Assessment, individual, group, family and couples therapy services.
We offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of our clients individual needs to help attain the personal growth they’re striving for.
Therapists
Brenda Wood-Clark, LMHC, NCC, CFTP
Executive and Clinical Director
Brenda is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist specializing in individual, couples, group, and family therapy. She is also a Certified Family Trauma Professional who believes that although we are all a product of our past, it should not define our future.
With over 20 years of experience working in mental health in a variety of capacities she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Brenda is also a contracted EAP Professional for 3M for their Knoxville, Iowa plant. She offers solution focused, systemic and practical supports and strategies for their EAP program.
Brenda is an interactive, solution-focused therapist who believes that assisting the client to create a life that happens by them and not to them, is of utmost importance. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, Brenda works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Education
Brenda graduated from Buena Vista University completing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Human Services and Psychology and completed a Master of Science degree at Drake University in Mental Health Counseling.
License, Certifications & Awards
- License for Mental Health Counseling in the State of Iowa
- Basic I Certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP)
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Member of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA)
- Member of National Association for Professional Women
- Member International Association for Addictions and Offender Counseling (IAADC)
- Member Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
- Member of International Trauma Professionals (CFTP)
- Credentials and Background approved by Psychology Today
- Board Member-Camp Hertko Hollow Iowa
Susan Tridle, tLMHC, tCADC
Mental Health Therapist/ Addictions Counselor
“We can only see with open eyes, We can only listen with open ears, We can only thing with open minds” (Author unknown)
Susan has had extensive experience over the past 22 years with individuals of all ages and genders in educational settings, home settings, and facility settings. She has worked with individuals having many diagnoses (singular or multiple) including but not limited to: Intellectual Disabilities, Behavior Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Angelman’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Behavior, Conduct Disorder, Anger Management, and Schizophrenia. She is currently working toward completion of her Masters degree in Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Substance Abuse. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is her specialization along with skill building to replace maladaptive behaviors with socially acceptable behaviors, and using coping skills for anger management.
Education:
- BA Community Recreation, Emphasis: Aquatics; BA: Elementary Education, BA Psychology
- MA in Teaching: Special Education
- Graduate Student in Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling, expected date of graduation: May 2019
Professional Activities/Memberships:
- Graduate Student Member of American Counseling Association
- Autism Society of Iowa, member
- National Education Association, member
- Nodaway Valley Education Association, membership committee co-chairperson
- Orient Women’s Club, President, Fundraiser chairperson
Ellaine Watkins, tLMHC, NCC
Mental Health Therapist
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it." -Helen Keller
Ellaine has worked in mental health for the past 8 years and has experience with working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has spent much of her career working with diagnoses such as: Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders. Ellaine graduated from Drake University receiving her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and is temporarily licensed in the state of Iowa working toward her full license.
Ellaine works with clients from a person centered, strengths based approach. Meeting clients where they are at, she works side-by-side with them so they can reach their goals. Ellaine utilizes many modalities in session including, but not limited to: CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Anger Management, and Sand Tray.
Ellaine believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to improve their lives no matter what they have endured in the past.
Education:
- Bachelor's of Arts Degree from Central College in Biology and Psychology
- Master's of Science Degree from Drake University in Mental Health Counseling
Licences, Certification & Awards:
- Temporary License for Mental Health Counseling in the State of Iowa
- National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counseling
- Basic I Certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Trainer through LivingWorks
- Wellness Recover Action Plan (WRAP)
- Sand Tray Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
Professional Activities & Memberships:
- American Counseling Association
- Iowa Mental Health Counselor Association
- National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)
ZACHARY PACHOL, MS, tLMHC
Mental Health Therapist
Zach has four years of combined work experience in the mental health field involving working with individuals who have been committed to an inpatient psych unit and coordinating care for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. As a therapist, he has worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Zach approaches counseling through a combined psychodynamic and existential view while integrating other methods and techniques to provide personalized care. He believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is key to a healthy and successful therapy experience.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University in Psychology
- Master of Arts from Northwestern University in Mental Health Counseling
LICENCES, CERTIFICATION, AND AWARDS
- Temporary License for Mental Health Counseling in the State of Iowa
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS
- American Counseling Association
LARISSA BUSTAMANTE, LMHC
Mental Health Therapist
Larissa has been working in the mental health field for the past 7 years. She has experience providing family services, group work, and individual counseling. She has worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults. Larissa approaches counseling utilizing person-centered, CBT, anger management, and Mindfulness. Knowing everyone is at a different therapeutic stage Larissa works with them at their pace to help reach goals. Larissa believes in an open-honest therapeutic relationship.
As a female Latina nonconforming lesbian identified therapist, I know what it is like to question who you are and not feel like there is any support. Being a part of this community myself, I will utilize my past and present struggles and strengths to assist you in overcoming your own challenges and find your self-defined identity. If you yourself are experiencing struggles relating to your sexual identity, I want to provide a safe, non-judgmental, space for you to explore all your needs and questions to help you become your true self. I provide Individual, Family, and Relationship/Couples Counseling, and Group Work and look forward to meeting with you.
Education:
Bachelors of Arts Degree from Waldorf College in Psychology
Masters of Arts from Liberty University in Professional Counseling
Licenses, Certification & Awards:
License Mental Health Therapist in the State of Iowa
Professional Activities and Memberships:
American Counseling Association
Iowa Mental Health Counselor Association
SAM PATTISON
Intern
Sam has been working in the human services field since 2011. His services during that time have specialize in working with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities. For the past 6 years, Sam has been developing skills training programs for people with intellectual disabilities. Sam has lead skills groups on self-advocacy, emotional literacy, resume building, job interviews, and political action. Most recently Sam has implemented a social skills group utilizing the popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons.
In therapy, Sam utilizes a person-centered approach and combines this approach with Cognitive Behavioral, Existential, and Gestalt techniques, as necessary. Sam operates with patience and believes that all clients are capable of healing if given enough time and the right guidance.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Iowa State University
- Current Student at Drake University in the Master of Counseling Education program
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS
American Counseling Association