The Founder

Iris Bowen, LCSW (she/her) is a seasoned clinician whose orientation is informed by her social location as a Black, neurodivergent, queer, able-bodied, cis-woman. Having grown up in an impoverished household where neglect and abuse were present, Iris has lived experience with mental health challenges, poverty, domestic violence, and the systems intended to address those concerns. Iris maintains a practice of deep empathy in her personal and professional life, seeking to understand and explore problematic behaviors and actions, rather than to chastise and judge. Her goals are to bring advocacy into rooms with closed doors and create safer spaces for marginalized groups surviving within harmful systems. This practice is supported by centering skillsets of creating and maintaining healthy boundaries, respectful communication strategies, and transparency of self. 

Iris arrived at this work after graduating magna cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Goucher College in 2013. During her time there, Iris tutored incarcerated students in writing and philosophy, which is where she first identified her passion for teaching, and the unabridged joy of authentic connection with others through shared learning practices.

Identifying as a survivor of trauma--both past and present--Iris is energized by giving others language for their experiences. The power of narrative and humor in healing processes is particularly resonate with Iris, and deeply informs her clinical and pedagogical styles. After 6 years working in a direct service role at a Community Mental Health Center in Philadelphia, Iris graduated summa cum laude with a Master’s of Social Work in 2019 from the University of Pennsylvania. She has 9 years combined experience working within community mental health, medical social work in the primary care setting, inpatient-adjacent clinical assessment roles, non-profit management, outreach, and participating in community organizing groups. Prior to opening her private practice in 2022, the majority of her clinical interfacings have been adults diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective, borderline personality disorder, and intellectual disabilities.

Iris is currently a small business owner and entrepreneur, wearing many hats working as a therapist, consultant, and dedicated cat mom. In her spare time, Iris enjoys mind mapping, taking walks, and jigsaw puzzles.