Ashley Bartenhagen, LISW

Ashley Bartenhagen is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) practicing in Iowa with nine years of professional experience. She focuses on helping people navigate stress and anxiety, manage symptoms of depression, and build motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Her work also includes support for grief and loss as well as hospice and end-of-life counseling, addressing the emotional challenges that accompany major life changes.

Ashley approaches each person as the expert of their own story and looks for strengths to build upon while working through obstacles. She emphasizes practical skills and compassionate support so clients can take meaningful steps toward a more satisfying and balanced life. Seeking change requires courage, and Ashley aims to empower clients through encouragement, reflection, and evidence-informed strategies.

Her practice offers flexible ways to connect and she collaborates with individuals to set goals that reflect their values and priorities. Whether someone is coping with a recent loss, facing ongoing anxiety, or adjusting to new circumstances, Ashley provides steady guidance and practical tools to move forward with confidence.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Ashley uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT focuses on practical skills and structured techniques that are useful for anxiety, depression, stress management, and improving everyday functioning. It emphasizes learning coping strategies and testing new ways of responding to difficult situations.

She also brings experience in hospice and end-of-life counseling, providing emotional support and coping strategies for those facing bereavement, anticipatory grief, or major life transitions. This work centers on comfort, meaning, and practical approaches to difficult conversations and decisions.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Ashley works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts methods over time to find what fits best. Licensed professionals and therapists often combine approaches to meet the unique needs of each client.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to receive care, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and health needs and provide consistent access to support regardless of location.