Ann Ghabel, LISW
Iowa LISW specializing in trauma and family care
- Trauma informed care
- Family and parenting
- Online international access
About Ann Ghabel
Ann Ghabel is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) practicing in Iowa who combines decades of clinical experience with a compassionate, client-focused approach. She spent four decades working as a nurse on an inpatient child psychiatry unit and taught psychiatric nursing, and she now applies that deep clinical background to therapeutic work addressing stress, anxiety, family conflict, trauma and abuse, and parenting challenges.
With more than a decade of experience as a therapist, Ann creates a welcoming space where thoughts and feelings can be shared without judgment. She emphasizes open communication and collaborates with each person to develop understanding and practical strategies tailored to their circumstances. As a Brainspotting practitioner, she may use that evidence-informed tool to help clients gain insight into sources of distress and process emotional trauma.
Ann supports people facing a wide range of concerns, including mood difficulties, grief, eating and sleep problems, anger, self-esteem and career issues, as well as challenges related to ADHD, bipolar disorder, and caregiver stress. Her history in child psychiatry also informs her work with adoption and foster care issues, attachment concerns, and family dynamics.
Recognizing that seeking change requires courage, Ann guides clients through each step of the therapeutic journey, offering steady support as they pursue greater well-being and more satisfying relationships.
With more than a decade of experience as a therapist, Ann creates a welcoming space where thoughts and feelings can be shared without judgment. She emphasizes open communication and collaborates with each person to develop understanding and practical strategies tailored to their circumstances. As a Brainspotting practitioner, she may use that evidence-informed tool to help clients gain insight into sources of distress and process emotional trauma.
Ann supports people facing a wide range of concerns, including mood difficulties, grief, eating and sleep problems, anger, self-esteem and career issues, as well as challenges related to ADHD, bipolar disorder, and caregiver stress. Her history in child psychiatry also informs her work with adoption and foster care issues, attachment concerns, and family dynamics.
Recognizing that seeking change requires courage, Ann guides clients through each step of the therapeutic journey, offering steady support as they pursue greater well-being and more satisfying relationships.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
GriefEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Hypnotherapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Ann Ghabel have?
Ann Ghabel has 11 years of experience as a therapist.
Is Ann Ghabel a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LISW credential - Licensed Independent Social Worker - and is licensed in Iowa under IA LISW 04853.
In which languages does Ann Ghabel provide therapy?
Ann Ghabel provides therapy in English.
Where is Ann Ghabel located?
Ann Ghabel is located in Iowa.
How can I work with Ann Ghabel as my therapist?
Individuals can work with Ann Ghabel through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Ann Ghabel work with international clients?
Yes. Ann Ghabel works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Ann Ghabel cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as the client’s location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match individuals with their therapist. Depending on availability, the first session can then be scheduled and may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Ann Ghabel integrates client-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her work to meet a variety of needs. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist listens closely and follows the individual’s lead to support personal growth and self-understanding. CBT teaches practical skills to identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, which can be especially useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. DBT emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, and it can help people manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Ann works with each person to consider their goals, strengths, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time to ensure the therapeutic plan fits the individual’s needs.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect with licensed professionals. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, individuals can access support around work, family, or daily life responsibilities. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to receive timely help from therapists regardless of geographic distance.