Therapy for Real Life
Sometimes life feels overwhelming, and figuring out what to do next can feel even harder. Therapy can give you a place to slow down, make sense of what's going on, and figure out what you need.
Meet Emily
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, and knowing where to start, or even reaching out for help, can feel difficult. If you’ve found your way here, I’m glad you did. I’m Emily Crabtree, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself.
I work with adolescents ages 16 and older and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, self-esteem, grief, life transitions, and the many challenges that can come with change. I also have a particular interest in helping people who experience anxiety around healthcare or struggle with medical appointments and avoidance.
My approach to therapy is relaxed, collaborative, and grounded in empathy and respect. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can be yourself without worrying about saying the “right” thing. I also believe there is room for humor in therapy. Sometimes you need to be able to laugh a little, even when you’re working through something difficult.
I use an integrative approach, drawing from person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based techniques to better understand your experiences, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and help you develop tools that feel practical and meaningful in your everyday life.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. We can start wherever you are.
Therapy That Feels Like You
Therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating or overly formal. My goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming space where you can show up exactly as you are. Your sessions are private and individualized, with room for honest conversations, real life, and even a little humor.
You don’t need to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out before you start. We can start wherever you are.
What Brings You To Therapy?
You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or just not quite like yourself. Maybe you're struggling in a relationship, going through a major life change, dealing with grief, or having a hard time feeling confident in yourself.
I work with teens and adults experiencing:
Anxiety and excessive worry
Depression and low mood
Relationship concerns
Self-esteem and confidence
Life transitions and major changes
Grief and loss
Healthcare anxiety and medical avoidance
You don't need to have a perfect explanation for why you're seeking therapy. If something in your life isn't working the way you'd like it to, that's reason enough to reach out.
Healthcare Anxiety & Medical Support
Navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming, especially when medical appointments bring up fear, anxiety, or difficult past experiences. I offer a supportive space to help you work through the emotional side of healthcare and feel more confident managing your medical care.
Therapy can help if you are struggling with:
Medical anxiety and avoidance:
Work through fears, past medical experiences, or anxiety that makes it difficult to schedule appointments, attend check-ups, or follow through with recommended care.
Communicating with your healthcare providers:
Build confidence in speaking up about your symptoms, asking questions, expressing your concerns, and communicating what you need during medical appointments.
Adjusting to a new diagnosis or health change:
Process the emotions that can come with a new diagnosis, chronic illness, or unexpected change in your health. Therapy can provide a place to work through grief, uncertainty, fear, and the adjustments that may come with it.
Choose What Works for You
I offer both in-person and telehealth appointments, so you can choose the option that feels most comfortable and convenient for you.
My office is located in Des Moines’ East Village, with metered street parking and a parking garage directly across the street.
Prefer to meet from home? Telehealth appointments are available throughout Iowa.
Silver Linings Counseling
300 East Locust Street | Suite 210
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
(515) 978-1085 | emily@silverliningsdsm.com