Red Couch Counseling LLC

Red Couch Counseling LLC Providing evidence based mental healthcare to the community
Four locations: Johnston, Ankeny, Ames and Grinnell.

Provider of evidence based mental health services. If you or a family member is struggling with depression, anxiety or other problems, help is available. Choosing a counselor can feel overwhelming and scary. Relax, and feel free to call and schedule a consultation and ask questions.

There are many myths that can make it hard for people to seek help. Let's debunk a few of those myths! ❌1. Therapy is on...
04/18/2026

There are many myths that can make it hard for people to seek help. Let's debunk a few of those myths! ❌

1. Therapy is only for people with mental health disorders.
Those without mental health disorders benefit greatly from therapy.

2. Therapy will blame your parents for everything.
Therapy doesn't always include talking about your parents – and it definitely doesn't automatically lead to blaming them.

3. Once you start therapy you will have to go forever.
In many cases, your therapist's goal is to help teach you skills and perspectives that help you navigate life without your therapist!

4. Therapy is for weak people.
It's not weak to ask for help! Asking for help is a sign of self-awareness and the ability to understand that getting support will help you reach your mental health goals.

Change is often *deeply* uncomfortable. But learning to tolerate temporary discomfort tends to lead to the biggest long-...
04/17/2026

Change is often *deeply* uncomfortable. But learning to tolerate temporary discomfort tends to lead to the biggest long-term rewards.

Choose temporary discomfort that leads to healing. 🌿

🌟 Friendly reminder: your mental health is more important than the laundry, the meeting, the lunch date, and the to-do l...
04/15/2026

🌟 Friendly reminder: your mental health is more important than the laundry, the meeting, the lunch date, and the to-do list. 🌟

It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and put our own well-being on the back burner. But the truth is, taking care of ourselves should always be a top priority. When we prioritize our mental health, we are better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way and show up as our best selves in all areas of our lives.

🙌 So don't be afraid to put your mental health first. Take that break when you need it, say no to that extra commitment, and prioritize the activities and people that bring you joy and fulfillment. You deserve it.

The OCD we see in movies and television is rarely an accurate depiction. Usually, it doesn't even scratch the surface of...
04/15/2026

The OCD we see in movies and television is rarely an accurate depiction. Usually, it doesn't even scratch the surface of what it's like to live with this disorder. Media representations often revolve around stereotypes of compulsion.

OCD stereotypes can make seeking help and accurate diagnosis difficult, which is why it's so important to have accurate information! 🧠

If you think someone you know may be struggling with OCD, please reach out today!

Wellness and nervous system regulation can absolutely be fancy— biohacking gadgets like vagal nerve stimulators, peptide...
04/14/2026

Wellness and nervous system regulation can absolutely be fancy— biohacking gadgets like vagal nerve stimulators, peptides, supplements.

And hey, I love them too; I’ve seen them work wonders for people chasing peak performance.

But the truth is, I recommend these free nervous system regulators to my clients just as often—like solid sleep routines, gentle walks in nature, or even breathing through a tough day without spiraling.

Those aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential game-changers for keeping your nervous system regulated and calm.

Sometimes, chasing the perfect protocol or the next thing to buy or consume or try means missing out on just being consistent with the simple stuff that’s already right there. Consistency is the ultimate biohack.

🎨✨ Meet Your Practitioner ✨🎨Say hello to Taryn Pepping, LMHC, ATR at Red Couch Counseling in Ankeny! 🛋️💬 Now accepting n...
04/13/2026

🎨✨ Meet Your Practitioner ✨🎨
Say hello to Taryn Pepping, LMHC, ATR at Red Couch Counseling in Ankeny! 🛋️
💬 Now accepting new clients in Ankeny!

Taryn brings a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy, with a unique focus on art therapy 🎨

No art experience needed, just a willingness to explore something new. Using creative expression can help process emotions in a deeper, more engaging way, but it’s always optional.

She works primarily with adolescents and young adults navigating:
✨ Anxiety
✨ Depression
✨ Anger
✨ Identity
✨ Trauma

Taryn blends art therapy with other proven approaches like CBT, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based work to meet you where you are 🤝
Her goal is simple. Help you feel supported, understood, and empowered to move toward your goals.

