“A peaceful voice through the storm…. Of all the things you dream you will be one day, as a little child, a victim of domestic violence is never one. So when it happens to you, you are left thinking about what to do in this situation for the first time ever.
Good meaning friends and family try to help, but the advice they give, while well-meaning, can leave you feeling unseen / unheard, and potentially leave you vulnerable to further acts of violence and harassment.
How do YOU know….you may ask…. because I’ve been there. But in the middle of my storm, I was connected with Ms. Lena.
Having her sweet and peaceful voice, yet firm and fighter spirit, for just one hour a week, allowed me to get through monstrous court dates that made me feel like the bad guy for seeking justice, violations of protections the opposition previously tried to convince the courts I didn’t need, and I did so with poise and strength. Though I have never met Ms. Lena face-to-face, she will always have a seat at my table.
Ms. Lena’s services were sent from the Lord above to help me through some of the hardest days my children and I have ever had to face.
I thank everyone involved in making these services available to our most vulnerable populations. I thank Ms. Lena for her bravery in coming back to serve in the DV community as a fellow survivor. And I truly thank the Lord so deeply for laying it on her heart and providing her the abilities to do so.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor HH (8/18/25)
“Lena is great to work with. She genuinely cares about her clients. She has been such a great support for me during this difficult time. She is very knowledgeable and reliable. She has helped me tremendously and I’m very thankful that I got to speak to her during this time in my life. She gives great advice and always takes notes to remember what we talked about last.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor SJ (5/22/25)
“Lena is a great and understanding person and uses very helpful techniques. I felt very comfortable with her and like I could talk to her about anything without being judged. I highly recommend her.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor BV (4/09/25)
I (Lena Matthews) received a poem that a very talented client wrote using my name. She asked that I use this as a review of my work and also asked that I use her actual name as author when I published this on my website. Thank you, Tiffany! This is an honor.
The following is an original poem written by Tiffany Bush. (1/30/25)
LENA MATTHEWS:
Loving
Encouraging
Natural
Angelic
Mindful
Absolutely
Trustworthy
Tender
Hearted
Energetic
Wise
Soulful
“Lena was of the most help for life coaching I have ever received. Her guidance has led me to a stronger emotional state with a deeper understanding of my circumstances. I fully believe that more sessions with Lena will lead me to better decision making for me and my daughter.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor TR (5/10/24)
“Availability of life coaching after my domestic abuse case has provided a significant, permanent shift in how I view my partner’s verbally abusive outbursts. I have said that I would get myself therapy for years, but when I did go, I would never disclose what was happening with my spouse, as I always justified the abuse and a part of me thought if only I did….x….the verbal abuse would get better/stop.
I also, in retrospect, was ashamed/didn’t want people to know. Because I was raised by a narcissistic, mentally ill mother, who set me up to take care of everyone but myself, I could easily normalize the abuse.
Lena is the first person in my 20+ years of dealing with abuse that I was transparent with. I am 51-years-old, college-educated, successful, and professional. I researched behaviors and, as noted, went to therapy. I knew it was wrong. I knew my neglectful mother set me up to love a man that needed 150% of me and would still blame me for his childhood trauma.
I have hinted at the abuse to my former therapist, but that’s it. I tried to tell a therapist my husband and I shared, and they shut me down. I was too strong to be getting abused by my sweet/funny/kind/meek husband. He is two people and those I told neither wanted to believe me or cared. BUT speaking/saying out loud to a non-biased, domestic abuse-trained life coach made real what I always ultimately dismissed.
Until Lena, I did not 100% believe the abuse wasn’t my fault. My family, my husband’s family, and many friends would shut down/ignore & invalidate any of my talk of the abuse which, in retrospect, made me feel like I was at fault.
I thank Lena and whomever provides this free service after a case is filed. It allowed me to feel heard and safe in telling of verbal abuse. The validation, guidance, and acknowledgment have been invaluable. I now know I can’t fix it, my husband has to do that work.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor TH (4/23/24)
“My relationship with Lena Matthews began when I was Executive Director of the Family Crisis Council of Rowan, Inc. (FCC) I hired Lena as a Life Coach in March of 2020 for individual life coaching.
After hearing how much the clients were requesting more sessions, I asked the Social Worker why the clients were requesting to continue going to Lena. She said, ‘the survivors felt Lena was providing support, and was supplying them with the tools and resources that helped them to learn direction and education.’ This in turn, assisted them to return to a life without abuse; basically, how to start over. What a great gift to provide survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Lena is still working with FCC and handles clients with individual coaching. I was so happy to have Lena on our team. She provides a wonderful service for the agency.
I am happy to recommend Lena as a Life Coach.”
