Kerbi Bowman is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. In her clinical practice, Kerbi draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, existentialism, multicultural and womanist theories. Kerbi works with adolescents, adults, couples, and family structures experiencing stressful transitions including the transition to parenthood, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, sexual challenges, and relationship issues. Kerbi has experience in counseling and art therapy addressing sexuality, relational challenges, life transitions, displacement/being unhoused, racial identity, veterans’ issues, and trauma. She obtained her master’s degree at Adler University in Counseling & Art Therapy. Read Kerbi’s full bio here.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a psychotherapist?
I have always been fascinated with the mind and how we become who we are…why we think, feel, and live as we do. I am passionate about reducing stigma around mental health challenges and normalizing reaching out for support when we need it. Above all, my desire to be a support and create a safe, culturally responsive, accessible healing environment for marginalized people within the therapeutic space has directed my path.
As a psychotherapist, what part of your job is most satisfying?
The most satisfying part of my work is experiencing the intangible shift within the therapeutic relationship when a person feels safe and understood. Also, the moment when a client makes a meaningful connection, or considers a new perspective in therapy always feels like a shared triumph.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach?
I have an integrative, explorative approach to therapy in which I seek to understand my clients, their worldview, and their understanding of themselves in order to collaboratively construct an accessible path to solutions and healing. I strive to bring empathy, validation, and receptiveness into the therapeutic space, and work to be mindful of my own perspectives, approach, and positioning so I can be as supportive and responsive as possible.
Why do you believe that psychotherapy can help?
Because I firstly believe in the transformative power of expression. Being able to externalize, share, and trust our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with someone else can make a huge difference in our lives. Therapy at its best offers the space to feel witnessed, connected, honored, and believed – oftentimes about things we might otherwise feel unable to share. I believe therapy offers a space to lighten the burdens that we carry, and dedicated support on the path to desired change.
What are some of your specialties and what drew you to them?
I’m an art therapist, and I have always gravitated to visual art as a form of expression. Now I know I was also using it to process my feelings, self-soothe. Meditate, and more! I decided to study art therapy after realizing in hindsight the ways that creative expression helped me through some of the most challenging times in my life. I’m also very passionate about addressing trauma in therapy as its roots and impacts are profound and pervasive in ways that often go unseen or are misunderstood. I believe having a greater understanding of trauma, and effective approaches to responding to it can significantly improve people’s quality of life.
What is one thing about psychotherapy you wish everyone knew?
Therapy requires everyone to take an active role in the process. It is not a space you come to be “fixed” by someone else. While therapists have education, training, guidance, and expertise to contribute, clients also have valuable skills, knowledge, and experience to contribute to the process.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
Drawing on inspiration from other artists and therapists, for the last two years I have tried to approach life with existential courage and radical authenticity. So, I’d say those two approaches have never failed me!
What are your favorite self-care activities?
Cooking, drawing/painting/collaging, listening to music, singing, and doing my makeup!
