Ann Ghabel , LISW

Ann Ghabel is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) licensed in Iowa with 11 years of professional experience as a therapist. She also spent 40 years working in an inpatient child psychiatry unit as a nurse and has taught psychiatric nursing, bringing a broad clinical background to her mental health work.

She supports people dealing with stress and anxiety, family conflict, trauma and abuse, and parenting challenges. Ann aims to create an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere where clients can explore thoughts and feelings and build practical skills for coping and healing. Her approach emphasizes collaboration and respect for each person’s pace and priorities.

Ann is a Brainspotting practitioner, a body-aware therapeutic tool that can help clients gain insight into distressing issues and process emotional trauma. In sessions she may combine talk-based strategies with targeted techniques like Brainspotting to deepen understanding and aid recovery.

Taking the first step toward greater well-being often feels difficult, and Ann provides steady support through that process. As an LISW she offers experienced, client-focused care aimed at helping people move toward more fulfilling and balanced lives.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions with Ann Ghabel

Ann Ghabel integrates Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles to tailor care to each person's needs. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an empathic, accepting space where clients lead the conversation and explore their feelings, which can be helpful for relationship and self-esteem concerns. CBT is a structured approach that helps identify and adjust unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress management. DBT teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can benefit those struggling with intense emotions or relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Ann works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds. Clients are active partners in shaping their care.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to attend sessions from home or work, accommodate busy schedules, and maintain continuity of care when life circumstances change. Licensed professionals can effectively use these modalities to deliver meaningful therapeutic support that fits into everyday life.