The Team

Meet the Hearts Behind the Healing

At MOSAIC Family Counseling Center, every therapist brings unique skills, experience, and compassion to the work of helping clients heal and grow. Michaela is committed to creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward change.

Healing.
Connection.
Empowerment.
Compassion.

Meet our team

Michaela Gibson, LMHC-P

EMDR Trained Therapist

alt="Portrait of Michaela Gibson, LMHC-P, therapist at MOSAIC Family Counseling in Urbandale, Iowa"

EMDR Trained Therapist

"Come as you are. Grow into who you're becoming."

Michaela Specializes In

Stress & Anxiety

Depression

Self-Esteem & Body Image

Children

EMDR

Christian Faith Based

Michaela serves clients at our Urbandale office, Dallas County Hospital on Mondays, and by telehealth.

Michaela, is a provisionally licensed mental health counselor passionate about helping people reconnect with their inner strength and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

I work with teens (16+) and adults who are facing issues such as anxiety, depression, body image concerns, self-esteem, and life transitions. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of your next steps, you're not alone.

I believe that each person already holds the insight and resilience they need—sometimes it just takes the right support to bring it forward.

I create a warm, welcoming space where clients feel safe to show up exactly as they are. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own life and play an active role in your growth. Together, we’ll explore what matters most to you, work through the challenges you’re facing, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to best support your unique needs, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy. I also welcome the opportunity to integrate Christian-based counseling when it aligns with your values and goals.

I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern College (Iowa) in May 2024. I’m honored to walk alongside you in your healing journey and look forward to supporting you in creating the life you want to live.

Populations

  • Adults

  • Family

  • Adolescents

  • Children

  • Diverse Populations

Therapy Choices

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)

  • Play Based Therapy

  • Christian & Faith Based Counseling

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Solution Focused Therapy

  • Trauma Focused Therapy

Our Testimonial

Real Stories, Real Transformations

My kid loves Michaela Gibson. She provides a safe space where he can work through feelings. I know as a parent I appreciate all she does.

– Michaela's Client Testimonials

Therapy FAQs

What insurances does Michaela accept in Iowa and the Des Moines area?

Wellmark BCBS plans

Optum/UHC plans including UMR, Medica and Oscar

Aetna

Iowa Medicaid Plans 

Crime Victim Assistance

Self-pay

Where Does Michaela Practice?

I Practice in the West Des Moines Office, Limited Urbandale Office and Provides Virtual Care.

Does Michaela provide online or telehealth therapy in Iowa?

Yes, I provide Online Telehealth Therapy in Iowa / Online Virtual Care in Iowa on certain days of the week

What types of clients does Michaela work with (children, teens, adults, couples, families)?

I work with teens, adults, couples, families, professionals & providers

What therapeutic approaches and modalities does Michaela use (e.g., EMDR, EFT, DBT, family systems)?

I specialize in helping individuals heal from past experiences and develop a more adaptive, positive sense of self. My work is grounded in EMDR therapy, utilizing the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Theory, Attachment & Developmental Theories to support deep and lasting change.

In addition to EMDR, I integrate a range of evidence-based and holistic approaches to meet each client’s unique needs, including:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Family Systems Therapy

Attachment-Based and Developmental Approaches

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Transpersonal Psychotherapy

Energy Work - Reike

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) (individuals/couples)

By drawing from these modalities, I create a personalized and supportive space where clients can process past experiences, improve emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and move toward meaningful healing and growth.

What mental health concerns does Michaela specialize in treating

Stress & Anxiety

Depression

Self-Esteem

Body Image 

What is Michaela’s therapy style and approach to working with clients?

My Style aims to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered to grow at your own pace. When working with children and teens, I incorporate developmentally appropriate techniques that encourage emotional expression, build healthy coping skills, and involve caregivers as supportive partners in the process. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, body image, or life transitions, I believe in honoring your story, building on your strengths, and helping you reconnect with your inner resilience. Overall my approach is to incorporate evidence based practices to help you achieve your goals.

Does Michaela integrate cultural, faith-based, or holistic perspectives in therapy?

For clients who wish to incorporate their Christian faith into the therapeutic process, I offer faith-based counseling that honors your spiritual beliefs as a valuable part of your healing journey. I recognize the important role that faith can play in finding meaning, strength, and hope during life’s challenges. While I never impose beliefs, I’m open to integrating prayer, Scripture, or other faith-informed practices into our work together in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to you. My goal is to provide a supportive space where your faith can be a source of encouragement, guidance, and connection as you pursue emotional and spiritual growth.

How long are therapy sessions with Michaela, and how often do clients usually meet?

I provide traditional ongoing therapy sessions that are typically 50–55 minutes in length, these sessions are scheduled weekly, bi-weekly or as often as scheduling allows and is needed.

How can I schedule an appointment with Michaela at MOSAIC Family Counseling?

Call 515.724.8920 to reach the receptionist or click here to request an appointment online.

Does Michaela offer evening or weekend therapy appointments?

I offer limited evening and weekend therapy session, by appointment only.

Can Michaela provide therapy for children or families in central Iowa?

When working with children, I focus on creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. I use developmentally appropriate techniques—such as play-based strategies, creative activities, and emotional regulation tools—to help children explore their feelings, build coping skills, and develop a stronger sense of self. I also view caregivers as essential partners in the therapeutic process and involve them through collaboration, guidance, and regular communication. Whether a child is navigating anxiety, behavioral challenges, low self-esteem, or difficult life changes, my goal is to support both the child and their family in building healthier patterns, stronger relationships, and lasting emotional resilience.

What makes Michaela’s approach unique compared to other therapists in Des Moines?

What sets me apart is my ability to create a genuine, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I bring a calm and compassionate presence to every session, allowing clients to show up as their full selves—without pressure or pretense. My integrative approach allows me to tailor therapy to each person’s individual needs, combining evidence-based practices with a deep respect for your values, experiences, and goals. I’m especially passionate about working through self-esteem and body image issues with sensitivity and care, helping clients build a more compassionate relationship with themselves. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, emotional healing, or simply someone to walk alongside you, I strive to be a consistent and encouraging guide on your journey.

Can Michaela work with clients experiencing grief, loss, or life transitions?

Grief looks different for everyone, and I strive to create a supportive space where you can process loss at your own pace, in your own way. Whether you're grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, or a significant life change, I walk alongside you with empathy and care. Together, we’ll explore your experience, honor what you’ve lost, and work toward healing and hope.

How does Michaela support clients in building coping skills and resilience?

I meet you where you are and develop a comprehensive plan that suits your goals. Using known methods, best practices and evidence based therapies, I teach, provide skills, remind you of your resilience & strengths, become curious, consult, counsel and provide therapy for symptoms that interfere with your happiness and day to day life.

What should I expect in my first session with Michaela?

Our first session is a chance to begin getting to know each other and to create a foundation of safety and understanding. We’ll start by reviewing the service agreement, informed consent, and other important information about your rights and confidentiality.

After that, we’ll begin a comprehensive assessment to better understand your needs, strengths, and goals. This process helps us clarify what’s been happening in your life and how I can best support you moving forward.

Although the assessment will have some structure, you are welcome to share at your own pace — there’s no rush. The goal of this first meeting is to start building a collaborative partnership focused on your healing and growth.

Does Michaela offer EMDR Therapy?

Yes. I offer EMDR Therapy - eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy & provide integrative modalities with EMDR to meet your specific needs.

Ready to

Take the Next Step?

Whether you're starting therapy for the first time or returning to deepen your healing, we're here for you.

Have questions?

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