New Life Counseling

New Life Counseling West Des Moines Office: 1200 Valley West Dr. Suite 700, Phone: (515) 225-4006 Ankeny: 227 NW School Locations in Ankeny and West Des Moines, Iowa.

We have 16 qualified and caring therapists ready to provide you a safe environment to heal, learn and gain hope for the future.

Not all trauma responses look like panic or fear.Sometimes they look like overworking, people-pleasing, shutting down, o...
03/28/2026

Not all trauma responses look like panic or fear.

Sometimes they look like overworking, people-pleasing, shutting down, or snapping over small things.

This is your nervous system trying to protect you the best way it knows how.

The problem is… what once kept you safe might now be keeping you stuck. What response do you relate to most?

Heidi Vermeer-Quist, PsyD 🤍Heidi is passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with res...
03/27/2026

Heidi Vermeer-Quist, PsyD 🤍

Heidi is passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with resilience, insight, and compassion. Through her work, she integrates practical tools like stress management, effective communication, and positive psychology to support meaningful, lasting change.

She also brings a unique perspective by weaving together psychological principles with faith-based values, offering care that supports the whole person.

If you’re looking for support in your mental health or relationships, Heidi is here to help.

Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all 🤍Sometimes you don’t just need sleep, you need space, stillness, connection, or a reset for...
03/26/2026

Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all 🤍

Sometimes you don’t just need sleep, you need space, stillness, connection, or a reset for your mind and senses. Learning what kind of rest your body and mind are asking for can make all the difference in how you show up for yourself each day.

Which type of rest do you need most right now?

With over 15 years of experience in pastoral counseling and human services, Mike Mattson brings compassion, insight, and...
03/25/2026

With over 15 years of experience in pastoral counseling and human services, Mike Mattson brings compassion, insight, and a genuine desire to help you move toward your goals.

As a temporary licensed professional counselor, Mike’s approach is centered on meeting you where you are—listening to your story, walking alongside you, and supporting your growth every step of the way.

Ready to begin your counseling journey with Mike? Call (515) 964-5003 or email mike.m@newlife-counseling.com to schedule an appointment today.

For the heavy seasons Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is slow down and remind yourself...you don’t have to ...
03/24/2026

For the heavy seasons

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is slow down and remind yourself...you don’t have to carry everything at once.

Thank you to our intern Brittney Frees, for this meaningful reminder. To schedule an appointment, call (515) 964-5003 or email brittney@newlife-counseling.com

One simple but powerful way to support your mental health?Creating intentional time for yourself.In a world that often p...
03/21/2026

One simple but powerful way to support your mental health?

Creating intentional time for yourself.

In a world that often pushes constant productivity, choosing to pause. Whether through movement, stillness, or reflection is an act of both boundary-setting and self-compassion.

Swipe through for a reminder that taking time for yourself isn’t selfish...it’s essential.

Train your mind to do hard things.Not by being harsh with yourself, but by choosing growth, one small step at a time.By ...
03/20/2026

Train your mind to do hard things.

Not by being harsh with yourself, but by choosing growth, one small step at a time.

By staying when it’s uncomfortable.
By feeling what you’d rather avoid.
By showing up, even when it would be easier to shut down.

Resilience isn’t built all at once, it’s shaped in the quiet, daily decisions to keep going, to keep trying, to keep believing change is possible.

You are more capable than you think.

Therapists hold a lot.They sit with grief, trauma, uncertainty, and the quiet moments in between. They listen deeply, ho...
03/19/2026

Therapists hold a lot.

They sit with grief, trauma, uncertainty, and the quiet moments in between. They listen deeply, hold space, and show up with compassion day after day.

Behind every session is a human who is committed to caring well. Not only for their clients, but also for themselves. Because when therapists care for their own well-being, they can continue showing up with presence, empathy, and strength for those they serve.

Navigating life’s transitions, relationships, and personal challenges can feel overwhelming at times. Counseling offers ...
03/18/2026

Navigating life’s transitions, relationships, and personal challenges can feel overwhelming at times. Counseling offers a space to pause, reflect, and gain insight so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Together, we can create a supportive environment for reflection, growth, and meaningful, lasting change.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule with Kacie today by calling (515) 225-4006 or emailing kacie@newlife-counseling.com.

One mental health misconception more people should understand (especially men) is the idea that showing emotion is weakn...
03/17/2026

One mental health misconception more people should understand (especially men) is the idea that showing emotion is weakness.

Our culture often sends the message that men are only “allowed” two emotions: excitement when your team wins, or anger when things don’t go your way. Everything else gets labeled as weakness.

But the truth is actually the opposite.

Not being aware of your emotions (or being unable to regulate them) is far weaker than being able to name and manage them. If you can’t see what’s going on inside, how can you have self-control over it?

Scripture speaks to this clearly in Proverbs 16:32:

“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”

It doesn’t take much strength to be angry...that’s often the easiest reaction. Real strength shows up in patience, awareness, and self-control.

Supporting a child’s emotional and mental health doesn’t mean having all the answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing ...
03/14/2026

Supporting a child’s emotional and mental health doesn’t mean having all the answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply be present. A calm, supportive presence can help a child feel safe, regulated, and heard.

Thank you to our provider, Bekah Riker, MA, LMHC, for sharing this insight. To schedule an appointment with Bekah, call (515) 964-5003.

Repeat after me:I choose progress over perfection.I will make space for fresh energy, for God to move, and for new growt...
03/13/2026

Repeat after me:

I choose progress over perfection.
I will make space for fresh energy, for God to move, and for new growth.
I trust the timing God has for my life.
I start over without guilt.
I am proud of how far I’ve come, and grateful God has carried me this far.
I know everything is working out according to God’s plan.
I believe God will carry me through this trial.

Address

227 Northwest School Street
Ankeny, IA
50266

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 2pm

Telephone

+15152254006

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