Alex stands outdoors in a grassy field, framed by two trees in the background. She is wearing a white floral dress and smiling brightly at the camera, while holding the leash of her therapy dog Winston, who sits on the grass in front of her.

I’m Alex Johnson, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Ankeny, Iowa, specializing in individual therapy, Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI), and EMDR for new parents, trauma, and relationship and attachment wounds.

Through Raise Up Counseling, I offer a warm and welcoming therapy environment to empower and raise you up, so you can discover your own voice and potential.

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This image shows a close-up view of Winston, a Golden Labrador, sitting outside in the grass, looking happily toward the camera.

I am passionate about helping you navigate trauma, attachment issues, relationship challenges, loss, and parenting adjustments — in partnership with my therapy dog, Winston.

Together, you and I (and Winston) will be a team, so you’ll have two feet and four paws walking alongside you on your healing journey – until you’re ready to continue ahead on your own. And I know you have that strength and tenacity already inside you.

I’m not a “blank wall” therapist. Authenticity and connection are the foundations of my approach, which means you will be able to read my genuine reactions and emotions. I value honesty and transparency, and I will laugh, cry, and be a real person alongside you. I won’t push you past your comfort zone, but I can also hold space for the uncomfortable parts of life, too.

This image is a landscape view of a sunset over an open field. The sky is light blue, filled with puffy clouds that are a mix of pink, yellow, and dark purple.
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Whatever brings you to therapy, it is my goal to help you be grateful for the coping mechanisms that kept you safe and brought you here. I welcome all parts of you into my office to work towards healing and learning new paths and patterns. I will meet you exactly where you are right now, offering gentle guidance to push you forward toward your goals, letting your boundaries lead the way.

To help you heal, my approach puts you and your needs at the center. You are a person – not a diagnosis – and you deserve an informed choice and awareness about your own file, progress, and input into our work together, as we help you navigate:

  • Attachment Trauma

  • Body Work

  • Christian Counseling

  • Grief and Loss

  • Infertility

  • Pregnancy, Perinatal, and Postpartum adjustments for new moms and dads!

  • Relationship Issues

  • Religious Trauma

  • Trauma and PTSD

My approach is unique, blending concepts and tools from Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI), Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR), Transforming the Experience Based Brain (TEB), and attachment-based therapies.

Together, we’ll create a treatment approach that works for you as a wholly unique person.

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