Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monica Bowens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Monica, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

I have had many defining moments in my career with the first occurring when I switched from a pre-nursing major to child development in college. However, the moment that has set me on the path that I travel today is when I left the early childhood field for social work. I have worked with or on behalf of families and children for almost 20 years. This career has been rewarding and helped me support many initiatives in my community. I graduated with my Master of Social Work degree in 2013 but continued working in the early childhood arena gaining more and more challenging roles. However, in 2016, I pivoted into the social work field full-time. For many years, I worked for local and national agencies providing variations of social work to youth, military families and the elderly population. In 2021, I decided that I need to make a change in my life because so much of my time seemed to be escaping me. I was not doing the things that I enjoyed. I was in a routine of work, being a spouse, eating, sleeping, repeat. This cycle of tasks was not allowing me to enjoy moments and experience the things that bring me joy. In January of 2022, I declared to my husband that I was going to leave my full-time, lucrative position and fully work in my own business. With his support and encouragement, I launched Bowens Counseling Services, PLLC. Not only am I providing supportive services to individuals and youth, I am able to have a stronger work-life balance. Working for myself puts me in the driver seat and allows me to live and work on my own terms. This defining moment was long in the making and I am grateful for the foundation of knowledge, mentorship, experiences and opportunities that have prepared me for a time as this.

Monica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am originally from New York City but have lived in North Carolina for a little over two decades. I was once a military spouse and am currently married to an Army Veteran and have two stepsons. I love to travel and do so as often as possible. I enjoy community engagement, cultural arts activities, and spending time with family and friends. Currently, I am working towards a PhD.

When I was young, I found that people would feel comfortable opening up to me about whatever they were experiencing. Friends and even strangers would confide in me. I was told that I was “easy to talk to”. This formed a belief that I could be a confidant and support for others. Throughout my career, I have supported and mentored friends and colleagues with a constant desire to see them succeed. Some of the areas that I have addressed include helping people believe in themselves, accountability, goal-setting, encouragement and motivation, and guidance.

Becoming a licensed clinical social worker seemed like an appropriate fit for me. It allowed me to use those skills to help others and also offered a variety of avenues where my degree could be used. I have a very calm personality. My non-judgmental and empathic demeanor helps people feel comfortable sharing with me. My life experience involved many ups and downs and that coupled with experiences I have coached others through yields a stronger understanding of the variety of situations faced by others. I connect with people in sessions to affirm and empower.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back in time, I would have chosen to obtain a Bachelor degree in social work (BSW). Though my degree held elements of the subject, the BSW degree would have helped me get to this point faster. I did not immediately realize that counseling was something I wanted to do or could even do well. It was years in the making before I was able to see that this was a strength and there was a profession aligned with it. I appreciate having an early childhood foundation and learning about family systems; these areas inform my work with clients because for some our childhood is what is impacting our choices and decisions today.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Though I currently work independently, I have been a supervisor over a team in the past. For any group whether it is a business partner, clientele or staff, it is important to build relationships. Taking on elements of a transformative and servant leader allows you to have a more well-rounded approach to the business. In this capacity, morale can increase because you are a part of the process. Because I work for myself and I do not have staff, I rely on and am a part of a support team of colleagues. We support and uplift each other as needed and often share ideas and resources. We are essentially a team facing similar wins and challenges. Supporting each other allows us to stay motivated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://provider.growtherapy.com/book-appointment?id=20717&utm_source=provider-sourced&utm_medium=booking-link&utm_campaign=provider-dashboard
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094531440754
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-bowens-049284161/

Image Credits
AJ Simpson Photography (for photo of me)