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Denise Stutes

LISW

Denise Stutes , LISW

Therapist in Iowa

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Online therapy - get matched and start messaging.

About Denise

Denise Stutes is a licensed therapist based in Iowa who brings a depth of experience from several mental health settings. She holds the LISW credential, which stands for Licensed Independent Social Worker, and she has spent the past five years practicing as a therapist while building on a broader background in community settings, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, and corrections.

She has supported people facing a wide range of challenges, including severe physical and mental trauma, relationship struggles, grief, addiction, mood disorders, and stress related to caregiving and life transitions. Her approach blends compassion with clear, direct feedback and an interactive style that can include moments of lightness when appropriate. Denise emphasizes empowerment and helps clients recognize and build on their existing strengths as a pathway to growth.

Clinically she draws from family systems, cognitive behavioral techniques, person-centered principles, and mindfulness practices to tailor interventions to each person's needs. Denise aims to create a nonjudgmental atmosphere and positions herself as an ally in the therapeutic process, honoring each person's uniqueness and worth.

She affirms the courage it takes to pursue change and frames her role as supporting and empowering individuals as they work toward their goals.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Denise uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive environment where the client's perspective guides the work; this approach helps people explore their values and build self-awareness. She also incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical skills to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress. Additionally, she works with Emotionally-Focused Therapy to help couples and individuals understand and transform patterns in close relationships by attending to underlying emotions and attachment needs.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Denise treats that choice as a collaborative process. She works with each person to understand their goals, preferences, and life context, then tailors techniques that fit those needs so therapy feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy offers practical advantages for Denise's practice because sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit support into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access a licensed professional from wherever a client is located within the therapist's service area. The flexibility helps people engage in care in the ways that work best for them.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Denise Stutes have?

Denise Stutes has 5 years of experience as a therapist.

Is Denise Stutes a licensed therapist?

Yes, she holds the LISW credential, which indicates Licensed Independent Social Worker. License details are IA LISW 008035.

In which languages does Denise Stutes provide therapy?

Denise provides therapy in English.

Where is Denise Stutes located?

Denise is located in Iowa.

How can I work with Denise Stutes as my therapist?

You can work with Denise through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Denise Stutes work with international clients?

Denise Stutes does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Denise Stutes cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

Iowa

Languages

English

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