Karen Matthews
LMHC
Karen Matthews is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received her AS from Kirkwood Community College then continued to Mt. Mercy College where she received her BA. She received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Great Falls, in Great Falls, Montana. Her experience includes working with adolescents, children and adults in inpatient and outpatient settings.
She has extensive experience working with victims of domestic violence, trauma and sexual assault. She works with all individuals. Her approach includes Cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness and strength based approach. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR) and Trauma focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She has attended training in Art and Sandtray therapy.
Karen was a prior member of the Iowa Army National Guard and worked in law enforcement for 24 years before entering the mental health counseling field. While working as a law enforcement officer, Karen learned compassion, and resourcefulness. She learned how important it is to meet people where they are at in their life.
Karen likes to work on her yard in her off time along with spending time with her golden doodle, Dixie and her family. She is a member of the wolf pack running club and loves doing Zumba. She is involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters program and enjoys spending time with her “little sister”.
She is a member of the American Counseling Association, EMDRIA, and Iowa Mental Health Counseling Association.
Specialties: Anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, PTSD, adjustment disorders, life transitions, domestic violence and sexual assault. EMDR and TF-CBT.
