Desie Zylstra, MA, LMHC
Telehealth, Valparaiso

Education
School
- Valparaiso University
Degrees
- MA in Clinical Mental Health
- BA Sociology and Psychology
Desie Zylstra is a graduate of Valparaiso University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, as well as her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
Desie has worked in the private practice outpatient setting since graduating with her master’s in 2018. She provides clinical supervision for provisionally licensed clinicians and interns. Desie is experienced in using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and play therapy. She works with a variety of concerns, including but not limited to mood and anxiety disorders, family concerns, parenting skills, adjustment disorders, autism, and behavioral concerns in children.
Desie’s goal is to find fun and creative ways to help children, teens, and their families continue to grow and heal while providing a nonjudgmental and safe environment for exploring personal challenges and ideas. She believes that creating a comfortable space to encourage a strong therapeutic relationship—while utilizing the entire family—is crucial in helping children and teens work through challenges and change.
Issues Treated
- Anxiety Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Behavioral Issues
- LGBTQ+ Issues
- Children and Adolescents
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Family Dynamics
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Relationship Issues
- School and College Issues
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Harming Behaviors
- Stress Management
- Suicidality
- Trauma
Session Types
- Telehealth
- Child Therapy
- Individual Therapy
Age Specialties
- Adolescent
- Child
Types of Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Culturally Sensitive
- Eclectic/Integrated Therapy
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Play Therapy
Articles by Desie
- Finding My Therapy Home
July 10, 2025
