
Early in Your Relationship
New relationship butterflies will lessen their intensity, we promise! And when the butterflies slow down, your questions about life with each other may increase in intensity. Real Connections Counseling with your co-therapists, Rick & Monique Elgersma is a great way to sort those questions out, deal with your issues, problems and fears, and make something awesome happen between you.

Multi-Cultural
We love being part of our clients lives, all who come from their own way of life, cultural experience, and the amazing and sometimes difficult things that come from being who you are, such as dealing with discrimination. Whatever your way of life, you are wholly accepted and honored as you are, and your co-therapists Rick & Monique Elgersma will be privileged to work with you toward wherever you want to go, work through, and achieve.

Growing Old Together
You have achieved so much wisdom through your life, but have also experienced the deep swings of life, up or down. You need a place where you can be heard, understood, and respected as you find your way through all the transitions of the latter part of your lives. Such a beautiful time of life this can be, and no matter what you are going through right now, your co-therapists Rick & Monique Elgersma are excited to make these years your absolute best.

Rick and Monique
Our life as counseling partners is also our life’s work. We bring our own unique personalities and approaches to counseling that actually becomes a unique asset to our couples and families.
Real Connections Counseling, LLC
2540 106th Street, Suite 202
Urbandale, IA 50322
What We Value
Therapists at Real Connections Counseling value relationship and intentionally work as a team in counseling so that you, our clients, know that we are partners with you as you make your best relationship happen. Together we all learn from experience. Practice does not make perfect, but it can make a whole lot better. We value practice because every time you’re given something to practice you continue your trek to relationship greatness. We love to encourage you, and in doing so you learn to encourage each other. And we love growth, which means that not only you are practicing your relationship at home, so are we. We value co-therapy with you because we know that we become better together.
What is Our Mission?
Our desire to improve the relational health of our community is what drives the purpose behind Real Connections Counseling, and we will lead the efforts of relational health as we go. Each person that passes through Real Connections Counseling - whether by counseling, psychoeducation, coaching, couples intensives, or marriage retreats - will become vital pieces of their mission at home, in their businesses, and their communities as they live out their capability for healthy relationships. For each of our efforts, the team approach of two therapists (called Co-Therapy) will continue to be the cornerstone of how we help make the best relationships happen.
What is Our Goal?
The co-therapy model of team counseling helps shape you, our clients, to become the best relational people out there as you connect with others in your sphere of influence.
Our Services
PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING
We build 'real connections' - solid and safe connections between you two that will last your whole life!
MARRIAGE
COUNSELING
Marriage counseling can be the best long-term gift you have ever given each other. Heal hurts, build better memories!
COUPLES
COUNSELING
Whatever your reasons for therapy, we are here to help you take steps together, to better your relationship.
MARRIAGE
RETREAT
Find out how you can make your best relationship happen at our focused, hope-filled weekend retreat!
FAMILY
COUNSELING
Through family counseling, we’ll seek connection, love, and understanding. It can change each one of you for the better.
GROUP
THERAPY
Interact with multiple people at the same time especially when we all need similar information, education, or support.
COUPLES FOUNDATION
COURSE
A small group class where you and your
partner will learn about Communication,
Healthy Conflict Resolution, and Boundaries.
Co-Therapy
You receive a rare opportunity at Real Connections Counseling. Co-Therapy. Co-therapy means Monique and Rick go together with you into counseling! Be better heard, understood, respected, and healed with co-therapy.
Counseling ServicesPlay Therapy For Couples
Remember the last time you played with your spouse or partner? At Real Connections Counseling you’ll learn to play again. Playing together gives you a renewed opportunity to create intimacy and be your best version of your relationship.
Play TherapyLet's Talk Soon!
Thanks for stopping by! We're here to help, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Success Story
We can help you make your life better. We can help you understand, and better your relationships. And we can say with full confidence that... It's Your Life. Your Story. And it Matters! Read more about our counseling & therapy services…
About Us

Rick & Monique Are Your Counseling Team
Welcome! We are Real Connections Counseling, LLC. Our names are Rick & Monique Elgersma, and we are Couples and Family Therapists working primarily in the Greater Des Moines, IA area. Our practice is located smack in the heart of Urbandale, IA.
We focus our work for couples. We work through and past whatever hurts and harms your relationship such as transitions, trouble, anxiety, depression, anger, infidelity, infertility, loss, communication issues, and/or confusion. We also help couples to start their relationship off right with a solid marriage prep program! Our work is to help clients give themselves their best opportunity to grow their lives into something amazing, beautiful, and flourishing. Make your best relationship happen here!
Read More