A little bit about who I am
My name is Michelle Bowen
I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with almost 30 years of experience as a mental health provider and administrator. I believe in science‑based practices and collaboration to create personalized treatment plans that help improve quality of life.
My career has focused on evidence‑based, trauma‑focused therapies, with work in both the Department of Defense (DoD) overseas and the Veterans Health Administration (VA). I’ve had the honor of supporting people through some of the toughest moments in their lives, witnessing their strength to heal, recover, and find safety and hope again.
I’ve lived in several places, including Japan, but call Memphis home. I love reading a good book, spending time with family and friends, enjoying a psychological thriller, playing with flowers or in the garden, and cheering on college football—Roll Tide! And the beach is my happy place.
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I believe therapy works best when it’s active, collaborative, and grounded in real partnership. My style is direct, steady, and infused with a bit of humor. I deeply respect that you are the expert on your own life, and I work with the strengths you already have to help you move toward the changes you want.
I’m committed to offering treatments that are backed by research and shown to be effective. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of those approaches—time‑limited, goal‑oriented, and designed to help many people experience meaningful progress in a relatively brief period.
At its core, therapy is about renewal. Whether you’re rebuilding after trauma, shifting long‑standing patterns, or learning new skills, our work together is focused on helping you renew your sense of possibility and move toward the life you want with lasting changes.
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I also have experience in implementation facilitation and supporting evidence-based changes in large systems and teams. Additionally, providing consultation to other mental health providers is a passion for me.
Education
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Master of Social Work-University of Tennessee
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Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Sociology)-Birmingham-Southern College
Certifications
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Cognitive Processing Therapy-Quality Rated Provider, International and National Trainer and Consultant
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy-Trained Provider Status
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EMDR-Level 1 and 2 Trained Provider
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia-Trained Provider Status
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Motivational Interviewing Therapy-Trained Provider Status
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Certified Facilitator-Behavioral Health QUERI Implementation Facilitation (IF) for Implementing evidence-based strategies for change
Grants and Publications
Current Grant Funded Projects:
Title: SMART Therapist Training: A Hybrid Factorial-SMART Design
Funding Source: VA HSR&D
Dates: June 2025-April-2029
Role: Study CPT Consultant
Publications
Bernardy NC, Cuccurullo L-AJ, Montano M, et al. (2023, August) Implementation strategies to improve posttraumatic stress disorder care in rural veterans. J Rural Health. 2023;1-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.12790
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Work Experience
Renewal Therapy and Consulting Services, LLC​
October 2025-Present
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Owner/founder
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Offers evidence-based psychotherapy on trauma-related disorders, anxiety, insomnia, and stress.
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PTSD therapist
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National Cognitive Processing Therapy Trainer and
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Provides consulting services for providers, agencies, organizations, and systems to address training needs, change management, and enhancement of evidence-based strategies and therapies.
National Center For PTSD
August 2024-October 2025
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Associate Director of the PTSD Mentoring and Implementation Program
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Supported a network of specialty PTSD clinical team directors and specialists across all 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs)
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Led workgroups and learning collaboratives.
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Provided consultation and enhanced facilitation to PTSD sites across the VA
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Specialized in topics: best administrative practices, measurement-based care, evidence-based care for PTSD, and Methods for Accelerated Service Delivery (MASD) PTSD care
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Tracked and utilized national data for enhancements to clinical services
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Liaison with the Residential Services Care Program and Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Program
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Provided consultation services and support for NCPTSD PTSD Consultation Program
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Served as a member of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Prevention and Education Committee and assessment sub-committee
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Provided trainings and consultation as a National and Regional CPT Trainer and Consultant
Veterans Health Administration (VA Memphis)
January 2008-August 2024
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Senior Social Worker (residential and outpatient) in Trauma Services Program, the PTSD specialty program, at the Memphis VA
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Provided evidence-based treatments for PTSD (CPT, PE, COPE, EMDR, and WET)
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Utilized Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) for assessments, use of share shared decision-making, and measurement-based care
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PTSD Lead and Mentor for my region, serving on committees
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Facility Evidence-Based Psychotherapy (EBP) Coordinator, serving on several workshop planning committees
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Champion for SAIL committee on PTSD measures
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Provided training for Memphis police and other law enforcement for Critical Incident Team (CIT) trainings
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Provided trainings and consultation as a National and Regional CPT Trainer and Consultant
Department of Defense (DoD)-Sasebo, Japan
February 2003-January 2008 ​
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Served as a Clinical Advocacy Counselor, a Regional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, and promoted to Supervisor for Clinical Advocacy Program (CAPS)
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Provided clinical services/treatment to service members and family members
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Managed the Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) Response Program, including training and coordinating services and training of volunteer advocates
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Supervised multiple staff and contract employees in several programs
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Coordinated reports, suspense's, SOP's, liaison with Commands, and other administrative duties
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Functioned as the Family Advocacy Representative (FAR)
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Selected and provided two Return and Reunion counseling services (providing services on board navy vessels upon transit home following long deployments)