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. Shawn 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

Shawn Wellendorf LISW

EMDR Trained Therapist

alt="Portrait of Shawn Wellendorf LISW – EMDR Trained Therapist in Urbandale, Iowa"

Virtual EMDR Trained Therapist

"Compassionate Care Backed By Decades of Experience"

Shawn Specializes In

Depression / Anxiety

Trauma Focused

Individual

Life Balance

EMDR

Couples

Shawn serves clients via telehealth appointments only


Shawn is an EMDR-trained Licensed Independent Social Worker who has been in practice for 25 years post-graduate.  She graduated from the University of Iowa School of Social Work with her MSW in 2000. 

Shawn has worked in various settings and with various populations.  She has eight years of experience working as a Family Therapist at Orchard Place for adolescents ages 13-17 years of age. 

In addition, Shawn also has nine years of experience as a case manager for chronically mentally ill adults. 

Prior to coming to Mosaic Family Counseling (2017), Shawn was the clinical team leader within Visiting Nurse Service’s mental health department (Strong Foundations:  Therapy and Support Solutions), where she provided clinical supervision and consultation as well as individual and family therapy for five years.

In her spare time, Shawn enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking and participating in half marathons, listening to live music, cooking, and reading. 

Populations

  • Adults

  • Couples

  • Family

Therapy Choices

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)

  • Trauma Focused Therapy

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Life Transitions

Our Testimonial

Real Stories, Real Transformations

I had been struggling with anxiety and depression for years, and it felt like no matter what I tried, nothing worked. Coming to this clinic was a turning point in my life. The therapists here truly listen, understand, and provide a tailored approach that made me feel safe and supported. I began to understand my emotions and thought patterns, and over time, I gained the confidence to make positive changes in my life. Thanks to the caring professionals at this clinic, I’ve learned to manage my anxiety and live a more fulfilling life. I feel empowered, and for the first time in years, I believe in myself again.

– Sarah J.

Therapy FAQs

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

I accept the following forms of payment:

Wellmark BCBS plans

Optum/UHC plans including UMR, Medica and Oscar

Aetna

ClaimDoc

Health Partners

WPS Medicare 

Midland’s Choice

Vital Work Life EAP

Iowa Medicaid Plans 

Crime Victim Assistance

Self-pay

Where Does Shawn Practice?

I Practice Virtually and Provide Tele-Mental Health Services

Does Shawn provide online or telehealth therapy in Iowa?

Yes, I provide Online Telehealth Therapy in Iowa / Online Virtual Care in Iowa

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

I work with teens, adults, couples, older individuals & professionals

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

EMDR 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Trauma focused therapy

Evaluations for Bariatric / Weight Loss Surgery

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 Shawn specialize in treating

I specialize in treating trauma, adverse experiences, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship issues, family development, performance issues and self view.

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

My style is based on my own values of warmth, kindness, and curiosity to learn your needs. I have a deep commitment to validation, empathy, honoring vulnerability and creating trust to strengthen rapport and attunement. I integrate evidence-based, best practice and holistic approaches with flexibility, drawing from multiple modalities to meet each client exactly where they are. I strive to balance clinical excellence with compassion, helping people feel safe, understood, and empowered in their journey.

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

Faith, spirituality and values are deeply personal and I believe each person's spiritual life is unique. I have a strong belief that healing through holistic and faith perspectives that honor the client are essential in the development and growth through the human experience. We all have values that shape our spiritual lives—whether they are Energy based, Bible-based, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or rooted in Culture, Generational Beliefs & Tradition. Honoring these perspectives allows healing to be more authentic, inclusive, and meaningful. I consistently draw on these perspectives with each client.

How long are therapy sessions with Shawn, 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.

I also provide Intensive Integrative EMDR sessions. Intensive sessions may range from 3 to 8 hours and can be scheduled for one to three consecutive days, or spread out over several months depending on need, presentation, scheduling and travel needs.

I also offer an initial screening session to clarify therapeutic goals and determine the best path forward.

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

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

Does Shawn offer evening or weekend therapy appointments?

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

Can Shawn provide therapy for couples or family counseling in central Iowa?

I provide therapy for couples and family counseling in Iowa. I work closely with couples and families to support and heal relationships. With an attachment focused lens we work to create deeper connections and care in the relationship attending to attachment/relationship ruptures and create space for healing.

What makes Shawn's approach unique compared to other therapists in Des Moines?

With more than 25 years of experience supporting individuals and couples in the Des Moines area, I bring deep perspective and skill to our work together. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa, I’ve pursued advanced training so that I can offer you the highest standard of care.

One of my unique strengths is in EMDR therapy—and I integrate it with cognitive, emotional and trauma-informed approaches. Over the years, I’ve deepened my work with attachment, energy modalities, hypnotherapy, and play, especially when healing through trauma calls for a holistic lens.

Above all, I believe in connection, empathy, and attunement. My goal is not just to provide techniques, but to walk alongside you—creating a safe space where your story is honored and your strengths are empowered. I believe that healing happens in the relationship, and I’m dedicated to fostering an authentic, compassionate therapeutic alliance.

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

I have experience working with many life issues including, grief, loss, life transitions, career development, performance concerns.

How does Shawn 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 Shawn ?

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 Shawn offer EMDR Therapy?

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

Ready to

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