Megan Petersen

tLMHC

CADC

6600 Westown Parkway
Suite 240
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

(515) 402-4385

megan@515therapy.com

Appointments

Wednesday-Friday

Insurance Accepted

Aplos

BCBS

Health Partners

Midlands Choice/Cigna

Taking New Appointments

Yes

No

Temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Masters of Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Emphasis – Upper Iowa University

Ages

6+

Experience

Hello! I’m Megan Petersen, tLMHC, a compassionate and dedicated therapist specializing in helping teens, young adults, and adults heal from trauma, reparent from past wounds, and overcome a wide range of mental health challenges. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies with a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.

Specialities

*Healing from Trauma & Reparenting: I specialize in helping individuals process and heal from past trauma using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps clients reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and empowering individuals to create healthier relationships with themselves and others. In addition to EMDR, I guide clients through reparenting techniques to help heal childhood wounds and build a nurturing internal foundation.

*Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Anxiety and OCD: I provide a structured and empowering approach for individuals struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Through ERP, we can break the cycle of avoidance and engage in healing exercises that reduce anxiety over time.

*Addiction & Co-Occurring Disorders: Whether dealing with substance use, behavioral addictions, or co-occurring mental health issues, I help individuals build healthier, more sustainable lives. I provide support through individualized treatment plans that focus on both the addiction and any underlying emotional or psychological struggles.

*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): As sleep difficulties are often closely tied to both trauma and anxiety, I offer CBT-I to help individuals break free from the cycle of poor sleep and develop healthier, more restorative sleep patterns.

My Approach

I believe in a holistic, individualized approach to therapy. My style is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental, creating a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I tailor treatment plans based on each person's unique needs, incorporating various therapeutic modalities to promote lasting change. I’m particularly passionate about using EMDR to help clients heal from past trauma, as it has been shown to create profound shifts in how people process and relate to their traumatic memories.

In addition to EMDR, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and trauma-informed care to provide well-rounded, effective treatment. Together, we will explore your concerns, process difficult emotions, and build new coping strategies that support lasting growth and healing.

Why I Do This Work:

Having witnessed the incredible resilience and growth of my clients, I’m deeply honored to walk alongside you as you heal and reclaim your life. EMDR, in particular, has been an incredibly transformative tool in my work, offering clients the chance to finally release the grip of past trauma and step into a new chapter of their lives.

I am committed to offering the support, tools, and understanding needed to face life’s challenges, regain control over your emotional well-being, and ultimately embrace the future with confidence.

If you’re ready to begin your healing journey and explore how EMDR can support your trauma recovery, I’d be honored to work with you.

*Contact me today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how therapy can support your healing and growth.

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