Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Laura Bowles is an expert in trauma, identity issues, IBS, eating disorders, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Known for their comprehensive and integrative approach, Dr. Bowles combines psychodynamic, relational, and person-centered therapies with advanced expertise in hypnotherapy and mindfulness. Their deep understanding of the connection between mind and body allows them to address both psychological challenges and the emotional and identity struggles linked to chronic conditions like IBS. Dr. Bowles is dedicated to guiding clients through transformative healing and self-discovery, helping them process trauma, rebuild their sense of self, and overcome emotional barriers. Through their work, they foster profound, lasting change, empowering clients to achieve a renewed sense of purpose and greatly improved quality of life.
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Dr. Laura Bowles is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, panic disorders, IBS, gut and digestive issues, self-esteem, motivation, and relationship challenges. Their trauma-informed approach comprehensively addresses the psychological and emotional impacts of traumatic experiences, particularly as they affect self-perception, eating behaviors, and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Bowles is highly experienced in working with individuals who have survived physical, emotional, and sexual trauma, and they integrate their expertise in these areas to provide compassionate, holistic care. Additionally, they focus on the emotional and psychological challenges related to chronic conditions like IBS, helping clients manage the mental toll of digestive health issues.
Dr. Bowles began their academic journey in behavioral science, working in a learning and behavior lab during their undergraduate studies. They earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Vassar College, followed by a Master’s and Doctorate in Professional Psychology from The George Washington University. Their doctoral research explored the intersection of racial and interpersonal trauma, with a focus on trauma-informed therapeutic approaches for clients facing racialized and developmental trauma.
Dr. Bowles' clinical training is extensive and diverse, spanning psychoanalytic therapy and various evidence-based methodologies. They completed a predoctoral internship at Nassau University Medical Center, where they provided therapy and conducted comprehensive assessments. Following this, they pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at The Psychiatric Institute of Washington, refining their therapeutic skills across diverse clinical settings.
In addition to their clinical practice, Dr. Bowles has held the role of Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor at Montefiore Medical Center, offering supervision and mentorship to early-career psychologists. Their supervisory role in both outpatient and inpatient settings helped foster professional development and uphold the highest standards of clinical care.
Dr. Bowles is known for their warm, collaborative approach, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel understood and empowered. They are particularly committed to providing culturally competent, affirmative care for the LGBTQIA+ community, understanding the importance of offering inclusive, affirming therapy to individuals who may have faced challenges in previous therapeutic experiences.
Dr. Bowles is also actively involved with Division 39 of the American Psychological Association (APA), dedicated to psychoanalysis, and is a frequent speaker at APA conferences. They remain committed to ongoing professional development and contribute regularly to the psychoanalytic and psychological communities.
Dr. Laura Bowles is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist, recognized as an expert in helping teens and adults overcome eating disorders, as well as managing anxiety, depression, IBS and other complex psychological challenges. Dr. Bowles completed a year of specialized training at the Donald Delaney Eating Disorders Clinic at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC, where they worked with preadolescent and adolescent patients, ages 10-21, struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating. During their time at the clinic, Dr. Bowles conducted evaluations, individual therapy, and family therapy while collaborating on a multidisciplinary team that included dietitians, psychiatrists, and adolescent medicine physicians.
Dr. Bowles’ therapeutic approach is a refined blend of psychoanalytic insight and action-oriented techniques. By delving into early life experiences and relationships, they help clients uncover unconscious patterns and processes that influence current behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. This psychoanalytic framework provides a deep understanding of the root causes of their challenges, giving clients greater clarity and insight into their lives.
In addition, Dr. Bowles places a strong emphasis on practical tools and strategies to facilitate meaningful change. Their approach ensures that therapy is not only insightful but also provides tangible, actionable techniques for clients to apply in their daily lives. This combination of deep psychoanalytic work and concrete strategies fosters resilience and personal growth, empowering clients to take an active role in their healing journey.
In pursuit of further enhancing therapeutic outcomes, Dr. Bowles has sought advanced integrative techniques. They completed extensive training in clinical hypnosis through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), building upon their foundational knowledge to explore a wider range of applications for hypnosis, including pain management, anxiety, sleep disorders, and habit disorders. Dr. Bowles has also refined techniques for using the language of suggestion to foster change and learned specific tools, such as complex inductions and intensification techniques, for populations like children. Their training involved not only learning advanced hypnosis techniques but also engaging in hands-on practice with some of the most renowned experts in the field.
Dr. Bowles integrates their expertise in hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and relational psychodynamic therapy into a comprehensive therapeutic approach that fosters lasting transformation. As a lifelong learner, they are committed to staying at the forefront of the latest research and techniques. By taking a holistic and individualized approach to therapy, Dr. Bowles collaborates with clients to tailor treatment plans that address both physical and psychological barriers, promoting positive change and optimizing quality of life. Through this integrative and personalized method, they ensure that each client experiences meaningful and transformative progress in their therapeutic journey.
