Innovative Family Therapy
About Us
Alisa and Theresa established Innovative Family Therapy and Play Therapy Center, LLC in January 2019 with a simple but deeply important goal: to provide meaningful, high-quality mental health care without losing sight of the people we serve…or ourselves.
We began with just the two of us, after both choosing to leave a large for-profit organization where productivity demands and overwhelming caseloads often took priority over true clinical care. While we valued the work, we found ourselves increasingly concerned about burnout—both our own and that of our colleagues—and how it impacted the ability to be fully present for clients. We knew there had to be a better way.
Our vision was to create a practice where clinicians could show up at 100%, offering thoughtful, ethical, and compassionate care without being stretched too thin. We believed that when therapists are supported, clients receive better outcomes—and that belief remains the foundation of everything we do.
Today, we are proud to be a private practice of six dedicated clinicians, each bringing unique strengths and specialties while sharing a commitment to client-centered care.
At our core, we are driven by connection, presence, and purpose. We are honored to walk alongside our clients during some of their most challenging and meaningful moments, and we remain committed to providing care that is intentional, respectful, and genuinely supportive.
Our Mission
Provide compassionate, client-centered mental health care where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives.
Team
Meet Our Compassionate Therapy Team
Theresa L. Reckling, MA, LMFT, RPT
Owner
With 30 years of experience in the mental health field, I am dedicated to supporting individuals, children, and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Illinois State University and my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Mercy University.
I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) specializing in play-based therapeutic approaches that help children express themselves, heal, and grow. In addition to my work with children and families, I provide therapy for individuals seeking support with life transitions, relationship concerns, depression, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am committed to strengthening relationships, fostering healthy communication, and helping clients build resilience. Over the course of my career, I have worked across diverse mental health settings, offering therapy, supervision, and training to support both clients and developing clinicians. I am a member and Clinical Fellow with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a member of both the Association of Play Therapy and Iowa Association of Play Therapy.
I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where people of all ages feel understood and empowered to make meaningful change. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward growth and connection.
Alisa N. Smith, LISW
Owner
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Western New Mexico University and have dedicated my career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
I provide therapy for clients of all ages and use a compassionate, strengths-based, and evidence-informed approach tailored to each person’s unique needs. My clinical experience includes working with anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, relationship concerns, grief, and behavioral challenges in children and adolescents.
I am an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and remain committed to ongoing professional growth and ethical, client-centered care.
Amanda Older
MS, LMHC
I am a licensed mental health therapist with 10 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, and I bring both clinical expertise and genuine compassion to my work with clients.
Together, we will identify your strengths, explore what’s holding you back, and work toward meaningful and lasting change. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, or relationship challenges, I’m here to help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and connection to
yourself.
My style is warm, empathetic, and practical. I draw from
evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based techniques. I also integrate Person-Centered and Strength-Based approaches to help you feel empowered and understood.
I am an active member of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association and the American Mental Health Counselors Association. I am fully committed to grow professionally and provide a safe, confidential environment for my clients.
Shea D. McCuen
MS, T-LMHC
I am a temporary-licensed mental health counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand View University. As an active member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), I uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in my work with children, adolescents, and adults on concerns such as anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation. I use a collaborative, strengths-based approach that integrates trauma-informed and cognitive behavioral interventions. In sessions, I prioritize emotional safety, attunement, and individualized care, tailoring play-based strategies for younger clients and structured, goal-oriented therapy for adults. As a military veteran, I bring an added perspective to my practice, while ensuring that every client, regardless of background, feels welcome, supported, and empowered to pursue meaningful growth.
Erin Harmon
BSW
I am a Master of Social Work graduate student in my final semester of clinical practicum through the University of Iowa. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Iowa, where I built a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and trauma-informed, client-centered care. I work with clients across the lifespan, though I primarily focus on supporting children and adolescents. In my practice I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and other therapeutic modalities based on each client’s unique needs. I am committed to creating a collaborative, compassionate, and strengths-based environment where clients feel empowered to build resilience and make meaningful changes in their lives.
faqs
Common Questions
3 and up
Our schedules are always changing. Please reach out for our next appointment availability.
Fill out our contact us form or give us a call.
Most major insurances are accepted including:
- Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- United
- Aetna
- Ambetter of Illinois
- Assurant Health Self-funded
- Cigna
- Iowa Total Care
- Midlands Choice
- Molina Healthcare of Iowa
- Wellpoint
- Medicaid Iowa
FOR IMMEDIATE HELP
IF YOU ARE IN A CRISIS SITUATION
IF YOU (OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW) ARE FEELING DESPERATE, SUICIDAL, HOPELESS OR HAVING ANY SIMILAR FEELINGS, DO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING NOW:
-CALL 911
-CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELNE
-CHAT ONLINE – CLICK HERE: https://988lifeline.org/chat
-SEEK CARE AT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM
-CALL SOMEONE IMPORTANT TO YOU
* * * * * * * *
IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE BEING ABUSED PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, SEXUALLY, ECONOMICALLY OR IF YOU ARE BEING THREATENED, ISOLATED, OR HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHETHER YOU ARE BEING ABUSED OR NEED TO PLAN YOUR ESCAPE, CALL THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM (DVIP) IN IOWA AT 800-373-1043 OR IN ILLINOIS 800-799-7233
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