Safe enough to feel.
Strong enough to change.
Therapy isn’t about fixing who you are. It’s about helping you understand yourself with compassion, heal what has been carrying too much for too long, and move toward the life you want to live.
Maybe anxiety is running your life. Maybe you’re exhausted from overthinking, people-pleasing, or feeling like you have to hold everything together. Maybe you’ve been through experiences that still affect you in ways you don’t fully understand.
Or maybe you can’t explain what’s wrong—you just know you don’t feel like yourself anymore.
Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
I believe every behavior makes sense in the context of someone’s story. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” we’ll begin asking, “What happened?” and “How did I learn to survive this?”
Together, we’ll work to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, build practical tools for everyday life, and create meaningful, lasting change—not because you’re broken, but because healing is possible.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you walk through the door.
About Brooke
Hi, I’m Brooke Sanders.
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of EmPACT Counseling.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Luther College and my master’s degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based care. I believe therapy works best when it feels like two people working together—not one person telling the other how to live.
I’ll meet you with curiosity instead of judgment. I’ll help you slow down, make sense of patterns that may have developed over years, and gently challenge the beliefs that keep you feeling stuck.
My work is trauma-informed and integrates EMDR, Internal Family Systems (parts work), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Techniques, mindfulness, narrative therapy, and attachment-based approaches. Every client is different, so therapy should be too. I believe therapy doesn't have to be serious all the time. While we make space for life's hardest moments, I also love incorporating humor into sessions when it feels natural. Laughter can help build connection, ease tension, and remind us that healing and joy can exist together.
One of the greatest privileges of this work is watching people discover that many of the things they’ve criticized themselves for actually make sense in the context of what they’ve lived through. Understanding yourself differently often becomes the beginning of real change.
Outside of the office, you'll usually find me spending time with my family, spoiling my two dogs, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying time in nature. Those simple moments remind me that life is both messy and meaningful. I don't believe healing means never struggling again. I believe it means learning to respond to yourself with greater understanding, flexibility, and compassion.
Services
I work with older adolescents and adults experiencing:
• Anxiety
• Trauma and PTSD
• Depression
• Relationship challenges
• Life transitions
• Grief and loss
• Perfectionism
• Self-esteem and identity concerns
• Stress and burnout
My therapeutic approach is individualized and may incorporate:
• EMDR
• Internal Family Systems (Parts Work)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Narrative Therapy
• Attachment-Focused Interventions
• Somatic Therapy
I also provide couples and premarital counseling using principles from the Gottman Method.
FAQ’s
Do I need to be in crisis to start therapy?
Not at all.
Many people come to therapy because something simply feels “off.” Others have specific goals or challenges they want to work through. Wherever you are, we’ll start there.
What is the first session like?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I’ll gather info about your history to better understand what brought you in, what’s important to you, and what you hope will be different. You’re also welcome to ask me questions. My goal isn’t to rush into solutions—it’s to begin understanding your story.
How often will we meet?
Not at all.
Many people come to therapy because something simply feels “off.” Others have specific goals or challenges they want to work through. Wherever you are, we’ll start there.
Most clients begin with weekly sessions. As we make progress, we can adjust the frequency based on your goals and needs.
What if I’ve tried therapy before?
Every therapist is different, and every season of life is different. If therapy hasn’t felt helpful in the past, we’ll spend time understanding what worked, what didn’t, and what you’re hoping for this time.
Do you accept insurance, or do you offer private pay?
I currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna and HealthPartners. If you prefer not to use insurance or are out of network, I also offer a private pay rate of $175.
Getting Started
Reaching out for therapy can feel like one of the hardest parts. If you’re considering taking that first step, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, healing from trauma, working through relationship challenges, or simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply, you don’t have to do it alone.
When you’re ready, I’d love to connect.
515-201-1844
In-person and remote options are available.
Our office is conveniently located in Clive, IA.