About Us

Denise Stapley LMHC, PLC is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and one of only three  AASECT Certified Sex Therapist in the state of Iowa.  She brings to her therapy practice over two decades of experience serving individuals, couples, and groups.  Her approach is a mix of solid training in various therapeutic approaches, diagnosis, and clinical skill. She adds her own personal touch of humor and energy to the therapy hour.

Denise believes firmly that most  all of her clients enter into therapy at a place in their lives when they simply feel stuck. They've tried to resolve the issues to the best of their ability.  And in most cases, Denise finds that her clients are already equipped with the skills and tools that they need to move forward in their lives.  Therapy provides a safe and supportive arena to help clients tap into their own internal and external resources for change.  Denise adheres to the idea that she may not always be the expert in the room....but she will always be an ally in the process.  

While Denise is a generalist at heart, her specialty  and passion is Sex Therapy which developed somewhat unexpectedly over nearly a decade of her providing therapy during her early years.  

During that time, Denise had begun to notice themes related to sexuality that many of her clients presented with over and over.  These included themes of sexual abuse, sexual intimidation, negative body image,  general sexual dissatisfaction & sexual dysfunction/pain along with, gender related issues. In many of these cases, underlying anxiety and depression, was impacting her clients ability to cope and manage these issues.  

So, the journey began... 

And after obtaining many hours of continuing education, & receiving clinical supervision, Denise was certified as an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist in 2006.  While the field of sex therapy is vast in and of itself, Denise works primarily with clients to address sexual intimacy and desire issues. She also works with clients on issues related to sexual abuse/trauma, body image and self esteem that are impacting their overall sense of sexuality.  

Her goal is always to help clients develop greater sexual health in a way that feels fitting for THEM.  If you would like more information regarding the specialty of sex therapy please go to www.AASECT.org.

Prior to entering private practice in 2007, Denise worked & provided therapy for a local non-profit  for nearly a decade 

Her current practice space/location offers both comfort and convenience.  It is easily accessed off of Collins Rd. or I-380 & is located directly behind the Holiday Inn Express. 

Denise does not provide therapy to address sexual offending nor sexual addiction issues.