Heidi Bowden

About Me

• GENDER: Female (She/her/hers)
• LANGUAGE: English

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Doctorate in Social Work from Simmons University, where I focused on advancing social justice principles such as diversity, equity, inclusion, intersectionality, power analysis, and anti-racist practices in clinical practice, education, and leadership. My foundational academic journey includes a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa (2011) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa (2006). In my practice, I specialize in complex trauma and identity work, utilizing my training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support clients in their healing journeys. My approach integrates these social justice principles to provide a holistic and culturally sensitive framework, ensuring that therapy is not only effective but also aligned with ethical and inclusive practices.

I began my career in substance abuse counseling at an independently owned outpatient treatment clinic in a rural area, where I gained foundational experience in addressing substance use issues. Following that, I provided crisis intervention and intermediary mental health and substance abuse care to incarcerated individuals in a county jail, which deepened my skills in managing complex, high-stress situations. Next, I led the client services department at an organization serving people living with HIV. This role involved overseeing services and support for individuals navigating the multifaceted challenges associated with HIV, enhancing my expertise in managing chronic health conditions and providing comprehensive client care. Currently, I focus on providing individual therapy to adults over 18, specializing in helping clients heal from the identity complications and trauma that arise from emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, and physically traumatic experiences. My doctoral work has concentrated on bridging the gap between clinical theory and practice, a focus I now bring to my role as Clinical Training Director, where I integrate advanced theoretical insights into practical training and development for future clinicians.

I believe in the healing power of human connection and strive to provide a compassionate space for every individual to embrace their authenticity. As a White, heterosexual, cisgender female, I have lived a life largely unaffected by the marginalization and oppression experienced by many due to their race, gender identity, and sexual affiliation in a society that favors these traits. I am humbled by the invitation to hear the stories of the people I serve and honor the courage it takes to embark on their unique journeys. I am a wife, a human mom, and a dog mom and spend most of my free time in our backyard watching our beautiful, chaotic life unfold.

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Department

• Client Services
• Counseling
• Leadership Team
• Training Programs

Specialty

• Abuse
• Addiction
• Anxiety, Depression, Emotions
• Attachment Disorder / Problems
• Behavioral Problems
• Dissociation
• Emotional Regulation
• Gender Affirming Therapy
• Grief or Loss
• Identity Issues
• LGBTQ+ Affirming
• Life Transitions
• Personal Development
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Sexual Abuse
• Trauma

Therapy

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills
• EMDR
• Internal Family Systems
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy
• Mindfulness
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapies
• Motivational Interviewing
• Narrative Therapy
• Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy
• Trauma Sensitive Approaches

Client Focus

• Adults
• Leaders
• LGBTQ+
• Minorities
• Older Adults

  Telehealth Offered