Meet Your Counselors
Andrea Vignovich, MA, LMHC, RPT
(she/her)
My Educational Background
Andrea received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2010. After working in the corporate world for a few years, she elected to continue her education and pursue a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. In graduate school, she completed her practicum and internship experience at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. While in graduate school, she was the chairperson of two Out of the Darkness Campus Walks, supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Counseling Experience
After graduation, Andrea continued her counseling career at Orchard Place in Des Moines, serving as a school-based therapist. She is a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and using this research-based modality for treating children, she has extensive training in working with children and families. She’s also received training in trauma and anxiety as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is a research-based modality for treating traumatic experiences. Andrea enjoys working with children, teens, young adults, and adults, addressing the varying stressors experienced in each stage of life. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Serving the Community
Andrea is a board member of the AFSP Iowa Chapter and currently holds the role of Campus Walks Coordinator. She oversees all of the Out of the Darkness Campus Walks within the state and has experience in working with people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, trauma, and many other stressors.
Therapy Options with Andrea
In Person & Telehealth
Diamond Ruth, LMSW
(she/her)
Working with Diamond
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
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.