Meet Lynnette Aschinger, LISW, a mental health therapist with over 37 years of experience. She provides evidence-based, compassionate care for individuals, couples, and families. Her work emphasizes a Christian perspective with a continuity of care through consistent, regularly scheduled appointments—supporting healing, strengthening relationships, and helping clients pursue meaningful goals.

Location: Ida Grove, Carroll, Storm Lake, and Wall Lake, Iowa; throughout Iowa via telehealth

Email: [email protected]

Office/Scheduling: 712-276-9000

What is your role at Lutheran Family Service?

Clinical Social Worker who provides outpatient mental health counseling.

What drew you to the mental health counseling field?

Honestly, I believe we all have God given natural abilities that are fostered through life experiences and I have never wanted to do anything different. When you use your God given abilities, work does not feel like work, it becomes your passion.

Tell us a bit about your background (education, experience, credentials, etc.).

I attended University of Northern Iowa and obtained my B.A. Following my internship, I was hired by Lutheran Services in Iowa and worked there for 16 years. I obtained my master’s degree in social work from University of Omaha while working for LSI. Following graduation, I completed my hours of supervision, and I obtained my license in 1997. I have been providing outpatient mental health counseling ever since. I worked for Lutheran Family Service from 2008 until 2020. After five years away, I have returned and am excited to be back.

Do you have a specialty?

I have extensive experience working with young children, as well as those who suffer from trauma, loss, and grief. I have lengthy history of serving those who suffer from victimization, anxiety, and depression. I also enjoy providing marital therapy to those in need.

I am EMDR certified, trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Integrative Behavioral Couple’s Therapy. I love being able to incorporate faith into the care of those who are in need. I enjoy working with clergy and their families. I know how important it is to have a safe place to obtain support.

How does your faith inform your therapy practice?

Suffering is part of this world and hope can be difficult to find. But with Jesus, there is hope, because of his suffering, death, and resurrection. It is a blessing to serve others and to help them consider how their beliefs and faith influence the way they understand and respond to their circumstances. There is opportunity to replace a worldly perspective with a greater eternal perspective.

Pain has purpose when it presents an opportunity to move away from self-reliance and towards a deeper dependency on Jesus Christ, our Savior. When we walk closer with Jesus, hope and peace is the result even in the midst of suffering. It is very rewarding to be part of this resilient journey.

How might someone know when counseling would be a good thing to pursue?

Of course, it is different for everyone. But, when one’s troubles interfere with one’s daily activities and living, counseling is always an option to consider. Some people wait longer than others to initiate services, but I believe, the sooner the better chance of a more positive outcome.

Why is the work you do important?

God expects us to love our neighbors. I believe that our work at LFS not only is an extension of the church but also is a response to God’s command.

How did you come to join the Lutheran Family Service team?

My very first boss helped me consider my job as a “calling to serve God” so that shaped the perspective on how I viewed my career. I am grateful to him for that. I honestly believe God led me to join Lutheran Family Service now and in the past. Both times, uncertainties prompted me to self-evaluate and after doing so, it became clear that Lutheran Family Service is where I need to be.

I was considering joining LFS the first time, and it had been on my mind. That very day I got my mail and there was a letter from Wanda searching for therapists. I thought to myself, here is my answer. The second time, after having discussion with family about some challenges, my son said to me, “You are going back to LFS.” It was not a question; it was a statement of confirmation. He read me, affirmed, and nearly directed me to return. I again knew it was meant to be. It truly feels like “coming home.”

How will you live out the mission of LFS, to walk with people as God has been there for us, in your daily work?

I will commit to living out the mission of LFS by using the character of God as our example to follow. I will try to mirror his love, grace, acceptance, and mercy to those I serve.

What do you enjoy most about the people you work with?

I am grateful for the team of professionals who not only are helpful supportive colleagues, but also faith filled people.

As for those I serve, I enjoy hearing about people’s life journeys and their willingness to allow me to be part of their journey.

What are you most looking forward to in your ministry journey at Lutheran Family Service?

I look forward to reconnecting with the ministers, professionals, and church people that I encountered the first time I worked at LFS. I have already run into some individuals, and it was good to see them.

Is there a Bible verse or passage that’s particularly meaningful to you, personally or professionally?

“And we know, that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

This verse is meaningful to me, because we can always trust God is working for our good. This is a relief to know that when things are difficult, he is there working for us and shaping us.

This is my wish for the people I serve:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Lynnette see clients in person in Ida Grove, Carroll, Storm Lake, and Wall Lake, Iowa, and throughout the state via telehealth.

[email protected] | 712-276-9000 | lutheranfamilyservice.org/contact