James Wilwerding

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and former Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). My educational background includes a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and a master of arts degree in mental health counseling both from the University of Northern Iowa as well as a master of divinity degree from the University of St. Thomas (MN). My professional background includes pastoral ministry work with children and adolescents, substance abuse counseling through the Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) in Cedar Rapids, IA, work as a therapist for adolescents with co-occurring disorders and their families through Children and Families of Iowa, Cornerstone Recovery and work as a provider of in-home therapy through LifeWorks, Inc. in the Polk and Warren County area. My areas of interest/specialty include all aspects of mental health counseling for adults, and adolescents, family therapy and group counseling in the areas of depression, anxiety, addictions, codependency and spirituality. I draw upon diverse resources to approach the counseling process from the perspective of the strengths of the client and his or her place in life. A particular passion of mine is Adventure Based Counseling/Education and training on a variety of topics. In addition to my therapy practice, I have been an adjunct instructor at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in the Psychology and Human Services departments. I enjoy providing training and education to other helping professionals in the areas of addiction, group facilitation, counseling skills, mental health and co-occurring disorders.