you!

Dr. Susan Frauenholtz
Welcome - Have you been overwhelmed by life's demands recently? Would you like to feel more confident in relationships and comfortable in your own skin? Are you finding it difficult to cope with change and loss? Reaching out for support is a big first step. As a licensed clinician in Iowa and Virginia with two decades of experience, I will work collaboratively with you as a partner to explore solutions and help you reach your goals. My approach to counseling is to create a space that feels safe, nonjudgmental, and welcoming. I am very strengths-based and tailor my approach to your individual needs and preferences. The focus of my practice is working with women on concerns including anxiety, self-esteem, depression, grief and loss, life changes, and relational challenges. In addition, I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and can support you in resolving previous trauma and moving forward to greater fulfillment and joy. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lydia Frazier
I specialize in issues related to depression, anxiety, current or past trauma, and the impact of these on your life today. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults. I will always use an eclectic and individualized approach to treatment, drawing from many modalities such as mindfulness, interpersonal, trauma or solution focused, and will adhere to a strengths based model to move you through challenging times. I will use a holistic lens when hearing your story. We can explore how family of origin, chemistry, sleep patterns, diet, and movement impact you today, and then create a vision and plan for living the authentic life you crave. It takes courage to seek and accept help and change, and I am excited about the opportunity to be on this path alongside you!

Mary Blankenburg
A therapeutic relationship is the most powerful healing tool. I build therapeutic alliances, connect, with clients while exploring their emotional lives and histories. I am a psychotherapist with 35 years experience doing individual, couples, family, and group therapy with a variety of client populations. I have worked in a community mental health agency, an agency serving adolescents and their families, and have been in private practice for thirty years. I am also a trained dancer and my psychotherapeutic approach increasingly explores, in simple ways, the relationship between mind and body, and how this can promote healing and well being. I work with people who have symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as personality disorder traits, with a sensitivity to trauma effects, healing, and post traumatic growth. To this end I help clients develop awareness of their autonomic nervous system states in order to learn to identify cues of safety, and use trauma focused skills, such as EMDR and gentle movement, to facilitate a change in relationship between a person in their present life and past toxic experiences, while slowly working to resolve related issues through therapeutic interactions based in developmental, cognitive, and attachment frameworks.

Sergio Ayala
I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 9 years of professional clinical work experience. I have a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity with 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and over 15 years of Ministerial/Pastoral Practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & dementia caregiver stress. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Jennifer Smentek
Hello! I’m Jennifer, a LISW in Iowa with over 25 years of professional social work experience. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your emotions, gain insight, and build resilience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. My approach is strengths-based and solution focused while integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques to create a personalized plan that works for you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Ann Ghabel
I am licensed in Iowa with 10 years of professional work experience as a therapist. In addition I worked for 40 years in an inpatient child psychiatry unit as a nurse and taught psychiatric nursing. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am a Brainspotting practioner, this is a tool that may be used to help people improve understanding and insight about issues causing distress. It is also useful for people who have experienced emotional trauma. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Kayla Baxter
I am licensed in Iowa with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Sabrina Vonderhaar
I am licensed in Iowa with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I have worked with teenagers, adults, and seniors. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families in sessions. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. You can find out more about me at sabrinacounseling.com
Find a therapist serving clients in Iowa
What types of therapists are available to clients in Clarksville?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Clarksville that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Clarksville available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Clarksville therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Clarksville therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Clarksville region and in the state of Iowa.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Clarksville can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Clarksville may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Clarksville offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.