Sarah Koenen, LISW

(She/Her)
Preferred Name: Sarah

EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Online Therapy

About Me

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker and EMDR Certified Therapist based in West Des Moines, Iowa. I work with adults who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, and who are ready to feel more grounded, calm, and like themselves again.
Many of the people I work with feel stuck in patterns that don’t fully make sense—whether that’s ongoing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or the lingering impact of past experiences. Even when life looks “okay” on the outside, something internally can still feel off. Therapy offers a space to slow down, understand what’s going on beneath the surface, and begin to create meaningful change.
I specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and heal from distressing or overwhelming experiences. As memories are reprocessed, many clients notice a reduction in emotional intensity, along with shifts in how they see themselves and the world. I also integrate approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness to support both insight and practical coping.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in creating a sense of safety and trust. I believe that when people feel truly seen and accepted, healing can begin in a way that feels both deep and lasting.

Education & Experience

University of Norther Iowa Bachelor of Arts
University of Iowa Master of Social Work

Specialty Area

  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks
  • Attachment Disorders
  • Autism Spectrum
  • Depression
  • Dissociative Disorders
  • Domestic Violence
  • Gender Identity
  • Grief/Loss/Mourning
  • Mood Disorders
  • Moral Injury
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Phobias
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Somatic Issues
  • Stress Management
  • Survivor's Guilt
  • Traumatic Incident

Population Served

  • Adults
  • BIPOC
  • First Responders
  • LGBTQ+

Language

  • English

Insurance

  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • UnitedHealth