Find the provider that best suits your needs.
Jasmina Pajazetovic
Owner/Therapist
Waukee & West Des Moines
Hello there! I’m thrilled to welcome you into a space where your inner light is waiting to shine brightly. In our time together at Ivory Lotus Therapy, we’ll embark on a beautiful journey of self-discovery. I believe in the power that resides within each of us—the kind of brilliance that can guide us through even the darkest times. My role is to help you uncover that brilliance, to connect with your innate strengths and wisdom, and to provide a nurturing space where you can unfold into a life that’s truly gratifying, meaningful, and authentic.
My approach is integrative, which means I draw from a rich blend of psychological theories to create a therapy experience that’s just as unique as you are. While I’m trained in various therapeutic methods, I always tailor our sessions to meet your needs, all while challenging you to grow and navigate through discomfort with grace.
I have a special place in my heart for working with adolescents and adults who might feel stuck or empty, despite their successes. If you’re dealing with life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, phobias, or addictions, I’m here to walk alongside you as you find your path to fulfillment.
Couples counseling is also a passion of mine, and I’m dedicated to helping partners work through their struggles. I’m a firm believer in love’s diverse expressions, and as a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ ally, I warmly welcome those in open relationships or practicing non-monogamy.
Let’s discover the brilliance within you and light up your world together. I can’t wait to meet you and start this journey.
Tara Smith
Medication Management | PMHNP
West Des Moines
With over seven years of experience in mental health and family practice, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages, starting at four. My passion lies in helping individuals who have experienced trauma, and I have extensive expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.
I offer a holistic approach to mental health, combining medication management with natural therapies like herbs and supplements. My goal is to address both the mental and physical aspects of my patients’ well-being, ensuring that any underlying medical conditions are properly managed.
I believe in a collaborative provider-patient relationship built on trust and compassion. My patients play an active role in their care, including the medications they choose. I am committed to educating my patients about their mental health diagnoses and treatment options.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active. As a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan, I’m always cheering on the team!
Monica Meier
Therapist
Waukee
I am here to listen and to help you work through life's difficulties in a positive and healthy manner using a therapeutic approach that promotes positive self-esteem. By using this approach, we are able to view your life through the lens that you have created for it and use a solution focus base to resolve issues you feel are hindering you.
Does life feel overwhelming? Are you needing to talk to someone and feel heard? Life has been a little different this year and many things have affected people in different ways. We can work through these things in a positive and healthy manner-- keeping you at your best mental health state.
Sam Pattison
Therapist
West Des Moines
Hey there! I’m Sam and I’m excited to work with you!
Life can be a wild ride, right? Lately, have you felt like you’re sprinting on a treadmill, yet somehow standing still? Maybe you’re burning the midnight oil, chasing that elusive satisfaction, all while juggling bills like a pro. But here’s the plot twist: internalized capitalism might be pulling the strings behind the scenes.Internalized capitalism is a growing field of study focusing on capitalism and its effects on social justice and mental health. It's effects are far reaching and it often plays a role in the development of many mental health disorders.
I work with my clients to help them examine their own internalized messaging and behaviors that have aided them in coping with the injustices of our society. I utilize evidence based cognitive behavioral therapies, existentialism, and the emerging liberation health model to empower clients to take control of their mental health and their world.
I have experience working with bipolar, borderline personality disorder, post traumatic stress, and grief. I also have more than a decade of experience working with intellectual disabilities.
It is my goal to help you go beyond your diagnosis and build a world that allows you to be who you want to be!
James Sargent
Therapist
West Des Moines
With over two decades of heartfelt dedication as an ancillary medical professional and equipped with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I'm here to be your trusted guide, offering a unique blend of traditional therapy and complementary techniques. Though I specialize in supporting adults with ADHD, LGBTQ+ concerns, relationship dynamics, sexual health, intimacy, anxiety, depression, and general transitional difficulties, I also provide hypnosis as a powerful tool for transformation and healing. Hypnosis is a safe and therapeutic technique to curb and eliminate habits, reduce anxiety, increase confidence, decrease pain, and heighten the therapeutic effects of traditional talk therapy.
