Meet the Team

  • Owner and Therapist

    Why did you start Lighthouse Counseling?
    I opened Lighthouse Counseling in 2018 to create more than a therapy practice—a space that feels warm, peaceful, and restorative. I believe the environment where healing happens is just as important as the therapy itself, so every detail—from natural light and greenery to textures and colors—is designed to help clients feel calm and cared for. Alongside a great team of skilled and compassionate clinicians, my goal is to create a space where both clients and clinicians feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.

    Who do you work with?
    I work with adults (18+) and couples who are navigating challenges or who simply don’t feel like themselves. I specialize in anxiety disorders, trauma, relationships, burnout, and addiction.

    How do you help your clients?
    I take a holistic, strength-focused approach, looking at all parts of a person—their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, experiences, and nervous system. Each piece plays an important role in how we handle stress, process emotions, and make choices. Together, we explore how these parts connect, identify your strengths, and build practical tools to help you heal, grow, and approach life with more clarity, confidence, and intention. I use evidence-based approaches and tailor everything to fit your unique story and goals.

    What is your background?
    I have over 19 years of experience providing therapy in community mental health, inpatient and outpatient programs, substance use treatment, and university counseling centers. I am a licensed therapist in Iowa and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).

    In addition to clinical work, I have conducted and published original research on post-traumatic growth and flourishing, which informs my evidence-based approach to therapy. I hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Grand View University, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Drake University, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Capella University.

    I integrate research, clinical expertise, and evidence-based strategies to help clients navigate challenges, develop coping skills, and achieve personal growth. My focus is on practical, results-oriented support tailored to each individual’s needs.

    What do you do outside of work?
    Outside of work, I gravitate toward things that calm me and help me recharge. I love traveling and exploring. Spending time with family and friends is deeply meaningful to me, but I also enjoy my alone time. love to run—especially long distances, Pilates, and getting lost in a good book.

    Why should someone work with you?

    I work with clients who are ready to explore themselves, heal, and evolve. True change often comes with the loss of something familiar, which is why so many people want to change but end up staying the same. In our work together, I offer unconditional support, guidance, practical tools, and gentle challenges, helping you navigate that process.

  • Therapist

    My name is Lindsey Hays, and I’m a licensed mental health therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals in achieving emotional well-being and personal growth. Specializing in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, as well as stress management, I take a non-judgmental, client-centered approach, empowering you to create change. Grounded in evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and person-centered therapy, I tailor treatment to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.

    I truly believe that healing and change occur in a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and understood. My professional background includes work in college settings, community mental health centers, and private practice. I hold a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health Counseling from Drake University, and I continually strive to learn and develop in my professional field.

    Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or looking to improve your overall mental health, I strive to provide a supportive, collaborative space to help you move forward with resilience and clarity.

  • Therapist

    What is your background?

    I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with specialized experience working with adults impacted by childhood trauma and grief. I am trained in evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches including ACT, CBT, CPT, EFT, and EMDR. My work focuses on understanding how early experiences shape emotional patterns, beliefs, and relationships in adulthood.

    Who do you work with?

    I work primarily with adults navigating the long-term effects of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and loss. I also support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment-related concerns, anger, and interpersonal or relationship difficulties. Many of my clients are thoughtful, self-reflective individuals who struggle with shame, self-criticism, grief, or difficulty trusting themselves and others.

    How do you help your clients?

    I help clients understand how past experiences show up in present-day thoughts, emotions, relationships, and coping patterns. Therapy may include processing unresolved grief, increasing emotional awareness, perspective-taking, shifting unhelpful beliefs, and developing more compassionate ways of relating to yourself and others. My approach is collaborative, paced, and focused on meaningful, sustainable change.

    What do you do outside of work?

    Outside of work, I enjoy reading and spending time with my husband, cat, and dog. We stay active through winter and summer game leagues such as bowling, volleyball, and pool. I also enjoy tending to my two fish tanks and caring for my potted and aquatic plants, which helps me stay grounded and present.

    Why should someone work with you?

    You may want to work with me if you’re looking for a therapist who is warm, thoughtful, and deeply attuned to the impact of childhood trauma and grief. I offer a non-judgmental space where you can explore difficult experiences at your own pace and build greater insight, self-compassion, and agency.

  • Therapist

    What is your background?

    With over 20 years of experience working with children and teens, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to nurture self-confidence and emotional well-being. I hold master’s degrees in education and School Counseling, along with my Mental Health Licensure (tLMHC). This blend of education and experience has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges that young people and families face. I believe we’re all a work in progress, and it’s my joy to help clients navigate life’s stressors and setbacks. 

    Who do you work with?

    I specialize in working with children, teens, and adults. Each stage of life presents unique challenges, and I love supporting my clients through these journeys! Whether it's anxiety, the heaviness of life, a traumatic event, or a search for clarity, I’m here to support. I’m a good match for clients interested in clinical hypnotherapy, visualization, and/or an emphasis on the mind-body connection.

    How do you help your clients?

    I use a mix of approaches tailored to each client’s needs, including hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy strategies, visualization, and compassionate listening. My goal is to embrace my clients' visions and goals, guiding them as we explore their challenges together. We’ll celebrate strengths as we work toward a brighter, more fulfilling future! 

    What do you do outside of work? 

    When I’m not in the office, you can find me enjoying nature, moving my body in ways that feel good, and giving love to my plants! I also cherish spending time with friends and family. I believe nurturing these aspects of life enriches my perspective and strengthens the support I can offer my clients. 

    Why should someone work with you?

    Choosing to work with me means entering a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel safe and empowered. I genuinely care about each client’s journey, and I’m committed to exploring challenges and celebrating strengths alongside you. I believe in going beyond talk therapy to embody change- using art, hypnotherapy, visualization, and somatic strategies.

  • Administrative Assistant

    Rachel Smith graduated from Concordia University Nebraska in 2024 with a double Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Science and a minor in Sports Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University, with an emphasis in Children and Adolescents, and anticipates graduating in early 2028.

    Growing up in a small town in Iowa as the fourth of six children instilled in Rachel a deep appreciation for community and the importance of fostering healthy relationships. Supporting and listening to others has always been a natural part of her daily life.

    Outside of work and school, Rachel is a coffee enthusiast who has worked at five different coffee shops, a health and wellness advocate, and someone who values quality time with friends and family. As an extrovert, she enjoys connecting with new people in all settings.

    Rachel feels grateful for the opportunity to serve Lighthouse Counseling as an Administrative Assistant and looks forward to learning more about clinical practice from the talented therapists on the team.