Our Therapists

Emily Cave, LISW
(She/Her/Hers)

Modalities: TF-CBT, EMDR, Perinatal Mental Health

I received my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. Following graduate school, I worked at a non-profit organization as a school-based counselor for children and adolescents in Dubuque elementary and high schools. I later moved back to the Des Moines area to work at a nonprofit organization as a school-based mental health therapist for children, adolescents, and families in the public school setting.

I am also a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in the state of Iowa with certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and training in various treatment modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My perinatal background includes professional training in perinatal mental health as well as personal experience with pregnancy loss and a prolonged stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for my micro-preemie son.

NPI: 1639693252

What My Support Looks Like

I have a passion for working with teens, young adult women, and parents who are navigating life during and after their baby’s NICU stay. Whether your little one(s) is in the NICU for one day or hundreds of days, it’s often an extremely tough and unexpected experience, filled with an abundance of grief and uncertainty. It can be difficult to explain the ins and outs of your family’s NICU stay to someone who’s unfamiliar with the NICU world. With my knowledge of the NICU, you’ll be able to discuss your experiences and be met with more of an understanding, so we can focus on healing rather than spending your valuable time and energy defining all of the NICU terminology.

My counseling style is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to be your authentic self. I offer a client-centered and collaborative approach, tailoring treatment to your individual goals and preferences. I value the fact that you are the expert in your own life and am honored to join in your healing journey.

In My Free Time You Can Find Me…

My husband and I have a little boy who brings us so much joy and keeps us busy. In my free time, I enjoy getting together with family and friends, traveling to England to visit my in-laws and traveling to nearby countries, checking out local events and restaurants, going on walks, thrift shopping, and relaxing at home watching a movie or TV show.