Hi, I am Juan Pablo Padilla.

LMHC, NCC

My treatment approach is based on effective therapies that help clients’ needs for healing and growth. I aim to create a safe and positive therapeutic relationship with each person.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theology from the Pontificia Studiorum Universitas Salesiana in Rome, along with a Master of Arts (MA) in Spanish and a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Currently, I am pursuing certification as an EMDR therapist. My journey began in ministry as a Catholic priest, and I served as a spiritual director at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon and Saint John’s Seminary in California for seven years. I am deeply committed to helping people heal, grow, and find meaning in their lives. My background also includes roles in education as a teacher and school counselor. My clinical experience began over four years ago at Mosaic Family Counseling Center, where I developed a foundation in EMDR therapy. I was then inspired to join the team at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center because of its unique integration of psychotherapy and spirituality, which aligned with my belief in the importance of holistic healing.

It has always been important to me to establish my own therapeutic practice, and I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received along my journey to opening PAX Psychotherapy and becoming a Central Iowa therapist. This endeavor allows me to fulfill my passion for helping others while creating a space dedicated to healing and peace.