Denise Stutes, LISW

Denise Stutes is an Iowa LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker with five years as a practicing therapist and more than two decades in the mental health field. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, and issues around self-esteem and career concerns. Denise also supports those dealing with LGBT matters, parenting and family strain, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes.

Before her work as a therapist she held roles in community settings, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, and corrections. That background means she has experience with severe physical and mental trauma and with people in pressing, practical life situations. She draws on those settings when she talks with people about safety, boundaries, and next steps.

Her counseling style is direct, interactive, and occasionally uses humor. She practices in ways that emphasize the client’s own strengths and perspective. Denise blends Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and elements of family-systems thinking in sessions.

In a meeting with her, expect clear, straightforward conversation about what’s happening now and what might help. She will notice patterns, offer concrete skills, and invite reflection about values and choices. Topics she often addresses include abandonment, codependency, communication problems, forgiveness, and managing anger.

Sessions focus on practical coping and change instead of labels. People come for help with a mix of problems, including bipolar symptoms, substance concerns, disruptive mood regulation issues, and recovery from domestic violence. Denise works in English and practices in Iowa.

How her approaches translate to online work