Meet Your Counselors
Andrea Vignovich, MA, LMHC, RPT | Owner
(she/her)
Educational Background
Andrea received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2010 and entered the corporate world for a few years. She then returned to UNI to obtain her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. While in graduate school, she completed her practicum and internship experience at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and Grand View University in Des Moines. During this time, she was a chairperson of two Out of Darkness Campus Walks, supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Counseling Experience
Andrea continued her counseling career as a school-based therapist at Orchard Place in Des Moines. She’s a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and has extensive experience working with children and families. She has also received training in trauma and anxiety, as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is a research-based modality for the treatment of traumatic experiences.
Serving the Community
Andrea is a board member of the AFSP Iowa Chapter and previously held the role of Campus Walks Coordinator, overseeing the Out of the Darkness Campus Walks within the state. She currently plays an active role in fundraising and Pride events.
Working with Andrea
Location: Des Moines, Iowa Office
Andrea is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) working towards completing her Certified Mental Performance Coaching (CMPC) designation.. She has experience working with people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, adjustment disorders, trauma, and many other concerns. Reaching out to a counselor for the first time can be scary, so Andrea meets you where you are by providing an empowering, empathetic space where you can walk through life’s challenges together. She looks forward to having the honor of supporting you on your path to emotional growth and well-being.
Therapy Options with Andrea
In Person & Telehealth
Diamond Ruth, LMSW
(she/her)
Working with Diamond
Location: Des Moines, Iowa Office
Diamond is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and is trained in supporting individuals in crisis and traumatic situations. She creates a safe and welcoming environment in which she can support you on your journey to healing and believes that working to understand our stories and their impact on our lives is one of the bravest things someone can do. The many ways in which our pasts can shape how we move forward are endless and her focus is on helping you take the steps needed to promote positive change in your life by focusing on your individual goals and strengths. She meets you where you are by respecting your dignity and power to move forward toward emotional wellness and stability.
Therapy Options with Diamond
In Person & Telehealth
Megan Dooley, tLMHC
(she/her)
Working with Megan
Location: Sac City, Iowa Office
Megan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (tLMHC) with a Master’s in School Counseling and was a school counselor for nearly a decade. She offers several counseling modalities, including individual therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy. Her approach to therapy is to ensure you feel heard, seen, and supported while empowering you to make meaningful and intentional choices in an effort to have the most authentic, fulfilling life. She’ll work with you to process feelings, thoughts, and how certain themes in your life may be impacting your day-to-day.
Therapy Options with Megan
In Person & Telehealth
Why Cognizant Counseling?
“I opened this practice to help a broader group of people. I knew that seeking counseling can be scary but also that we each have the tools inside us to make changes. Sometimes we just need help accessing those tools. It’s because of this belief that I chose to name the practice Cognizant Counseling. The word ‘cognizant’ is defined as ‘being knowledgeable of something, especially through personal experience.’ I wholeheartedly believe that describes the journey we will walk through together in counseling.” – Andrea Vignovich, Owner
Working Toward Emotional Wellbeing
We look forward to working alongside you in your mental health journey. We believe you are brave and vulnerable for taking this next step and look forward to seeing your growth.