Rebecca O'Connell

I began my education by studying business at the University of Colorado in Boulder; along the way, however, I began to sense God calling me to be a therapist. Shortly after graduating with my business degree, I married my wonderful husband, Bill. After our honeymoon, we both began studies at Fuller Theological Seminary; he in the school of theology (to be a minister), and I in the school of psychology. We enjoyed taking several classes together, including intensive New Testament Greek, and I graduated in 1991 with a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Since that time, I have had 25+ years of clinical experience in private practice and have been a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists since 1996. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist 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 and remain current through continuing education and the filing of appropriate documentation. I am also a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

I view therapy as a journey. The path on this journey of life is twisting and winding with many detours, and it can be difficult to navigate on our own. The therapy hour is time carved out just for the client; a safe place with no shame, where people can give voice to their stories. People's issues may be small obstacles, large traumas, or anything in between. It is my privilege to come alongside people on this journey to wholeness.

I feel especially equipped to help people who are struggling with depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem, and issues with family-of-origin, spirituality, and relationships (including marital and pre-marital counseling). I also have a special place in my heart for adult survivors of child abuse. Please feel free to visit my professional Facebook page at facebook.com/rebeccaoconnell.lmft.desmoines for videos, articles, and other materials I have found helpful.

I love spending time with my husband, our two boys (ages 18 and 14, both adopted from Korea) and our two dogs. I also enjoy reading, crafts, doing puzzles, collecting penguins, and being part of the music ministry at my church. Life has rarely been easy, but through the rich blessings of God I have grown more than I could have imagined. It is a joy to be in a profession that is not just a job but is also a calling and a ministry.