
Shelly Stewart-Sandusky is the president and founder of SS Therapy and Consulting, Ltd. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with an M.S. from Iowa State University in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Shelly provides therapy to couples and individuals struggling with couples related issues such as infidelity, sexual addiction, communication, co-parenting and personality disorders. Shelly is a Certified Personality Disorder Professional, meaning she is highly trained in effectively working with individuals and couples with personality disorders. Shelly is a direct and goal-focused therapist that uses strategic and solution focused approaches.
Shelly is available in the Merle Hay office.
Shelly is available in the Merle Hay office.

Anne is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who works with individuals, couples and families who are struggling to manage life circumstances. She provides a non-judgmental, safe and supportive environment that offers guidance to help meet your goals through open and honest conversation. She works with children, adolescents and adults within an individual, couple and/or family setting to empower self-growth, healing, improvement of relationships and the reduction of emotional suffering while addressing areas of concern including: anxiety, depression, addictions and compulsions, relationships, trauma, adjustment to change/life transitions, self-esteem, grief and loss, and stress management.
Anne has a M.S. from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln in Child, Youth and Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Post-Degree Certification in Medical Family Therapy.
Anne works with individuals/couples who are dealing with relationship issues and emotional conflicts. From couples wanting a better connection, to those trying to overcome infidelity and other relationship wounds, she helps by utilizing couples therapy approaches that focus on increasing emotional connection and intimacy, communication, and rebuilding trust.
Anne is available in the Ankeny office. Her email is lolwing@sstherapyandconsulting.com
Anne has a M.S. from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln in Child, Youth and Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Post-Degree Certification in Medical Family Therapy.
Anne works with individuals/couples who are dealing with relationship issues and emotional conflicts. From couples wanting a better connection, to those trying to overcome infidelity and other relationship wounds, she helps by utilizing couples therapy approaches that focus on increasing emotional connection and intimacy, communication, and rebuilding trust.
Anne is available in the Ankeny office. Her email is lolwing@sstherapyandconsulting.com

Amanda Ackerman is a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Amanda is certified in EMDR and working towards EMDRIA certification. Amanda enjoys providing therapy to individuals and families. Amanda encourages her clients to be comfortable, open, and honest. Amanda works with clients focusing on anxiety, depression, delinquent defiant behavior, conduct concerns, school or work issues, trauma, relationships, stress management, substance issues, or self-esteem.
Amanda is available in the Merle Hay office. Her email is Ackerman@sstherapyandconsulting.com

Paul is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who works with teens, adults, and families. Paul enjoys working both with adults going through difficult times as well as quiet/shy teenagers who have difficulty opening up to others. Paul believes in matching his therapy style to the goals and the pace that you feel comfortable with. Paul strives to make therapy a positive experience in which you feel heard, understood, and appreciated. Paul has extensive experience working with teenagers, adults, and families who are dealing with difficult transitions, prior traumatic events, or individuals who have been involved with outside systems like Juvenile Court or the Department of Human Services. Paul works out of our Ankeny office Monday through Friday with evening times available. Paul's goal is to be the type of therapist that you brag about and recommend to your friends and family.
Paul is available in the Ankeny office. His email is guerdet@sstherapyandconsulting.com
Paul is available in the Ankeny office. His email is guerdet@sstherapyandconsulting.com

Sheryl is a licensed independent social worker who works with teens, adults and seniors. She has two decades experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, school/work related challenges, LGBTQ issues and disability concerns. She has experience working with grief and loss as well as life transitions. Sheryl believes therapy can be a catalyst for positive change. She empowers and strengthens her clients’ ability to identify and address their goals. Sheryl uses a client-centered, interpersonal, emotion-focused approach as the theoretical foundation of her practice. She uses skills in CBT, ACT, mindfulness and motivational interviewing to help her clients improve their emotional health and well-being. Sheryl received her MSW from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. She also holds a MS in Kinesiology from Illinois State University.
Sheryl is available in the Ankeny office. Her email is frye@sstherapyandconsulting.com
Sheryl is available in the Ankeny office. Her email is frye@sstherapyandconsulting.com

Monica is a temporarily licensed mental health counselor in the Merle Hay office. Monica has a Phd in Applied Behavioral Analysis and Masters in mental health counseling. Monica takes a client centered approach to therapy and enjoys working with teens, adults and couples. Monica particularly enjoys helping with teens with behavioral challenges and with clients with personality disorders. Monica assists in facilitating STEPPS groups on a rotation at the Merle Hay office. Monica also works with a therapy dog as part of her sessions.
Monica is available in the Merle Hay office. Her direct email is Meier@sstherapyandconsulting.com
Monica is available in the Merle Hay office. Her direct email is Meier@sstherapyandconsulting.com
Elijah is a temp licensed mental health counselor (tLMHC) who works with teens, adults, couples, and families. He has experience counseling healthcare employees, intellectually gifted adolescents, men, young adults, athletes, and a diverse group of other clientele. He works with issues including but not limited to stress, anger, anxiety, depression, self-image, relationships, infidelity, spirituality, grief and loss, and school or work difficulties. Elijah is passionate about helping people navigate challenging life circumstances as effectively as possible. He takes pride in his ability to individualize his approach to each client and their particular needs and situation.
Elijah is available in the Merle Hay Office full-time Monday through Thursday and with appointments from 10-2 on Fridays. Evening appointments are available. Elijah's direct email is evans@sstherapyandconsulting.com |

