Karen Wachsmuth, TLMHC

Based in our Coralville office.

Pronouns: she/her

Introduction

I bring my background as a professional musician, yoga and meditation teacher, dancer, and more than 15 years of experience as an academic advisor and career counselor into my counseling practice. I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to find their own true paths while responding to life challenges. I am especially interested in working with adults 18 and older who seek deeper connections to their inner selves, as well as tools for finding their place in the world. In working with clients, I have incorporated mindfulness meditation, somatic techniques, including progressive muscle relaxation and Alexander Technique, and creative therapies through music and writing. My training includes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) certification, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I love to learn about my clients’ cultures and how they see the world.

Personal Interests

Music is a big part of my life, especially playing the piano and listening to a wide variety of genres. As a musician I need to use my body mindfully, so I take ballet, do yoga, and go to a gym. Playing word games, oddly enough, is a daily pursuit that helps me relax. I have always loved to read and to travel. Having lived in Europe for a year, I enjoy preparing for trips by learning key words and phrases in a variety of languages. 

License, Education & Training

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor, licensed to practice in the state of Iowa

• National Certified Counselor (NCC) Accreditation

• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University, Golden Key Society Member

• Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Choral Performance, University of Colorado-Boulder

• Master of Music in Choral Conducting, The Juilliard School

• B.A. in Liberal Arts, Classics & Philosophy, St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland

• Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization Therapy) by EMDRIA (EMDR International Association)

• Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Certified Yoga Therapist, (200 YTT), Kripalu Center, with additional training in Iyengar yoga

• Certified Meditation Teacher, Kripalu Center

Memberships

• IMHCA (Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association)

• ACA (American Counseling Association)

• NCDA (National Career Development Association)

Payment Accepted

• UIChoice, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medica, Midlands Choice, UnitedHealthcare, Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VACCN)

• Medicaid: Wellpoint (Amerigroup), Iowa Total Care, and Molina Healthcare