My passion lies in nurturing healthy relationships, uncovering life's purpose, and realizing one's aspirations. Let's embark on this exciting journey, integrating personalized goals and sessions tailored just for you. Drawing from my rich life experiences and effective therapeutic techniques, I'm committed to your well-being above all else.
Mutual respect and collaboration are at the core of my practice, and I'm dedicated to being your advocate every step of the way. As a queer therapist, in my eyes, love knows no bounds, and everyone deserves to live authentically. Let's work together to make that a reality. Join me on the path to becoming the best version of yourself – a journey filled with growth, empowerment, and fulfillment.
Chelsey Joiner
Therapist
West Des Moines
I'm a therapist, mom, and wellness coach passionate about the mind-body connection. I'm dedicated to empowering individuals to reclaim control and live a life of purpose, authenticity, and freedom. It's a privilege to help people access their inner skills for managing emotions, navigating life's challenges, and achieving transformative change.
As a therapist, I prioritize the client-therapist relationship, tailoring my approach to each individual. I draw from theories and interventions like DBT, IPNB, IFS/Parts Language, CBT, and Polyvagal Theory.
Transparency and authenticity are important to me. While I maintain professional boundaries, I want you to feel confident that my sharing serves our therapeutic relationship and your growth. Like many, I've struggled with emotions, body image, disconnection, and self-compassion. As a "recovering perfectionist" with GenX sensibilities, I understand the desire and fear of being fully seen.
I believe personal growth involves acknowledging and accepting all parts of ourselves. I strive for personal and professional growth, and as your therapist, I'm here to create a safe space where you feel fully seen, known, and cared for. You are welcome here.
Dr. Kristen Muleya
Therapist
West Des Moines
Hey there, I’m Dr. Muleya- a therapist and educator passionate about helping people find steadiness and eaning in the midst of life’s noise. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practice, but grounded in real life; because true wellness should bring relief, not more pressure. I have a deep passion for the art of understanding the human psyche and how our internal worlds shape the way we connect, cope, and grow. Together, we’ll focus on clarity, confidence, and practical change that feels both sustainable and genuine. My clinical work is attachment-centered, play-based, and systems-informed, blending attachment-based therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and family systems principles. I focus on fostering relational safety, emotional regulation, and self-understanding across all developmental stages. Whether I’m working with children through play and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, or with adults and couples through relational repair, I emphasize empathy, respect, and active collaboration. I also specialize in divorce and separation counseling, helping couples and families navigate the emotional, relational, and practical transitions of ending a relationship. My attachment-informed approach supports clients as they grieve, reorient, and rebuild with both emotional and practical grounding. Clients often describe our sessions as clarifying and restorative; spaces where insight grows and connection deepens. I draw from years of experience as a college professor and as a family systems, child behavioral health, and parenting specialist, which allows me to create a balance of warmth, insight, and intentional guidance in the therapy room. My goal is simple: to help you feel grounded, supported, and empowered to make the choices that move your life forward with intention and compassion. I am available to see clients at the West Des Moines office, both in person and via telehealth. I welcome clients of all ages and specialize in children’s behavioral issues, childhood through college age academic stress due to neurodivergence, and adult romantic relationship attachment-based issues.
Laci Struble
Therapist
West Des Moines
As a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa I have professional experience providing therapy to both youth and adults. Over the course of my career, I have worked with clients who present with a variety of mental health concerns including those with severe and persistent mental health conditions, depression, anxiety, conduct- related difficulties, ADHD, attachment issues, self-esteem challenges, trauma, personality disorders, and more.
My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and authentic. I place a strong emphasis on creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and respected. I believe that every individual deserves to be met with compassion, unconditional positive regard, and sensitivity throughout the therapeutic process.
My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing upon evidence-based practices such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution focused therapy, and client-centered approaches. I tailor interventions to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, recognizing that no two individuals’ experiences are alike.
I understand that seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, but it is also a courageous and meaningful step toward personal growth and improved well-being. My role is to walk alongside you in this process, providing guidance, encouragement, and the tools necessary to create a more balanced, fulfilling, and empowered life. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and to support you on your journey toward healing and positive change.