The world of mental health can feel incredibly cold sometimes. You might have seen some websites that feel more like a medical textbook than a conversation, filled with clinical language that makes you feel like a “case” rather than a person. While surely well-intended, sometimes that’s actually the last thing you need when struggling and feeling alone.
I started True North Therapy & Wellness because I’m passionate about helping people in our community live fuller, more meaningful lives. I wanted to create a space that bridges the gap between high-level clinical expertise and the messy, beautiful, often confusing human experience.
That’s exactly what this blog is for. Consider this our digital front porch—a place for transparency, a bit of “thinking out loud” about the journey of growth, and a way to share deep, clinical insights in a way that actually feels human and grounded. I want to offer you the best of what psychology has to offer, but delivered with the warmth of a fellow traveler who is also navigating the world with a tricky human brain.
Who We Are and How We Help
At True North, we provide grounded, expert-led care for folks who are ready to do the work. We aren’t here to “fix” you, because you aren’t a broken machine; we’re here to help you navigate your own path toward healing.
Whether you are looking for in-person therapy in West Des Moines or you need the flexibility of statewide telehealth across Iowa, we’re here. We’ve structured our practice around four core areas of expertise:
- Anxiety, ADHD, & Emotion Regulation: For when you feel constantly on edge, overwhelmed, or scattered
- Trauma & Deep Healing: For when past wounds, self-criticism, or cycles of emotional eating are keeping you stuck
- Depression & Burnout: For when you feel stuck, numb, or exhausted by the weight of it all
- Relationships & Life Transitions: For navigating changes, grief, and connections with others
What to Expect in This Space
I’ve always felt that when it comes to mental health, “a little bit of everything” usually ends up feeling like a whole lot of nothing. I wanted this blog to be a place where we actually go deep—where we take the time to really unpack the things that matter, rather than just skimming the surface.
To keep things from getting messy, I’ve organized our reflections and resources into five clear categories:
- Treatment Areas: Deep dives into the specific concerns we walk through with our clients every day, from trauma to chronic anxiety.
- Evidence-Based Treatment Methods: We’ll pull back the curtain on the “how” behind the “what,” exploring frameworks like EMDR or ACT in plain English.
- Tools for Wellbeing: Practical, skills-based tools you can use on a random Tuesday morning to manage mental health hurdles.
- Inside True North: A “behind-the-scenes” look at the practice and our team in West Des Moines.
- Perspectives & Reflections: Commentary on broader issues and the healing process. My hope is that you’ll find these pieces thought-provoking, but this category is also a way for us to show up as humans; it’s where we process the same world we’re all living in, just from a therapist’s perspective.
A Note on Expertise (and Humility)
You’ll see the name and credentials of the authors on these posts because transparency matters. Knowing we’re licensed professionals helps you make an informed decision about your care—it’s not about bragging; it’s about establishing trust.
But here’s the other part that is important: while we have lots of training and experience, we are also students of the human condition, just like you. We can’t possibly have all the answers, but we do have a lot to share, some good maps, and a flashlight. Our role is to walk alongside you and help you on your way.
So, welcome. I’m glad you’re here. Whether you’re a current client or someone just looking for a bit of clarity in a noisy world, I hope you find something here that makes you feel a little more seen and a little less alone.
About the Author
Jessica Draughn is a licensed therapist and the founder of True North Therapy & Wellness. With 15 years of experience supporting the West Des Moines community,
Jessica specializes in helping individuals navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, and trauma. She is deeply committed to using evidence-based approaches, including EMDR and ACT, to help her clients move through deep-seated wounds and life transitions. While Jessica provides dedicated in-person care at our West Des Moines office, True North also offers the flexibility of secure telehealth services for clients throughout the state of Iowa