Jill Sherwood, LMHC - Therapist in Iowa

ACT and CBT
EMDR integration
Group and individual work

About Jill

Jill Sherwood is an Iowa licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with six years of clinical experience. She lists stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression among the concerns she addresses. Jill works with adults on relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting strain, sleep difficulties, and self-esteem concerns as well.

She has practiced in non-profit, residential, and clinic settings. That work included leading groups and supporting people involved with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Corrections. Those roles shaped how she supports people facing complex life challenges.

Jill describes a practical, person-focused style that uses clear, evidence-based methods. She uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) within sessions. These methods are applied to issues like addiction, trauma, anxiety, and mood concerns.

Her background also includes work with aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, co-occurring conditions, and a wide range of relational and behavioral concerns. Jill also notes experience with domestic violence, substance use, and divorce or separation challenges.

Sessions focus on helping people make practical changes and build coping skills. People can expect straightforward conversation about goals and strategies, skill practice, and step‑by‑step problem solving. To begin, the site’s matching process and scheduling tools are used to set up an initial appointment.

How her approaches translate to online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and building actions that match those values while learning to accept uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. It can help with anxiety, avoidance, and finding direction during life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches concrete skills to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, sleep problems, and depression. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach used to process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact; it is often used when trauma is a factor.

Finding the right approach is usually collaborative. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, past experiences with therapy, and what feels manageable, then try methods that fit those needs. Adjustments and skills practice are part of the process so the plan can change as progress is noticed.

Confirm the current session options before booking, since session formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules require them. It can also make it simpler to attend regular skill practice between appointments. Ask about specific formats and lengths when scheduling to match therapy to daily life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Grief Depression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsForgiveness Guilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivity Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issues Mood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

6+ years

Listed in

Iowa

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, sleep problems, parenting strain, self-esteem, and related issues.

What is her therapeutic style?

She uses practical, person-focused methods and talks through goals and skills. Sessions tend to include concrete strategies and practice rather than abstract discussion.

How long has she been practicing?

She has six years of experience working in non-profit, residential, and clinical practice settings.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is an LMHC licensed in Iowa and practices from that state.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with her?

International clients are not accepted at this time.

How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started with a first session?

Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.