Josh Bowes-Carlson

Before I began my clinical work, I spent my career in business and housing, working closely with people during periods of uncertainty, transition, conflict, and major life change. Much of that work required being a steady presence when emotions were high and decisions felt overwhelming, especially when practical choices about housing, finances, work, or family were tied to deeper concerns about identity, security, relationships, and the future.

Those experiences taught me to listen for what was happening beneath the surface: fear, pride, grief, ambivalence, hope, insecurity, and the need to feel respected and understood. Whether helping people move through complex negotiations, think beyond an immediate crisis, or imagine a different future for themselves, I developed a strong appreciation for the emotional patterns and relational dynamics that shape how people make decisions.

As a business owner and team leader, I spent years supporting people with different personalities, communication styles, strengths, and vulnerabilities. That work continues to inform what I offer in therapy: a steady, respectful relationship where people can speak honestly, feel understood, and make sense of what they are carrying without judgment.

My clinical experience includes crisis intervention, trauma informed care, psychosocial assessment, and care coordination across community mental health, legal aid, and community crisis intervention settings. I earned my Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and have additional training in trauma informed and neurodevelopmentally informed approaches, including the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics.

Outside of work, I always have a household project going, usually more than a few. That might mean trying to keep plants alive, watching how-to videos for home improvement projects, testing out a new recipe, or convincing my partner to make it for us instead. The biggest project is helping our kiddo grow, seeing the world through her eyes, and making peace with her pace and taste in music.

I am an aggressive planner by nature, trying to keep connected with the people we love, near and far. I also come from a big extended family, so there is usually something to celebrate, coordinate, debate, or gently negotiate.