Lauren Merten, MS, T-LMHC
I am committed to supporting individuals and families in their journey toward healing and personal growth. I believe that everyone has the capacity to overcome life’s challenges, and my role as a therapist is to help you unlock the tools and resilience needed to thrive. I also believe that, for many, healing is deeply rooted in faith, and I aim to support that aspect of your journey as well.
I grew up in Wisconsin and have spent the last 10+ years in Iowa, where I’ve built my career and passion for helping others. After earning my Psychology degree with an English minor from Iowa State University in 2017, I spent 8 years working with children and families in various settings. This experience inspired me to expand my knowledge, leading me to earn a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Drake University in 2025.
With 8 years of experience in residential, community, crisis, and school environments, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the challenges families face. My client-centered approach is tailored to fit each individual's needs. I’m trained in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). ACT helps clients develop psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult emotions and thoughts without judgment, while focusing on taking action toward living a meaningful life aligned with their values. EMDR, on the other hand, is particularly effective for individuals processing trauma, helping to reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional charge, allowing clients to heal and move forward with a sense of freedom and empowerment.
In addition to these approaches, I incorporate Play Therapy and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) for younger clients. TBRI focuses on building trust and connection, especially in children and families who have experienced trauma. I also utilize techniques from CBT and DBT to help clients build emotional regulation, healthier coping strategies, and stronger relationships, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with confidence.
Whether you're navigating a difficult life transition, struggling with anxiety, or working through past trauma, I’m here to help you develop the skills and confidence to move forward in a healthy, positive direction, and support your journey with compassion, understanding, and a spiritual perspective.
In my free time, I enjoy walking and biking and I’m always up for cooking while listening to 90's country music. My fiancé and I enjoy watching shows and YouTube videos together with our snuggly and active cat. I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible, soaking in the warmth and reading and journaling.
Contact Lauren
Lauren sees clients at the Ankeny office, please call for an appointment:
Ankeny Office
227 NW School Street
Ankeny, IA 50023
Phone: (515) 964-5003
Areas of Special Interest:
- Trauma
- Faith-based counseling
- Anxiety
- Family therapy
- Parenting
- Play therapy
- Trust-Based Relational
- Intervention (TBRI)
- Emotional regulation
- Life transitions
- Children and adolescents