Joseli Alves-Dunkerson
Marriage & Family Therapist
·LMFT, AASECT, CSTAbout
I help couples facing relationship challenges, such as poor communication, differences in libido, discovery of an affair, and discerning about separation or divorce. These couples in general "have it all", having accomplished much in life, working a busy lifestyle, sometimes raising kids, and wanting to make educated decisions. For that purpose, they seek clarity at the individual and relational levels, which takes some focused time away. I offer regular couples counseling sessions as well as couples intensives to help these couples get to where they want to go. I am a compassionate and experienced couple's therapist and a certified AASECT sex therapist. I offer a space for couples looking for safety and clarity as they discuss their challenges. I offer couples counseling (sessions every 2 weeks for 12 months) and 2-4 day intensives (7 hours a day), depending on how quickly a couple wants to address their issues. Relationships are important and yet complicated. We want to be true to ourselves as well as be able to create a win-win space for our relationship. We get busy with life and challenges naturally happens. Making time to reflect and feel he is difficult. Finding the space to renew a relationship or making difficult decisions is what I can help you with! **Credentials & Experience:** I'm committed to continuous training in several therapeutic approaches for couples counseling, and I'm nationally certified in sex therapy.
"Both in couples counseling and intensives, I use several approaches, such as Gottman, Imago, EFT, ACT, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology and Divorce Discernment. All based on compassion, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity. Sessions and intensives will be customized to couples needs and goals. Together we will decide next steps. With intensives, meaningful progress can happen in days, not months."
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Specialties
Areas of Focus
Therapeutic Approaches
Services & Pricing
Couples Therapy
50 min · Online, In Person
Qualifications
Verified by Calm at Home
Licensed · LMFT, AASECT, CST
Joseli Alves-Dunkerson · Verified March 2026
Education and Years in Practice
Attended Saybrook University, Seattle Campus (in-person program), in , Graduated 2016
Additional Credentials
Membership from Amer. Assoc. of Marriage & Family Therapy - AAMFT
2016
Membership from American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
2019
Insurance & Policies
Insurance does not often cover for couples counseling and sex therapy. I can offer a superbill for you to try to get partial reimbursement from your insurance. Insurance for sure does not cover for couple's intensives.
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My Practice at a Glance
Available both in-person and online
West Des Moines, IA, 50266 map
Both in couples counseling and intensives, I use several approaches, such as Gottman, Imago, EFT, ACT, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology and Divorce Discernment. All based on compassion, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity. Sessions and intensives will be customized to couples needs and goals. Together we will decide next steps. With intensives, meaningful progress can happen in days, not months.
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