Dori Bowling

Hello, I am Dori Bowling, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I have nearly 15 years of clinical practice and supervision of other clinicians. I am a very client-centered therapist, so my main goal is to meet the client where they are and support them through the change process. No one knows you better than you do; sometimes, you just need a little help figuring it all out.

My approach

My treatment style is most aligned with the theoretical basis of Self Psychology. I believe that when the focus is on self-esteem regulation and maintenance of a solid sense of self/self cohesion, then you learn and understand your full capabilities and can gain trust that you will be okay. When you care about yourself, and you feel solid in that sense of self, that increases the desire to take care of YOU. So, if that means managing your relationships better, working to overcome depression or anxiety, or being a better communicator, employee, parent, or friend, all of those things are achievable when you realize you are your greatest asset. When working with individual clients, I tend to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. When working with couples, I use Gottman Method to assist in improving the relationship and reaching agreed-upon goals.

My focus

I work with adults that are looking to make some changes in their life. They may not know what they need to change or how, but they are "mostly" ready and motivated to do the work. I have worked with clients that suffer from mood, anxiety, and mild substance abuse issues for my entire career. These conditions can impact all areas of life, and there is no such thing as never needing help, so I am comfortable treating clients that want some help.

My communication style

I like to consider myself very down-to-earth, open, and inviting. This is a judgment-free zone, and as long as all parties remain respectful, the conversation tends just to flow. My undergrad degree is in Psychology, but I found the methodology to lack warmth and connection. It did not feel like me. I switched to Social Work for graduate school because I am all about connection and empathy and sometimes about pushing the boundaries to achieve growth. I am just another person here to support you, and there are no superpowers, just genuine care, understanding, and knowledge.

My journey to mental healthcare

When I was in High School, my psychology teacher asked us to write in a journal. After she read a few of my entries, she asked me to stay after class. She talked to me about how what I was experiencing at home and in my community was not okay...she asked me if I was okay, and I wasn't. I was 17 yrs old, and I had not been okay for a long time, but she was the first person to ask. We talked a few more times after that, and I began to devise a plan about how I would be okay. I knew that I wanted to be that resource for someone. I want people to know and understand that they matter and that they have every right to feel and be okay. It is a very simple goal, really, but sometimes the journey to getting there can feel daunting, and there are times when we all need a little help along the way.

My first session with you

Your first session with me will look like all the rest, and it will be about you. You will be given a chance to discuss why you are here and make sure that I am the person that can help you get to a better place. We will explore the how and the now and will work together to develop concrete and attainable goals to help you along the way.