Life-changing Services
At Real Connections Counseling we offer CoTherapy (you get 2 licensed therapists) and single therapist options.
"Iowa's CoTherapy home!"
What is CoTherapy?
Have you ever heard of or considered CoTherapy? Counseling is always a great idea, and CoTherapy is an even better idea! The dynamic CoTherapy system has been highly sought after by clients across the United States. CoTherapy is when two experienced clinicians work jointly with an individual, couple or group during the therapy session. The CoTherapy model supports the belief that two heads working together are better, more creative and more balanced than just one. As CoTherapists partner together, it reduces bias, improves awareness, and increases effectiveness. The two trained clinicians can benefit from the strengths and experience of their CoTherapists. While one therapist leads the session, the other therapist can thoughtfully observe the client(s) mannerisms and responses allowing for important details to not be missed.
CoTherapy can be extremely valuable for couples desiring impartial and individualized relationship support as one partner is less likely to get ganged up on when the insight and education of two therapists are considered. CoTherapy is more collaborative than the alternative single therapist model. CoTherapists provide a true “round table”, equality-driven effort in the counseling room. Additionally, the CoTherapy model allows therapists to separate the couple so that each therapist can meet individually with a client as needed. This enables the couple to both feel seen and understood individually. Overall, the CoTherapy model allows for couples counseling to be personalized and mutually beneficial while avoiding some of the common pitfalls that can occur when only meeting with a single therapist.
Jess and her CoTherapist, Cora, are exceptional individuals that make a dynamic duo. Jess and Cora would describe their CoCounseling style as empathic, creative and optimistic. Together, the team works effectively and efficiently to get to the root of an issue. Jess and Cora have a combined total of over 15 years of counseling experience with unique experience counseling those struggling with addiction. In addition to their professional experience, Jess and Cora have been married to their husbands and together share over 21 years of marriage experience.
Single Therapist options are available.
01 Individual Therapy
If you are interested in identifying root issues in order to propel you forward in your healing journey and satisfaction in life, you have come to the right place. Individual counseling is for individuals desiring a safe place to identify, process and redeem their past hurts and current concerns with the support of a licensed therapist. Individual Counseling allows individuals the opportunity to explore one’s feelings, beliefs and behaviors in order to better understand oneself and work towards the desired goals. Individual Counseling can be useful in dealing with some of the following concerns: anger, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, marriage/relationship challenges, parenting problems, school difficulties, career changes, etc.
02 Couple's Counseling
Are you looking for support in navigating tough discussions, relational conflict and concerning behavior? Are you hoping to continue to build a solid foundation of trust and intimacy in your relationship? Every couple, regardless of the stage of your relationship, can benefit from couples therapy. Couples Therapy provides a non-judgment and supportive space for collaborative conversation in which the couple benefits from the invaluable insight of a trained therapist. A trained therapist can help guide the couple in learning the communication style of their partner, understanding relationship conflicts, practicing healthy communication, identifying and setting boundaries, nurturing trust, and so much more. Couples Therapy is an investment that will enhance your relationship as a whole and each individually.
03 Marriage Counseling
“The gift of weathering the seasons of life together is only experienced when we do not give up in the dry seasons.”
- Debbie Macomber
Marriage is recognized as a set apart relationship that is founded on a life-altering and life-long commitment. Marriage is not for the faint of heart and it requires daily work to build and maintain a flourishing union. Marriage Counseling creates a safe and collaborative environment to grow the health of your relationship, navigate dark places, and restore your marriage from devastation. Marriage Counseling teaches the couple to battle life’s challenges together and to appreciate the beautiful and unique qualities of one’s spouse. Through the support of a trained therapist, Marriage Counseling fosters improvement, stabilization and transformation in the marriage relationship. In Marriage Counseling, root level issues such as your past and family of origin are explored to understand its impact on your marriage. The Marriage Counseling process journeys with the couple as they work towards becoming functional adults, intimate partners and best friends.
04 Trauma Therapy/EMDR
Jess utilizes EMDR & CBT with a person centered approach for healing trauma. EMDR is recognized for bringing quick and lasting relief from the emotional distress of trauma. Jess utilizes electronic, bilateral hand simulation to mimic the brain’s natural processing systems to decrease distress, develop new connections and increase positive thoughts. As a result, the client is able to get “unstuck” and move forward in a powerful way.
Jess is significantly experienced in working with all types of trauma and abuse.
05 Sexual Exploitation
Sexual Exploitation is an issue impacting every gender, race, and age group both locally and globally. Sexual Exploitation is when an individual takes advantage of the vulnerabilities of another individual to obtain sexual favors. Sexual Exploitation includes trafficking and prostitution. It is estimated that 4.8 million people are trapped in forced sexual exploitation globally.
In the midst of such horror, there is hope. Jess utilizes her professional and personal experience with this issue to walk alongside and equip survivors with the tools necessary to overcome the abuse of sexual exploitation and transform their lives. Jess is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and utilizes this breakthrough modality to process negative core beliefs associated with trauma.
06 Biblical Counseling
Text Coming soon, service available now! :)
How can I be there for you? Feel free to contact.
I want to know your needs exactly so that we can provide the perfect solution. Let me know what you want and I’ll do my very best to help.