🎓 MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy
📍 Provisionally licensed in Iowa (t-LMHC)
🧠 Member of the American Art Therapy Association

📞 Ready to get started? Call (515) 612-8729 to schedule with Taryn today 💛

Let’s bust a myth real quick: Healing isn’t always a straight line.Sometimes it looks more like a squiggle, a loop-de-lo...
04/11/2026

Let’s bust a myth real quick: Healing isn’t always a straight line.
Sometimes it looks more like a squiggle, a loop-de-loop, or a full-on rollercoaster ride. 🎢

One day you’re feeling great, and the next… not so much. And that’s okay. 💜
Progress isn’t always visible. It’s not always forward. But it’s still happening.

✨ Healing is a process — messy, non-linear, and totally unique to you.
So if you’re feeling like you’ve taken a few steps back, don’t beat yourself up. You're still moving. You're still growing.

Take a deep breath. 💫
Be gentle with yourself.
Lean into patience, self-compassion, and support.
You've got this. 💪🫶

You’re allowed to forgive yourself 🤍Showing yourself compassion doesn’t mean you’re giving up… it means you’re growing. ...
04/10/2026

You’re allowed to forgive yourself 🤍

Showing yourself compassion doesn’t mean you’re giving up… it means you’re growing. We can be our own toughest critics, but mistakes and setbacks are part of the process, not the end of it.

Talk to yourself the way you would a friend. With patience, kindness, and grace ✨

A discussion on men's mental health. 🧔 Mental health struggles in men need to be normalized. Many suffer in silence with...
04/10/2026

A discussion on men's mental health. 🧔 Mental health struggles in men need to be normalized. Many suffer in silence without reaching out and getting help.

Some sobering statistics:

– 49% of men feel more depressed than they admit to the people in their lives.
– Men's mental health disorders are often under-diagnosed, and men are less likely to go to therapy.
– Su***de is the second leading cause of death for men under 45.

If you are struggling, no matter what you gender is, please reach out today!

redcouchcounselingdsm.com
515-954-9865

💫 7 Things That Do Not Mean You Are Lazy 💫🌿 Let's talk about the "lazy" label. Sometimes, we can be quick to judge ourse...
04/08/2026

💫 7 Things That Do Not Mean You Are Lazy 💫

🌿 Let's talk about the "lazy" label. Sometimes, we can be quick to judge ourselves based on certain behaviors or circumstances, but it's essential to challenge those negative assumptions. Here are seven things that do not make you lazy:

1️⃣ Taking breaks: Rest is necessary for rejuvenation and productivity.
2️⃣ Asking for help: It's a sign of strength, not laziness, to seek support when needed.
3️⃣ Prioritizing self-care: Nurturing your well-being is crucial for overall health.
4️⃣ Struggling with motivation: Everyone faces moments of low motivation; it doesn't define your work ethic.
5️⃣ Being a night owl: Your productivity and creativity may thrive during late hours.
6️⃣ Sleeping in: Sometimes, extra rest is needed for your physical and mental well-being.
7️⃣ Taking a different path: Sometimes, reevaluating goals and changing directions is a wise choice, not laziness.

Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and it's essential to practice self-compassion and understanding. Let go of the "lazy" label, embrace your worth, and trust your own path. 🌟💛

‼️Be open, do the work, watch yourself grow!
04/07/2026

‼️Be open, do the work, watch yourself grow!

✨ Meet Your Practitioner ✨Kaila Crandall, LMHC is now seeing clients at our Ankeny office 💚With experience supporting ch...
04/06/2026

✨ Meet Your Practitioner ✨

Kaila Crandall, LMHC is now seeing clients at our Ankeny office 💚

With experience supporting children, teens, families, and young adults, Kaila provides a welcoming space where you can feel heard and supported. Her approach is centered around you, working together to find what truly helps you move forward 🤝
She incorporates a variety of techniques tailored to your needs, including:
🧠 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
🧸 Adlerian Play Therapy
💬 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
🌿 Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
✨ Currently accepting new clients

If you’re ready to take that first step, we’re here for you 💚

Address

1200 SW State Street, Suite 2c
Ankeny, IA
50023

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 9pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 9pm
Thursday 8am - 9pm
Friday 8am - 9pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+15159549865

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Red Couch Counseling LLC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Red Couch Counseling LLC:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram