Charlene Thiede, LMSW, LISW
Person-centered therapist serving families and individuals
- Strengths-based approach
- Experienced with children
- Licensed social worker
About Charlene Thiede
Charlene Thiede is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in both Michigan and Iowa. She holds the credentials LMSW and LISW - Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Independent Social Worker - and brings 37 years of experience to her work. Her practice emphasizes a person-centered, strengths-based approach that meets each individual where they are and builds on existing resources to support forward movement.
Trained in a range of clinical methods, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing alongside play therapy techniques for children and solution-focused strategies. She guides clients through exploration of current problems to identify the specific changes they want to make and to develop practical steps for achieving those goals.
Thiede began her career as a School Social Worker, an experience that provided close insight into the challenges children face in educational settings and led her to specialize in working with children and their families. She later provided behavioral health counseling to children, adolescents, and adults in a private mental health clinic and in a large family service agency, often collaborating with families to address broader relational issues.
Her aim for every session is that clients leave feeling more hopeful and confident about moving forward. A receptionist once observed that clients arrive feeling sad and leave with a smile, a compliment that reflects the hopeful environment she strives to create.
Trained in a range of clinical methods, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing alongside play therapy techniques for children and solution-focused strategies. She guides clients through exploration of current problems to identify the specific changes they want to make and to develop practical steps for achieving those goals.
Thiede began her career as a School Social Worker, an experience that provided close insight into the challenges children face in educational settings and led her to specialize in working with children and their families. She later provided behavioral health counseling to children, adolescents, and adults in a private mental health clinic and in a large family service agency, often collaborating with families to address broader relational issues.
Her aim for every session is that clients leave feeling more hopeful and confident about moving forward. A receptionist once observed that clients arrive feeling sad and leave with a smile, a compliment that reflects the hopeful environment she strives to create.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Charlene Thiede have?
Charlene Thiede has 37 years of experience.
Is Charlene Thiede a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credentials LMSW and LISW. License details are: Michigan LMSW 6801099157 and Iowa LISW 00438.
In which languages does Charlene Thiede provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Charlene Thiede located?
She is located in Iowa.
How can I work with Charlene Thiede as my therapist?
You can work with Charlene Thiede through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Charlene Thiede work with international clients?
Charlene Thiede does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Charlene Thiede 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.
Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care
Client-Centered Therapy places the person's experience at the center of treatment. The therapist offers empathic listening and support while helping clients explore feelings, identify personal strengths, and set goals that feel meaningful to them - an approach useful for stress, grief, relationship concerns, and life transitions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It helps clients learn practical skills to reframe unhelpful thinking patterns and build coping strategies for issues such as anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be especially helpful for managing intense emotions, anger, and difficulties with relationships by teaching concrete tools for responding differently in challenging moments.
Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and the therapist works collaboratively with each person to determine the best fit based on needs, goals, and preferences. She may integrate techniques from multiple approaches to tailor care for individual circumstances.
Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to access licensed professionals from home, work, or while managing caregiving and other responsibilities. These options support consistent engagement, allow scheduling to fit busy lives, and help people continue therapy despite geographic or mobility constraints.