Lance recently completed his masters in social work and disaster resilience leadership, with interests in addressing collective trauma. Lance holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and is also a certified Yoga instructor. He is passionate about meeting clients wherever they are in life’s journey. He takes a strength’s based holistic approach to mental health, and enjoys incorporating mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, when these approaches serve client's expressed goals. He believes therapy should be a collaborative and engaging process which is empowering. Lance has experience working in youth development, and years helping individuals and families recover from the results of natural disasters in a variety of settings. Lance is currently able to offer therapy services under direct supervision of Paul Guerdet.
Lance is available in the Ankeny office on Mondays, and at our Des Moines location Tuesday through Friday. Lance’s direct e-mail is andersen@sstherapyandconsulting.com.
Lance is available in the Ankeny office on Mondays, and at our Des Moines location Tuesday through Friday. Lance’s direct e-mail is andersen@sstherapyandconsulting.com.

Ellie is a temporary licensed mental health counselor (tLMHC) and is located in the Merle Hay office. Ellie has experience in working with children, adolescents, families, and adults with various life struggles. This includes but is not limited to, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, school and work hardships, and relationships issues. She takes a client centered approach to therapy and encourages open and honest conversation. Ellie provides a compassionate environment for all individuals to feel included and welcomed in the therapeutic process. Ellie’s passion is found when working with children and adolescents. She is currently taking new clients under the direct supervision of Shelly Stewart-Sandusky.
Ellie's direct email address is mcdonald@sstherapyandconsulting.com
Ellie's direct email address is mcdonald@sstherapyandconsulting.com

Emily Murphy, MS, LMHC of Murphy Counseling shares office space with SS Therapy and Consulting, Ltd in the Merle Hay office. Emily's passion is working with children, young adults and their families in dealing with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, self-esteem, grief, divorce, parenting concerns, and family conflict. Emily believes that the therapeutic process is a collaborative journey that involves the entire family. As a therapist it is a privilege to witness this journey and to offer compassion, validation, support, and education along the way. Emily utilizes a wide variety of approaches, including play therapy, when working with clients so that each client gets exactly what they need. Emily's webpage for Murphy Counseling is www.murphycts.com. Emily's direct email address is emily@murphycts.com.

Andrea Gustafson, LISW, of JMG Therapy shares an office with SS Therapy and Consulting, Ltd in the Merle Hay office. Andrea enjoys working with teenagers and adults who are facing anxiety, depression or grief. Andrea takes a client centered approach to therapy and works to help clients feel empowered through the therapy process. Andrea's webpage for JMG therapy is www.JMGTherapy.com. Andrea's direct email address is andrea@jmgtherapy.com.

Timothy is the administrative manager for SS Therapy and Consulting. He is primarily in the Merle Hay office location. Timothy is responsible for most administrative activities for the company including billing and insurance, lease details, scheduling, client paperwork, insurance credentialing and greeting clients in the Merle Hay office. Timothy is available to answer billing, insurance and scheduling questions between 9am and 5pm Monday thru Friday. He can be reached at admin@sstherapyandconsulting.com or 515-528-8135.
Sonia is an intern at SS Therapy and Consulting and is working towards her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand View University. Sonia graduated from Iowa State University with her Bachelors in Psychology. She is interest in working with teens and adults from all works of life in coping with their anxiety, depression, family conflicts, trauma, difficulties and more. Sonia uses a variety of approaches that include narrative and person-centered. Sonia’s first language is English, but if needed will help with Spanish translations.
Sonia is currently able to offer free therapy services under the direct supervision of Shelly Stewart-Sandusky. Her direct email is navarro@sstherapyandconsulting.com |
Ashley is an intern with SS Therapy and Consulting. She is a current student at Buena Vista University and is working towards earning her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ashley graduated from Iowa State University in 2021 with a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Human Development. Ashley’s passions include working with children, teens, and their families in coping with anxiety, anger management, family conflict, trauma, and more. She will use a variety of approaches, including ACT, CBT, and play, to help her clients improve their mental health and lifestyles.
She is currently able to offer free therapy services under direct supervision of Shelly Stewart-Sandusky. Elijah is a clinical mental health counseling intern at the Merle Hay location of SS Therapy and Consulting. He is currently a student in Buena Vista University’s Master’s program of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Elijah is interested in working with teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, relationship struggles, work difficulties, spirituality, and more. Elijah provides a meaning-centered approach that helps clients discover purpose and courage through life’s difficulties.
Elijah is currently able to offer free therapy services under the direct supervision of Shelly Stewart-Sandusky. His direct email address is johnson@sstherapyandconsulting.com. |
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