Jacquelyne Joens - LMHC, MA, NCC

I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1981, with a degree in Economics. After graduation, I worked in the areas of Employee Relations, Training & Development and management for 10 years. It was during this time that I discovered my interest in counseling and education, as I was responsible for the development and implementation of corporate training programs, managerial training, employee relations and career counseling. After my two sons were born, I enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom for 15 years. These years afforded me the opportunity to serve as a volunteer and leader in our church, my sons' schools, and the community.

I began working on my Mental Health Counseling Master's Degree in January 2004, graduating in May 2006. While going to graduate school full-time, I enjoyed working as a substitute teacher in the junior high and high school grade levels. I completed my practicum at the UNI Counseling Center, my internship at Allen Memorial Hospital Mental Health Unit, was an entrepreneur and therapist for New Hope Coaching and Counseling in Cedar Falls, and was a therapist for New Life Counseling in West Des Moines before opening New Hope Counseling, Coaching and Consulting P.C. in 2008. These experiences have provided me the chance to work in the areas of individual, couples, family, crisis and group counseling - covering a variety of mental health issues.

I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, tested and certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Iowa, licensed by the Iowa Department of Public Health. For verification and confirmation of my credentials you are encouraged to visit their websites. As required by law, these credentials must be updated.

In addition to my degrees, I have been formally trained in professional and personal life coaching, play therapy, corporate leadership training and staff development, job organization and the writing of job descriptions. After years of research and work, I have developed a unique educational program for the enhancement of self-identity/self-esteem.

I am fortunate to be the mother of two wonderful and loving sons, the stepmother of three great people and the step-grandmother of six beautiful children. I was divorced in 2003, after being married for almost 20 years. Most recently, I have been sharing in the care of my aging parents, both of whom have struggled with chronic illness. My dear mother passed away in February of 2018 and the process of her decline and loss has taught me a new dimension of family need and support for my father who was her loving and devoted partner for almost 60 years. The experiences of establishing a blended family, the challenges of abuse, infidelity, divorce, single parenting, returning to school, self-employment and loss have gifted me with life lessons unmatched by knowledge gained from exclusively reading textbooks.

I have many activities that fill my free time…reading, singing, gardening, decorating, writing, membership in professional and social organizations, indoor and outdoor exercise, serving in the music ministry at my church. I have loved, lived and learned to be a better person through my life's journey. My life is rich and blessed, and I continue to look forward to the promises of each new day.