515 Therapy & Consulting

09/29/2025

As we wrap up September, take a moment to check in with yourself:

What was your biggest win this month?
What challenged you?
How can you prioritize your mental health next month?

We’d love to hear your reflections in the comments.

09/26/2025

Adjusting to an empty nest can bring unexpected emotions—grief, loneliness, or uncertainty. This is also an opportunity to rediscover yourself, reconnect with your partner, and explore new hobbies.

Have you experienced empty nesting? Share what helped you during the transition.

09/23/2025

We’re excited to welcome Lydia to the 515 Therapy & Consulting team! 💙

Lydia specializes in Abuse, Addiction/Substance Use, Divorce, Eating Disorders, Grief, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Personality Disorders, Self-Harming, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma & PTSD.

🧠 Whether you're starting therapy for the first time or continuing your mental health journey, Lydia is here to walk with you.

➡️ Now accepting new clients! Text 515-203-3236 and mention you want to get scheduled with Lydia.

09/19/2025

09/16/2025

"You seem happier."
"Thanks, I uploaded our whole argument to ChatGPT and it said I was right."

Here’s the problem: AI isn’t a therapist. It’s a tool trained to generate answers that sound convincing—not to keep you safe, challenge your blind spots, or guide you through complex emotions.

Why this is risky:

🤔 It agrees with you too easily. AI tends to validate what you’ve already written rather than challenge your perspective.
🚩 It can miss red flags. A bot won’t reliably catch signs of abuse, trauma, or self-harm that a trained professional would recognize.
🌀 It oversimplifies deep struggles. Real therapy helps you untangle patterns and emotions. AI gives surface-level advice.
🔒 It’s not confidential care. What you share may be stored or used for training—it’s not protected the way therapy notes are.
💔 It can give harmful suggestions. AI isn’t always accurate, and bad advice can make things worse.

AI can be helpful for brainstorming, journaling, or practicing reflection—but when it comes to your mental health, you deserve real human support.

If you’re struggling, please reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or a trusted support line.

09/12/2025

Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming for students, parents, and teachers alike.

Here are 3 quick ways to manage stress:
~Stick to a simple evening routine.
~Limit screen time before bed.
~Talk openly about feelings and fears.

09/09/2025

Sending your child off to college can feel like a mix of pride and heartache. 🎓

It’s normal to grieve this transition while also celebrating their independence. Take care of your own emotional well-being during this season—your feelings are valid.

What’s one thing that helped you during this transition? Share in the comments.

09/05/2025

Didn't catch Hello Iowa live yesterday? No worries!

Here's a link to the segment: https://who13.com/hello-iowa/creating-safe-space-for-group-therapy/

Ramona, thanks for sharing about our group therapy opportunities!

09/04/2025

Tune in today at 11:00 AM on Hello Iowa as Ramona Wink, LMHC, shares how 515 Therapy & Consulting is making an impact on our community. She'll also highlight the exciting upcoming groups led by our licensed professionals!💙

Hello Iowa airs on WHO-DT, which is channel 13 in the Des Moines, Iowa Market.

09/02/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Month. Let’s break the stigma and spread hope together. 💛

Remember: You are not alone. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline).

***dePreventionMonth

08/29/2025

We got a sweet surprise this week! One of our amazing providers, Bridget Bencke, brought in cookies for our team and yes, they taste as good as they look. Thank you for the treat! Smart Cookie, LLC

08/25/2025

Busyness can be a subtle form of emotional avoidance — a way to:
• Numb out discomfort
• Dodge anxiety or grief
• Feel “enough” through constant productivity
• Escape stillness, which can feel terrifying

🧠 But growth doesn't happen in chaos. It happens in the quiet.

If you're always in motion, you never get the chance to reflect, heal, or reconnect with yourself.

💡 Ask yourself:
“What am I avoiding by staying so busy all the time?”

That’s where the real work begins.
That’s where freedom begins.