~~ Renee H. Bradshaw, Retired Executive Director of FCC (October 2022)
“Lena Matthews has been such a blessing to my family. We were apprehensive at first to accept any form of help, but after the very first call, we knew that we had made the correct choice. Lena’s experience and expertise has helped my family and I cope with and navigate through some of the hardest times we have ever experienced in our lives. I would absolutely recommend Lena Matthews to anyone struggling to cope with any type of domestic violence and/or family issues.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor IC (8/28/23)
“Working with Lena and meeting Lena has helped me tremendously in regards to dealing with a bully. Because of her strategy and her suggestions, I was able to move through with baby steps. And things I couldn’t see that could help me, she could see and she could help encourage me to take those steps. And I know because of her, I was able to move through the situation quicker than if I had tried to do this alone. The stress was terrible before I had met her and I felt very alone and bullied by this other person that was acting like the victim. I’m very thankful for her and how she helped me. I feel blessed. And I hope she realizes how much of an impact she has on a person’s life and happiness because of her caring nature.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor OA (8/03/23)
“Lena is an amazing life coach, explains things very clearly, and helps you understand the fundamentals of things you need to work through or on. She also does great with being able to work around your busy schedules! 10/10. Highly recommend.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor UE (7/27/23)
“Your coaching was amazingly helpful. You were very kind to me, and also stepped in and gave me helpful tips on my ADD. You have helped me through some of my worst times. I also appreciate your time that you spent talking to me and understanding what I am going through. That means a lot to me.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor IU (2/19/23)
“I am so grateful for Lena. She taught me grounding and breathing techniques that have really helped me out during my triggers. She is very easy to talk to, super sweet, and caring. She’s very informative and I have enjoyed my time with her. I wish I had more, but I’m happy with what time I have had. Thank you very much.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor RR (11/15/22)
“I enjoy Boundless Potential’s support group! It is a great resource for victims and a way to bond for ladies who might not have families or friends. The support that Lena provides are the roots for some women who have been isolated. Uplifting each other and reminding each other of tools for coping, all while still battling the separation process themselves. It’s nice to see survivors in a reaffirming space that guarantees safety, open ears, and advice.” ~~ Tashi Oglesby, DV/SA Advocate for YVEDDI Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (8/30/22)
“Since becoming the program director for YVEDDI Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, I have come to know Lena Shook and have gotten a great understanding of her position in helping people. She has always been supportive with individuals who have reached out for her help. She takes the time to be a great listener and then will coach the person in a positive manner to gain a better understanding to change the negativity into a positive. She has always been available to be reached for people needing help. She is an asset to our program and we are very satisfied with her commitment to helping our clients make a change.” ~~ David Smith, Program Director for YVEDDI Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (8/17/22)
“Lena has helped me immeasurably since my escape from an abusive marriage. She helped me see my value and beauty as a person, wholly deserving of a beautiful life free from abuse. The one-on-one sessions, coupled with the support group she leads with compassion and empathy, have given me the confidence I’ve needed to succeed in transitioning from a “victim” to a “survivor.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor HA (7/14/22)
“I thank you for what you have done for me. You are a great friend and you have the sweetest heart and you also care for your clients. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Thanks for everything that you have done for me and keep up the great work that you do for your clients. We all love you for being the person that you are…a very caring person.” Domestic Violence Survivor HU (6/30/22)
“While attending group meetings with Lena Shook, discussing everyday life circumstances, and with her knowledge of knowing domestic violence, Lena has not only coached me into knowing my life’s journey, but she has also become an awesome friend that I can call on from time-to-time. Thanks, Lena, for all you do for us women who seem to think there’s no life after domestic violence.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor AA (1/20/22)
“My review for Lena is that she has been very caring and empathetic to me. Every time we’ve talked, I really feel like I’m free to talk about any situation I have been through and she has given me very comprehensive advice that I can easily follow. I’ve learned a lot and understand what has happened to me, so now I feel more confident to move forward in my life. I’m so grateful for her. Thank you very much! ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor RO
“Lena is a very kind, non-judgmental life coach. She has helped me discover that I can do anything I set my mind on. She’s so willing and capable with helping others achieve any task at hand.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor AL
“Lena with Family Crisis is an exceptional life coach and has helped me tremendously through this very difficult time. She has a way of making you feel at peace and that you are speaking with a friend that you’ve known for a long time. She even calls to check on me at times, which I appreciate. I highly recommend Lena with Family Crisis.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor
“I have been consulting with Lena and the Family Crisis Council for many years concerning my situation. Domestic abuse is a very serious issue and also very personal. I feel women and families in these unfortunate and extremely traumatizing times need to not only be heard but totally understood. I’ve worked with several therapists and counselors over the years and without a doubt, I’m the most comfortable with Lena. She is very professional, but also very personable and trusting. She genuinely cares, but more importantly relates to the person who has been victimized and traumatized by the abuser. With that in mind, she has helped me move forward into not only the survivor, but in her words, the “Thriving Survivor” we all focus on becoming. It’s the hardest journey abused women go through and it takes time, patience, determination, and love and Lena Shook has demonstrated the dedication it takes and I would recommend her and her company with all the love and prayers I can give.” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor AL
“I recently started attending a support group for Domestic Violence, where I met Lena, and learned she would be overseeing our group. She instantly put me at ease, and though I was a newcomer, made me feel a part, which was important to me. Lena was instrumental in encouraging us to share our stories, and at the same time, welcoming our involvement as we felt comfortable to share. Having gone through domestic violence herself, she is empathetic and offers good, sound advice, showing a concern for everyone’s safety. The topics of discussion each session were informative and helpful to each of us in our own special circumstances. She has the ‘human factor’ which, sadly, is often missing in many organizations. I am happy to have met her, both as a friend and advocate against the sad details entangling this season of my life. Though all of the participants’ circumstances are different, she is an inspiration to us all, knowing she came through it, and so can we. It is reassuring to know her kindness and advice is only a text or phone call away!” ~~ Domestic Violence Survivor
“I would highly recommend Lena Shook’s workshop on Domestic Violence. It is very thought-provoking and informative. The participant walks away with a better understanding of an issue that affects many families of all walks of life every day and the more we know, the better we, as a community, can help and be proactive. Lena’s own story also makes this workshop real and personal. This workshop is definitely worth attending for professionals and community members.” ~~ Bob Scofield, Ed. D., Cardinal Innovations Healthcare
Her Warcry 