In individual therapy, our focus is to resolve the issues that bring you to counseling and to help you establish, or re-establish, your life as a positive, thriving, growth process. Our therapists are highly trained to help you resolve life, relationship, family, and career difficulties or transitions. Some issues we address are depression, anxiety, abuse, grief and loss, life changes, stress management, trauma, chemical dependency, addictions, phobias, self-esteem, career conflicts, as well as aiding in recovery from severe and persistent mental illness, such as bipolar and schizophrenia.

For over 20 years, Family Legacy therapists have helped couples from every walk of life. Our counselors are experienced in listening to all facets of a couple’s concerns, helping them to sort out and define what their problems areas are, create steps to take to bring relief to those difficulties, and define goals to work towards to make the marriage healthy. We are skilled in knowing how to support you and provide input as you work to create and sustain a loving marriage relationship. When family life is tense, stressed, or conflicted, we are available to to help you address a wide range of issues you may be experiencing within your marriage and your family. Such issues may include communication between family members, conflict among siblings and with parents, defiant behaviors, emotional intimacy or trust, infidelity, sexual adjustment, divorce, blended family issues, financial stress, domestic violence, substance abuse and addiction, codependency/boundary issues, and attachment concerns. Your situation is unique, and you will be treated with respect and care.

Couples who are considering marriage and who take time to learn the skill sets that are required to maintain the healthy, happy and long term relationship that marriage is intended to be are a step ahead in their journey as a couple. By reviewing family histories, addressing each other’s personality characteristics and expectations, learning healthy models of communication and conflict resolution, the couple gains critical information for an educated and well-prepared entrance into marriage. Using tools such as the Prepare-Enrich Inventory and the Taylor Johnson Personality Inventory enables the counselor to provide feedback to the premarital couple regarding a wide range of information critical to the integration and oneness of their lives in marriage. Premarital counseling typically involves six sessions, however, the couple may wish to continue with further sessions to address issues specific to their situation.

Children can face a range of difficult problems in their lives that might include sadness, anxiety, academic stress and family conflicts. They need to learn how to understand, control and share their emotions appropriately and acquire the developmental skills necessary to succeed in life. Family Legacy offers psychotherapy techniques and methods, such as art and play therapy, to help children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties with their emotions or behavior. Our goal is for your child to receive emotional support, resolve conflicts with people, understand feelings and problems, and try out new solutions to persistent problems. Some of the many issues we are here to help with are autism spectrum disorders, behavioral problems, learning difficulties, eating disorders, sexual abuse or other childhood traumas, adoption issues, grief and loss, divorce and blended family issues, depression and/or anxiety, anger, school problems, and more.

Family Legacy also provides opportunities for group therapy during various times of the year. Group therapy is a powerful tool to help acquire new life skills. It is also beneficial for many individuals who require a higher level of care than typical outpatient therapy, but without the intensity or time commitment of inpatient hospitalization. There are many different types of therapy groups. Some of the skills learned and problems addressed include anxiety/phobias, self-awareness, self-esteem, depression, codependency/boundary issues, stress management, social skills, health issues, relaxation training, and mindfulness skills.

Family Legacy provides a host of services for pastors, churches, and missionaries. Dr. Ed Ashby and Patricia Ashby have served as pastoral couple for 20 years and know from experience the unique stresses of the pastoral family. Dr. Ashby earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Church Growth and Pastoral Development, along with his Master of Divinity degree, and Pat also has a degree in Biblical Studies. Ed maintains his ordination, and Ed and Pat continue to be involved in church life and leadership.
The Ashbys have counseled with numerous ministry individuals and couples and offer compassionate support and insight. Ed offers consultation with pastors and church boards regarding conflict management, as well as church health and development. All of our counselors at Family Legacy are equally committed to a faith perspective in their lives and develop and lead classes and seminars for individuals, couples and families within the church. They are involved in teaching and leadership in their respective churches, as well as experienced in conducting retreats and seminars for various church groups throughout central Iowa.

Psychological assessment is an extremely valuable tool use to assist in the diagnosis and treatment planning of psychological, educational and neurological problems. Psychological tests offer a formal way to measure traits, feelings, beliefs and abilities. Some tests assess the presence of certain conditions, such as depression, anxiety, anger control or susceptibility to stress. Other tests measure general well being and provide an overall picture of a person’s personality, which can be critical in helping people change how they relate to others. A typical psychological assessment includes an interview with a mental health practitioner and one or more formal psychological tests. Upon a referral for psychological testing, one should recognize that the intent of testing is to gain a deeper, more complete understanding of the problem than can be gained from a brief office visit. This can often lead to more rapid change due to a better understanding of problem areas. Our mental health professionals at Family Legacy are able to administer psychological assessment upon request of the client and/or recommendation of a treating therapist. Testing is generally covered by the client’s insurance plan.  Clients may contact the Family Legacy office to determine the financial arrangements.