Major life changes can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling stuck and uncertain about what comes next.
That’s why Calm Tree Therapy is here: we give you a supportive, judgment-free place to slow down, breathe, and concentrate on what really matters: your well-being.
Our services include individual therapy, couples counseling, help for traumatic experiences, EMDR, CBT, and grief support. We support you through all your life transitions. Our approach is compassionate and collaborative; we tailor our methods just for you. So, you can become more resilient, get clarity, and make real, lasting changes in your life.
Our Services
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy in Johnston, IA, gives residents a real chance to strengthen their relationships, resolve conflicts, and build deeper emotional connections. Whether you’re facing the early challenges of a new relationship, working through the pressures of raising a family in the Des Moines metro area, or trying to rebuild trust after a significant breach, Colin has the training and tools to guide you through difficult relational terrain.
Gottman Couples Therapy
A widely used and research-backed approach in couples therapy is the Gottman Method, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Colin at Calm Tree Therapy in Johnston is trained in this evidence-based model. His structured exercises and guided conversations help couples replace the destructive patterns with healthier communication habits.
Trauma Therapy
Trauma doesn’t always look like what you’d expect. You’re going about your day, and something small sets you off. A smell. A sound. A comment that shouldn’t have landed that hard. And suddenly you’re back somewhere you don’t want to be. We can help.
Individual Therapy
Sometimes you need a space that’s yours. No explaining yourself to a partner, no worrying about what a family member thinks.
Just you and a therapist, working through whatever’s sitting heavy. Individual therapy in Johnston is exactly that.
Depression Counseling
Some days, getting out of bed feels like the hardest thing you’ll do. It’s okay to say it. Depression isn’t just sadness.
It’s emptiness. They are not caring. The going-through-the-motions while feeling empty inside.
We can help
Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety doesn’t always look like a panic attack. Sometimes it’s just a tight chest every Sunday night, or a brain that runs through all worst-case scenarios at 2 a.m.
We see this a lot in Johnston
Marriage Counseling
Marriage is hard, and it’s okay to say that out loud.
We see couples in Johnston and the surrounding metro who’ve been together for years and still feel like strangers. That’s what marriage counseling is for: to help couples reconnect and rebuild friendship based on trust and mutual respect.
EMDR
At its core, EMDR therapy works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories that have become “stuck” in a way that continues to cause distress, anxiety, and emotional pain. During a standard EMDR session, Colin will guide the client through a structured eight-phase protocol that includes history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization of distressing memories, reprocessing memories to more positive beliefs, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy mimics the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep, allowing the brain to integrate traumatic memories in a healthier, less distressing way.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT
CBT works by connecting your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Change one, and the others shift too. It’s practical. Concrete. You leave sessions with actual tools. When choosing a CBT-trained counselor in Johnston, it helps to verify their credentials and licensure. The American Counseling Association maintains a resource on professional counselor licensure requirements by state (https://www.counseling.org/resources/licensure-requirements) that can help you understand what qualifications to look for before booking your first session.
How do I know if I need individual therapy or couples therapy?
If the struggle feels personal — anxiety, depression, or past trauma — individual therapy is usually the right starting point. If the pain is mostly about your relationship dynamic, couples therapy makes more sense. Sometimes people in Johnston do both at the same time with different therapists. A quick phone consultation can help you determine which direction best fits your situation.
When should someone reach out to a counselor instead of just waiting it out?
If something is affecting your sleep, your work, or your relationships, that’s a good sign it’s time to call. You don’t need to hit rock bottom first. Many come in early and get better results. Waiting usually makes things harder, not easier.
What's the difference between marriage counseling and couples therapy?
They’re very similar, but couples therapy often covers a broader range of relationships — not just married partners. Marriage counseling tends to focus specifically on committed spouses. Both use the same core approaches, like the Gottman Method or Emotionally Focused Therapy. We offer both, so the right choice depends on where you are in your relationship.
How do I choose the right therapist for my situation?
Look for a licensed therapist — LMFT, LCSW, or LMHC credentials are good signs. Then consider their specialty. Trauma therapy, anxiety treatment, and couples work each require different training. Most Johnston counselors offer a brief consultation so you can get a feel for their style before committing. Finding someone you feel comfortable with matters as much as their credentials.
Can couples therapy help even if we're not in crisis?
Absolutely. Many couples use therapy proactively — especially before marriage or during big life changes like a new job or a child leaving home. You don’t have to be falling apart to benefit. Premarital counseling and check-in sessions help couples build stronger communication habits before problems get serious.