Stephana Patterson, MA, LMHC, RPT

Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Registered Play Therapist in West Des Moines, Iowa

About Stephana Patterson

Stephana Patterson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) serving families in West Des Moines, Iowa, and the greater Des Moines area. With over two decades of dedication to mental health and a deep commitment to faith-based care, Stephana specializes in helping children, adolescents, and families heal from trauma, strengthen relationships, and find hope through Christian counseling.

What Does Stephana Specialize In?

Stephana specializes in child therapy, adolescent counseling, trauma therapy, and family counseling using evidence-based therapeutic approaches integrated with Biblical principles. Her primary areas of expertise include:

• Trauma therapy for children and teens using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Child EMDR

• Play therapy for children ages 3-12 who have experienced trauma, anxiety, grief, or behavioral challenges

• Parent-child attachment therapy to strengthen caregiver relationships and promote secure attachment

• Family therapy focused on healthy communication and God-designed family roles

• Adolescent counseling for depression, anxiety, identity issues, and emotional regulation

• Sandtray therapy for processing complex emotions and experiences

Therapeutic Approaches & Training

Stephana is trained in multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including:

• EMDR Therapy (for both children and adults) - effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and grief

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) for children and adults - helps clients understand and heal different parts of themselves

• Synergetic Play Therapy (currently pursuing certification) - a brain-based approach to child therapy

• Sandtray Therapy - a powerful tool for non-verbal processing and healing

• Christian counseling integrated with all therapeutic approaches

Who Does Stephana Work With?

Stephana primarily works with:

• Children (ages 3-12) experiencing trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, grief, family transitions, or attachment difficulties

• Adolescents (ages 13-18) struggling with depression, anxiety, identity issues, trauma, or family conflict

• Parents and caregivers seeking to strengthen their relationship with their child and create secure attachment

• Families working to improve communication, resolve conflict, and build stronger connections

What Can You Expect in Therapy with Stephana?

When you work with Stephana, you can expect a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where healing happens through the integration of faith and therapy. Stephana believes that a child's healing is deeply connected to their relationship with caregivers, so she works closely with parents throughout the therapeutic process. Her clients often describe her as gentle, kind, understanding, and uniquely gifted at connecting with children and helping them feel safe to process difficult emotions.

Stephana's therapeutic approach is rooted in her Christian faith, and she incorporates Biblical principles and God's design for healthy relationships into her work. Whether you're seeking trauma therapy, play therapy for your child, or family counseling, Stephana provides compassionate, faith-centered care that promotes lasting healing and growth.

Education & Credentials

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Liberty University

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology (minor in Communication) - University of Colorado

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) - Iowa Board of Behavioral Science

• Registered Play Therapist (RPT) - Association for Play Therapy

• EMDR Certified - trained in both adult and child EMDR therapy

• IFS Trained - Internal Family Systems for children and adults

Why Choose Stephana Patterson for Therapy in West Des Moines?

Stephana brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, specialized training in child trauma therapy, and a deep Christian faith to her work. With over 20 years of marriage and experience raising two children (now in college), she understands the challenges families face and the importance of strong parent-child relationships. Her foremost passion is to love and serve God while helping families discover healing, wholeness, and hope through faith-based therapeutic support.

If you're looking for a Christian therapist in West Des Moines, a child trauma specialist in Iowa, or a play therapist near Des Moines who integrates faith and evidence-based practices, Stephana Patterson offers compassionate, effective care for children, teens, and families.

Common Questions People Ask About Stephana's Services:

Does Stephana accept insurance? Contact Heartland Christian Counseling at (515) 331-0303 for current insurance information and availability.

Where is Stephana's office located? Stephana practices at Heartland Christian Counseling in West Des Moines, Iowa, serving the greater Des Moines metro area.

What ages does Stephana work with? Stephana specializes in working with children (ages 3-12), adolescents (ages 13-18), and their families.

Is Stephana accepting new clients? Call (515) 331-0303 or use the patient portal to inquire about current availability.

Does Stephana offer Christian counseling? Yes, Stephana integrates Biblical principles and Christian values into all of her therapeutic work.

Stephana is married to her husband Brandon for 23 years and is a proud mom of two young adult children currently in college. Outside of counseling, she enjoys spending time with her family and continuing her education in child and family therapy.

Contact Heartland Christian Counseling:
Phone: (515) 331-0303
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8am–5pm, Friday 8am–3pm CST
Location: West Des Moines, Iowa