Denise Stutes, LISW
Iowa LISW specializing in trauma and relationships
- Trauma and abuse
- Cognitive behavioral methods
- Family systems perspective
About Denise Stutes
Denise Stutes is an LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) based in Iowa who has worked in the mental health field for more than two decades, with the past five years focused on practicing as a therapist. Her career includes experience in community settings, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, and correctional facilities, which has shaped a broad perspective on behavioral health and recovery.
She has supported people facing a wide range of challenges, including severe physical and mental trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, addictions, and caregiver stress. Her work also encompasses family- and system-level concerns, parenting and family conflicts, and issues related to identity and commitment.
Denise’s counseling style is compassionate, direct, and interactive, and she sometimes weaves gentle humor into sessions to ease connection. She emphasizes empowerment and helping people recognize their own strengths as a foundation for growth. Clinically she integrates family systems work with cognitive behavioral techniques, person-centered (client-centered) principles, and mindfulness practices to tailor care to each person’s needs. She approaches people without judgment and centers respect for individual differences and resilience.
She has supported people facing a wide range of challenges, including severe physical and mental trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, addictions, and caregiver stress. Her work also encompasses family- and system-level concerns, parenting and family conflicts, and issues related to identity and commitment.
Denise’s counseling style is compassionate, direct, and interactive, and she sometimes weaves gentle humor into sessions to ease connection. She emphasizes empowerment and helping people recognize their own strengths as a foundation for growth. Clinically she integrates family systems work with cognitive behavioral techniques, person-centered (client-centered) principles, and mindfulness practices to tailor care to each person’s needs. She approaches people without judgment and centers respect for individual differences and resilience.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Denise Stutes have?
Denise Stutes has 5 years of experience as a practicing therapist.
Is Denise Stutes a licensed therapist?
Yes, she holds the credential LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker). License details: IA LISW 008035.
In which languages does Denise Stutes provide therapy?
Denise provides therapy in English.
Where is Denise Stutes located?
Denise is located in Iowa.
How can I work with Denise Stutes as my therapist?
You can work with Denise Stutes through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Denise Stutes work with international clients?
Denise Stutes does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Denise Stutes cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your 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 with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approaches That Guide Online Care
Denise integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness therapy into her online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathetic relationship that helps people explore feelings and values so they can make meaningful changes; it is often useful for relationship concerns, self-esteem, and processing loss. CBT helps identify unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns and teaches practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and habits related to addictions or coping difficulties. Mindfulness therapy cultivates present-moment awareness and emotion regulation, which can reduce reactivity and support healing from trauma, compassion fatigue, and persistent stress.
Finding the right blend of approaches is a collaborative process. Denise works with clients to understand their goals, preferences, and day-to-day challenges, then tailors strategies and tools together so therapy fits each person’s life and priorities.
Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to access support from home, between responsibilities, or across different schedules. For many people, these options increase consistency of care and allow therapists and licensed professionals to focus on progress in ways that fit a client’s routine.