Denise Stutes, LISW

Denise Stutes is a licensed therapist based in Iowa who brings a long history of work in mental health to her practice. She has more than 23 years of experience in the mental health field and has spent the past 5 years working directly as a therapist. Her background includes roles in community settings, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, and correctional facilities, giving her experience with a wide range of life challenges, including severe physical and mental trauma.

Denise describes her counseling style as compassionate, direct, and interactive, and she sometimes uses light humor to help ease difficult conversations. She emphasizes empowerment and helping people recognize their own strengths as a catalyst for change and growth. Her clinical approach blends family systems, cognitive behavioral methods, person-centered care, and mindfulness techniques to tailor support to each person she sees.

Denise holds the credential LISW, which stands for Licensed Independent Social Worker, and her Iowa license is IA LISW 008035. She welcomes individuals facing stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, and many other concerns, and she aims to create a judgement-free space where clients can explore change and build resilience. Denise values the courage it takes to begin therapy and looks forward to supporting people as they work toward their goals.

Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care

Denise frequently uses client-centered therapy, which focuses on listening closely to each person and helping them explore their values and choices in a supportive, non-directive way. This approach can be especially helpful for people working on self-esteem, identity, and improving relationships.

She also integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, a practical method that helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and develop more effective coping strategies for anxiety, depression, stress, and addiction-related concerns. Mindfulness practices are woven into her work to support present-moment awareness and emotional regulation, which can reduce reactivity and promote calm during difficult moments.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Denise collaborates with each person to choose strategies that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She helps clients evaluate what feels most useful and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Denise offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and caregiving responsibilities, and they allow licensed professionals and therapists to provide consistent support even when in-person meetings are not possible.