Red Couch Counseling LLC

12/28/2025

As the year comes to a close, we invite you to reflect on your accomplishments and look forward to the new year with renewed purpose and enthusiasm.

At Red Couch, we're grateful for our loved ones, colleagues, and clients who entrust us with their journey and we encourage you to reach out to us to explore how we can support you in the year ahead.

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays ✨ Here’s to cozy moments, good company, and a fresh start ahead.

12/24/2025

“Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart...filled it, too, with melody that would last forever.” – Bess Streeter Aldrich

Merry Christmas Eve, friends!

12/23/2025

💻 Not ready to visit in person? Or just want to chat from the comfort of your own space? 🌟

We offer HIPAA-compliant online therapy that's simple, secure, and convenient. ❤️ No pressure, just support.

✨ Ready to take the first step? Check out our easy walkthrough to get started:www.redcouchcounselingdsm.com/online-counseling

12/23/2025

✨ We’re honored to be recognized! ✨
Our Red Couch Counseling – Ames office has been recognized by BusinessRate, reflecting our team’s commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate mental health care.

Thank you to our Ames community for your continued trust. If you’re looking for support, our Ames clinicians are here to help.

12/22/2025

✨ Meet Your Practitioner ✨
💬 Immediate Openings Available
Hi, I’m Amy Blessing, a Licensed Independent Social Worker here at Red Couch Counseling 🤍

I became a therapist because I know firsthand how heavy mental health challenges can feel and how powerful it is to have a safe, supportive space to work through them.

I work with adults 18+ using a holistic, person-centered, affirming, and collaborative approach. Together, we focus on helping you process emotions, build skills, and move toward healing at your own pace 🌱
🧠 Areas I support include:
• Anxiety & depression
• Trauma (big T’s and little T’s)
• Grief & loss
• Chronic illness & pain
• Life transitions & relationship concerns
• Caregivers & LGBTQ+ adults

My background includes years in nonprofit mental health and disability services, and I bring compassion, authenticity, and yes, a little humor into our work together 😊
We may explore evidence-based approaches like EMDR, DBT skills, ACT, parts work, somatic healing, narrative therapy, and creative practices like art or poetry, all tailored to your goals.

If you’re looking for a place where you can feel safe, understood, and supported, I’m accepting new clients and would be honored to walk alongside you 🤍

12/22/2025

12/21/2025

Social anxiety doesn’t always look like someone hiding in the corner or refusing to go out. Most of the time, it’s quieter. It can show up in high-functioning people who are friendly, capable, and successful, but internally feel like they’re walking through social situations with their nervous system set to “high alert.”

Social anxiety is often a learned strategy. In many cases, it’s connected to past experiences where social moments were paired with embarrassment, criticism, exclusion, or unpredictability. Sometimes it comes from growing up in environments where you had to “read the room” carefully to stay emotionally safe. Your nervous system learned: visibility equals risk.

From an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, social anxiety can also reflect protective parts that are trying to keep you from being hurt.
One part might overthink to prevent mistakes.
Another might push you to perform so you’re accepted.
Another might avoid altogether because it believes avoidance is the safest route. Underneath, there’s often a more tender part that carries a fear of rejection or shame.

And with the right support and tools, you can retrain your mind and body to experience connection as something safer, steadier, and more natural over time.
Reach out, you are not alone.
515-954-9865

12/19/2025

We are proud of the work happening at Red Couch Counseling Johnston location and honored to be recognized by BusinessRate💛

The acknowledgement reflects the care, dedication, and integrity our clinicians bring to their work every day-and the trust our Johnston community places in us. We're grateful to be part of a community that values healing, growth, and connection.

12/19/2025

Hey Siri, Play White Christmas by Bing Crosby. When you are running around finishing up those last minute Holiday Things... What is your go to song??

12/19/2025

Did you make small progress today? That matters.
Did you make huge progress today? That matters.

Any progress... matters. 💯

12/17/2025

If you’ve been feeling like you might need a little extra support, you’re not alone ❤️
Getting help can be simple, comfortable, and on your terms.
At Red Couch Counseling, we’re here to meet you where you are and help you take that next step 🌱

Booking an appointment is easy. Just visit our website and choose a time that works for you.

🛋️ Support that fits your life
📅 Easy online scheduling
💬 A safe space to talk and heal
Schedule your appointment anytime at
👉 https://www.redcouchcounselingdsm.com