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You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Maybe it's a feeling you can't quite name, a pattern you keep noticing, or just a quiet sense that something could be different. whether things feel urgent or you're just tired of the same patterns playing out, there's room for you here.

At Past Forward Therapy, I work with people who are ready to slow down and explore what’s really going on. This means exploring how your past is shaping your present, and what it might look like to live differently.

This is relational, attachment-focused therapy for adults and couples navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, and the messy realities of life and relationships. It’s thoughtful, individualized care at exactly the pace you need. 

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In-person sessions in Echo Park, Los Angeles

Virtual therapy available throughout California

Does any of this sound familiar?

WHO I WORK WITH

A bookshelf filled with various books on psychology, community, and personal development. Some titles include "Brainspotting" by David Grand, "The Body Keeps the Score," "Big Friendship," "Trauma and Recovery," "Just Mercy," "Daring Greatly," and "Dare to Lead."

A lot of the people I work with are thoughtful, capable adults who still feel stuck in ways they can’t quite explain. They’re managing, but something feels off.

You might be:

  • Replaying the same relationship patterns and wondering why

  • Carrying grief, loss, or trauma that hasn’t fully processed

  • Feeling anxious, disconnected, or emotionally overwhelmed

  • In the middle of a major life shift, whether it’s in your identity, relationships, career, family

  • Exploring questions around sexuality, gender identity, or intimacy

  • Looking for a therapist who is eager to collaborate with you in session, not just nod along and ask the occasional question

Many of my clients come to therapy not because something is “wrong” with them, but because the approaches they’ve tried haven’t created lasting change. That’s exactly what we’re here to work on.

MY APPROACH


How I work

My approach is relational, collaborative, and emotionally focused. I believe real, lasting change happens inside a safe, attuned therapeutic relationship. In particular, one where you don’t have to perform wellness or minimize what you’re carrying.

Together, we’ll look at how your past experiences show up in your relationships, body, and reactions, and create space to respond in new ways.

I bring a trauma-informed, queer-affirming, and culturally responsive lens to my work. I’m also experienced in supporting clients with histories of suicidal thinking or self-harm.

AREAS OF FOCUS

What we can work on together

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  • Trauma and complex trauma recovery

  • Grief, loss, and life-altering transitions

  • Relationship and attachment patterns

  • Anxiety and emotional regulation

  • Depression and feelings of disconnection

  • Identity exploration (including gender and sexuality)

  • Intimacy, pleasure, and sex-positive concerns

  • Suicidal thinking and histories of self-harm

Care is always tailored to you—not driven by diagnosis alone.

ABOUT ANA

About Ana Bowens, LCSW

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I’m Ana Bowens, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA LCSW #115285) and the founder of Past Forward Therapy. I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College.

My clinical training spans trauma-focused work with survivors of sexual violence, grief-informed care, and therapeutic work in medical, higher ed, and community settings. I bring all of that—along with genuine curiosity and warmth—to every session.

I think of therapy as a space to explore what you’ve been carrying, what feels possible, and what it means to live more fully in connection with yourself and others.

FEES & INSURANCE


Payment

Past Forward Therapy is a private-pay practice. This model allows us to work with greater flexibility, depth, and without the constraints of insurance-driven treatment models.

Superbills are available for clients seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients are surprised to find their insurance covers a meaningful portion of the cost—it’s worth checking with your provider.

Rates
$200 - Individual
$250 - Couples

Ready to take the first step?

GET STARTED

Finding the right therapist matters. If you’re curious whether we might be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out to schedule a free consultation or ask any questions you have about working together.

A first conversation, at your pace.