Laurie Morkert

I was born in Southern California and graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 1973. I moved to Urbana, Illinois to attend graduate school at the University of Illinois. 1975 was a very busy year for me as I graduated from the School of Social Work and also married my husband, Craig, that same year. We are blessed to have two adult children.

Initially I began my counseling career in a child guidance clinic in Niagara Falls, NY. I continued my therapy practice with children and families in Connecticut, Texas and Louisiana. Upon our move to West Virginia, my practice was primarily focused on work with adults, adolescents and couples.

My husband and I moved to the Des Moines area late in 2006 to help care for my aging father in law. I began in private practice here in May of 2009. My therapeutic areas of specialty are primarily focused on individuals and couples who are experiencing stress, depression and anxiety in a variety of situations such as divorce, loss, and substance abuse. I am also experienced working with individuals (and their families) who struggle with chronic pain. Like so many other mental health issues, chronic pain for one family member has an impact on the lives of everyone in the family. I also have additional interest in helping couples with infertility issues and the struggles that may surround adoption.

I believe that people are extremely resilient and can handle all of what life brings. Sometimes we all need assistance in sorting through life’s challenges. Given some direction and guidance everyone has the capacity to live a fulfilling, honest and loving life.

I view my role as a therapist to walk along side you while working through your challenges. I prefer to use a short term, brief therapy approach. I love encouraging people and seeing them grow, particularly those who are struggling in troubled marriages, with substance abuse issues and with those who struggle with eating difficulties.

In my professional and personal experience, I have seen many people who are starving spiritually. Many times this is a topic that is difficult for people to initiate, but they desire to have or explore the spiritual component in their lives. I enjoy being able to delve into some of the questions that clients have as they journey on their spiritual path.

I began to practice part-time with Jackie at New Hope in February, 2011. I have known Jackie for about a year and was attracted to her energy, her love for people and her strong belief in God.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, going to movies and traveling with my husband. After a 20 year "career" of running, I now engage in more moderate physical activities of swimming, walking and riding the recumbent bike. I believe in practicing what I preach and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I am a Nationally Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, tested and certified by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. I am also a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Iowa, licensed by the Iowa Department of Public Health. For verification and confirmation of my credentials you are encouraged to visit their websites. As required by law, these credentials must be updated and remain current through continuing education and the filing of appropriate documentation.