Ann Ghabel, LISW

Iowa LISW specializing in trauma and family care

Trauma and abuse support
Family and parenting help
Client centered approach

About Ann Ghabel

Ann Ghabel is an Iowa-based licensed social worker with 11 years of experience as a therapist and a long history in child psychiatric care. Before focusing on outpatient therapy she spent four decades working on an inpatient child psychiatry unit as a nurse and also taught psychiatric nursing, bringing a deep clinical background to her current practice. Ann uses that breadth of experience to help people navigate stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, grief, mood concerns, and many other life adjustments.

She creates an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored and understood. As a Brainspotting practitioner, Ann may use this tool to help clients gain insight into sources of distress and to address emotional trauma in a targeted way. Her approach blends practical skills with empathic listening to support improvements in coping, self esteem, sleep and eating patterns, and relationships.

Ann is credentialed as an LISW, which stands for Licensed Independent Social Worker, and holds the Iowa license IA LISW 04853. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life can feel courageous, and Ann offers steady support to guide people through that process.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression

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 professional experience as a therapist.

Is Ann Ghabel a licensed therapist?

Yes. She is an LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker), licensed in Iowa under IA LISW 04853.

In which languages does Ann Ghabel provide therapy?

English

Where is Ann Ghabel located?

Iowa

How can I work with Ann Ghabel as my therapist?

You 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 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, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just 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.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support with Ann Ghabel

Ann works from several evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each person's needs. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and creating an accepting environment so clients can explore feelings and values and build self-directed change - it is often helpful for parenting challenges, self esteem, and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating issues, and coping with life changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness and can be useful for intense mood swings, anger, and coping with trauma.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Ann collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. She blends practical skills training with empathic support to create a plan that feels workable and meaningful.

Online therapy offers flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reach support from other locations, and maintain continuity of care when schedules or circumstances change, while still working with licensed professionals who guide the therapeutic work.

Ready to start therapy with Ann Ghabel?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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