(515) 508-1150

afcscheduler@ankenyfamilycounseling.com

1910 SW Plaza Shops Lane Ankeny IA 50023

Register Now

Welcome to Our Blog

Insights, Stories, and Updates

Explore our latest articles, tips, and insights. Whether you're looking for industry news, helpful guides, or company updates, you'll find it all here.
Image image

May 22, 2026

When a Child Refuses School: Supportive Steps for Parents
Assessment signals, school collaboration tips, and therapeutic options to get kids back on track
Image image

May 19, 2026

How to Talk to Your Teen About Therapy: Parent Guide
Scripted approaches, timing tips, and choices to reduce resistance and build teen buy‑in
Image image

May 15, 2026

Telehealth Therapy for Rural Iowans: Making Online Care Effective
Practical tips for privacy, tech setup, and getting the most from virtual sessions in Iowa
Image image

May 12, 2026

When to Consider Trauma‑Focused Therapy for Teen Self‑Harm
Red flags, immediate safety steps, and therapeutic options parents should know
Image image

May 8, 2026

Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal: What Actually Helps Couples
Therapist-informed steps to repair connection, set boundaries, and reestablish safety
Image image

May 1, 2026

EMDR for Complex Grief: What Families Should Know
When EMDR helps prolonged grief, safety considerations, and family support roles
Image image

April 28, 2026

How to Talk With Your Teen About Self-Harm Risks
Gentle scripts, safety steps, and when to get professional help for parents
Image image

April 24, 2026

Supporting New Mothers: Managing Postpartum Panic and OCD Symptoms
Compassionate strategies and therapy options for new moms experiencing intrusive anxiety
Image image

April 21, 2026

Telehealth Therapy: Choosing Between Online and In-Person Care
How to decide what fits your needs—effectiveness, insurance, and comfort considerations
Image image

April 14, 2026

How to Talk to Your Teen About Therapy: Parent Guide
Practical scripts and timing tips to invite teens into treatment without triggering resistance
Image image

April 10, 2026

Veteran Care Options in Ankeny: VA Community Care Explained
How veterans access community counseling, paperwork tips, and therapist selection guidance
Image image

April 7, 2026

When to Consider EMDR for Complex Grief and Loss
Signs EMDR can help prolonged or traumatic grief and how therapists tailor treatment
Image image

April 3, 2026

How to Choose a Therapist in Ankeny: Expert Checklist
Practical criteria to find a compassionate, qualified therapist—telehealth, insurance, specialties, and values alignment
Image image

March 31, 2026

When Caregiving Feels Overwhelming: Creating a Sustainable Support Plan
A compassionate roadmap for caregivers to reduce burnout, access local resources, and balance self-care with responsibil...
Image image

March 27, 2026

How to Start Therapy When You Lack Motivation
Practical steps and gentle strategies for adults hesitant to begin counseling
Image image

March 24, 2026

Sports and Performance Counseling
At Ankeny Family Counseling, sport and performance counseling is offered as part of mental health care.
Image image

March 24, 2026

Practical Self-Regulation Skills for Kids with ADHD
Brief, parent-friendly strategies to improve focus, reduce meltdowns, and support daily routines at home and school
Image image

March 20, 2026

How to Find an LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist in Ankeny
Practical steps to locate inclusive, culturally competent care in Ankeny and greater Iowa
Image image

March 17, 2026

Helping Your Child After Bullying: School Conversation Scripts
Exact language to use with teachers, counselors, and administrators for support
Image image

March 13, 2026

Why EMDR-Ready Coping Skills Matter Before Trauma Work
How building stabilization skills (grounding, distress tolerance, safety planning) improves EMDR outcomes for clients in...
Image image

March 10, 2026

EMDR Preparation for Veterans: What to Expect and How to Ready
Practical readiness steps and safety strategies for veterans considering EMDR in Des Moines
Image image

March 6, 2026

Caregiver Burnout? Practical Recovery Strategies That Work
Evidence-based self-care, boundaries, and support options for overwhelmed caregivers in Ankeny & Des Moines
Image image

February 27, 2026

Anxiety Management for Adults: CBT Tools You Can Use Today
Clear CBT techniques for reducing worry, improving sleep, and regaining control—no prior therapy experience required.
Image image

February 24, 2026

EMDR Preparation: What to Expect and How to Build Readiness
Step‑by‑step readiness practices and safety skills to maximize EMDR outcomes before your first session
Image image

February 20, 2026

Play-Based Strategies Parents Can Use Tonight for Tantrums
Research-backed play interventions and scripts parents (ages 2–7) can try at home to reduce tantrums and increase cooper...
Image image

February 17, 2026

Preparing Your Teen for Transition Back to School After Trauma
Guidance for parents to support emotional safety, routines, and school communication
Image image

February 13, 2026

Preparing Teens for Therapy: A Parent’s Conversation Guide
Age-appropriate language and scripts to reduce resistance and encourage teen buy-in
Image image

February 10, 2026

EMDR for Veterans: Processing Service-Related Trauma Safely
How EMDR can help veterans resolve PTSD symptoms with telehealth and in-person options in Iowa
Image image

February 6, 2026

Managing Panic Attacks: Quick Strategies Backed by CBT Techniques
Evidence-based, portable tools to reduce intensity and regain control when panic strikes
Image image

February 3, 2026

What Parents Should Know About Play Therapy Progress Milestones
Age-appropriate goals and signs of meaningful change during child play therapy
Image image

January 30, 2026

Couples Communication Scripts That Actually Reconnect
Field-tested phrases and timing strategies to reduce defensiveness and restore closeness
Image image

January 27, 2026

How to Talk About Therapy With a Resistant Partner
Practical conversation scripts and timing tips to invite a partner into couples or individual therapy
Image image

January 23, 2026

How Parents Can Respond to Teen Anxiety Effectively
Practical, evidence-based strategies parents can use at home to support anxious adolescents
Image image

January 20, 2026

When to Add Play Therapy: Signs Your Child Needs More Support
Key behavioral and emotional indicators and next steps for parents in Ankeny
Image image

January 13, 2026

Helping Kids Recover After Bullying: Steps Parents Can Take Now
Actionable strategies to support your child's safety, emotional recovery, and school communication plan
Image image

January 6, 2026

Telehealth Counseling in Iowa: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Practical tips for making teletherapy effective, private, and comfortable whether new to online sessions or switching fr...
Image image

December 30, 2025

PCIT at Home: How Parents Can Practice Skills Between Sessions
Actionable coaching exercises to reinforce behavior gains with younger children
Image image

December 23, 2025

PCIT Basics: How It Helps Defiant or Aggressive Children
An accessible overview of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for parents seeing defiance, aggression, or poor follow-throu...
Image image

November 23, 2025

Balancing Love and Stress: Marriage Counseling Tips for Busy Couples
Discover insights and ideas that matter to you
Image image

November 12, 2025

What to Expect From Your First Therapy Session
Nervous about your first therapy session It is completely normal Learn what really happens and how Ankeny Family Counsel...
Image image

October 27, 2025

Helping Kids Cope: How Play Therapy Supports Emotional Growth
Discover how play therapy helps children express feelings, build coping skills, and grow emotionally with caring support...
Image image

October 21, 2025

If You’re Wondering, That’s Already a Sign
Discover insights and ideas that matter to you
Image image

October 14, 2025

How EMDR Therapy Helps You Heal from Trauma and What to Expect in Your First Session
Learn how EMDR therapy gently helps you process trauma without reliving it and see exactly what to expect in your first ...