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
- Asperger's Syndrome
- Autism
- Behavioral Issues
- Bisexual
- Child or Adolescent
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Family Conflict
- Gay
- Lesbian
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Relationship Issues
- School Issues
- Self Esteem
- Self-Harming
- Stress
- Suicidal Ideation
- Trauma and PTSD
Session Types
Telehealth
Child Therapy
Individual Therapy
Age Specialties
- child
- adolescent
Types of Therapy
Art Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Culturally Sensitive
Integrative
Person-Centered
Play Therapy
Articles by Desie
- Finding My Therapy Home
July 11, 2025
