- Emotionally-Focused Therapy
- Client-Centered approach
- Cognitive Behavioral techniques
About Denise
Denise Stutes is an Iowa Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with five years as a practicing therapist and more than two decades in the mental health field. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, LGBT concerns, parenting and caregiver strain, and career or life transitions.
Before becoming a therapist she worked in community settings, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, and corrections. That background means she has experience with people who have faced severe physical and mental trauma and complex life stressors.
Her approach draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy, client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, existential ideas, and mindfulness practices. Sessions are direct and interactive, and she uses straightforward conversation and occasional humor to help people notice their strengths.
Denise pays attention to patterns such as abandonment, codependency, commitment and communication problems, control issues, and dependent or avoidant personality concerns. She also addresses family problems, divorce and separation, domestic violence, and forgiveness work when those issues come up.
In practical terms she helps people develop clearer ways to manage emotions, change unhelpful thinking and behavior, and make decisions that fit their values. Interested readers are advised to confirm current session options and scheduling details before booking.
How Denise integrates EFT, client-centered work and CBT online
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on identifying and working with core emotions and attachment patterns to change how people relate to themselves and others. It can help when emotion-driven cycles fuel relationship or personal problems. Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, acceptance, and helping people uncover their own solutions by following their priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers practical strategies to change unhelpful thinking and behavior.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Denise will collaborate with each person to choose which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. That may mean using emotion-focused steps one week and skills-based CBT work the next, depending on what the client wants to address.
Confirm the current session options before booking, since specific formats are not listed in the profile. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, or letting someone choose a quieter setting that works for them. Licensed professionals can use these advantages to keep momentum between sessions and to weave therapy into everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, parenting and caregiver issues, and related concerns listed in her profile.
Which therapeutic style does she use?
Her work draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy, client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, existential thinking, and mindfulness practices.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has been a practicing therapist for five years and has over 23 years of experience in the mental health field overall.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an Iowa Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) based in Iowa.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and services. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the process to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.