Blog

Welcome to Our Blog

Insights, Stories, and Updates

Explore our latest articles, tips, and insights. Whether you're looking for industry news, helpful guides, or company updates, you'll find it all here.

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April 3, 2026

How to Choose a Therapist in Ankeny: Expert Checklist

Practical criteria to find a compassionate, qualified therapist—telehealth, insurance, specialties, and values alignment

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March 31, 2026

When Caregiving Feels Overwhelming: Creating a Sustainable Support Plan

A compassionate roadmap for caregivers to reduce burnout, access local resources, and balance self-care with responsibil...

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March 27, 2026

How to Start Therapy When You Lack Motivation

Practical steps and gentle strategies for adults hesitant to begin counseling

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March 24, 2026

Sports and Performance Counseling

At Ankeny Family Counseling, sport and performance counseling is offered as part of mental health care.

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March 24, 2026

Practical Self-Regulation Skills for Kids with ADHD

Brief, parent-friendly strategies to improve focus, reduce meltdowns, and support daily routines at home and school

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March 20, 2026

How to Find an LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist in Ankeny

Practical steps to locate inclusive, culturally competent care in Ankeny and greater Iowa

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March 17, 2026

Helping Your Child After Bullying: School Conversation Scripts

Exact language to use with teachers, counselors, and administrators for support

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March 13, 2026

Why EMDR-Ready Coping Skills Matter Before Trauma Work

How building stabilization skills (grounding, distress tolerance, safety planning) improves EMDR outcomes for clients in...

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March 10, 2026

EMDR Preparation for Veterans: What to Expect and How to Ready

Practical readiness steps and safety strategies for veterans considering EMDR in Des Moines

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March 6, 2026

Caregiver Burnout? Practical Recovery Strategies That Work

Evidence-based self-care, boundaries, and support options for overwhelmed caregivers in Ankeny & Des Moines

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February 27, 2026

Anxiety Management for Adults: CBT Tools You Can Use Today

Clear CBT techniques for reducing worry, improving sleep, and regaining control—no prior therapy experience required.

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February 24, 2026

EMDR Preparation: What to Expect and How to Build Readiness

Step‑by‑step readiness practices and safety skills to maximize EMDR outcomes before your first session

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February 20, 2026

Play-Based Strategies Parents Can Use Tonight for Tantrums

Research-backed play interventions and scripts parents (ages 2–7) can try at home to reduce tantrums and increase cooper...

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February 17, 2026

Preparing Your Teen for Transition Back to School After Trauma

Guidance for parents to support emotional safety, routines, and school communication

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February 13, 2026

Preparing Teens for Therapy: A Parent’s Conversation Guide

Age-appropriate language and scripts to reduce resistance and encourage teen buy-in

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February 10, 2026

EMDR for Veterans: Processing Service-Related Trauma Safely

How EMDR can help veterans resolve PTSD symptoms with telehealth and in-person options in Iowa

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February 6, 2026

Managing Panic Attacks: Quick Strategies Backed by CBT Techniques

Evidence-based, portable tools to reduce intensity and regain control when panic strikes

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February 3, 2026

What Parents Should Know About Play Therapy Progress Milestones

Age-appropriate goals and signs of meaningful change during child play therapy

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January 30, 2026

Couples Communication Scripts That Actually Reconnect

Field-tested phrases and timing strategies to reduce defensiveness and restore closeness

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January 27, 2026

How to Talk About Therapy With a Resistant Partner

Practical conversation scripts and timing tips to invite a partner into couples or individual therapy

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January 23, 2026

How Parents Can Respond to Teen Anxiety Effectively

Practical, evidence-based strategies parents can use at home to support anxious adolescents

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January 20, 2026

When to Add Play Therapy: Signs Your Child Needs More Support

Key behavioral and emotional indicators and next steps for parents in Ankeny

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January 13, 2026

Helping Kids Recover After Bullying: Steps Parents Can Take Now

Actionable strategies to support your child's safety, emotional recovery, and school communication plan

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January 6, 2026

Telehealth Counseling in Iowa: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Practical tips for making teletherapy effective, private, and comfortable whether new to online sessions or switching fr...

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December 30, 2025

PCIT at Home: How Parents Can Practice Skills Between Sessions

Actionable coaching exercises to reinforce behavior gains with younger children

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December 23, 2025

PCIT Basics: How It Helps Defiant or Aggressive Children

An accessible overview of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for parents seeing defiance, aggression, or poor follow-throu...

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November 23, 2025

Balancing Love and Stress: Marriage Counseling Tips for Busy Couples

Discover insights and ideas that matter to you

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November 12, 2025

What to Expect From Your First Therapy Session

Nervous about your first therapy session It is completely normal Learn what really happens and how Ankeny Family Counsel...

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October 27, 2025

Helping Kids Cope: How Play Therapy Supports Emotional Growth

Discover how play therapy helps children express feelings, build coping skills, and grow emotionally with caring support...

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October 21, 2025

If You’re Wondering, That’s Already a Sign

Discover insights and ideas that matter to you

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October 14, 2025

How EMDR Therapy Helps You Heal from Trauma and What to Expect in Your First Session

Learn how EMDR therapy gently helps you process trauma without reliving it and see exactly what to expect in your first ...