Joe Bova (He/Him)

We all have a story.  How we choose to tell it is up to us.  Owning and finding strength in our stories and struggles is our superpower.  This resilience empowers us to keep moving forward, to be active participants in our lives, and allows us to write the next chapter!  I want to hear your story and help you to explore what your next chapter could look like.

Like many of us, I have experienced various struggles, disappointments, and challenges.  However, my story also includes a great deal of growth, gratitude, and joy.  I incorporate my life experiences and lessons learned into my work with clients. 

I provide a safe therapeutic environment, free of judgment.  I’m a talk therapist, meaning we’ll process and grow through conversation.  We’ll talk.  We’ll listen.  And we’ll learn from each other.  Areas of focus include but are not limited to self-worth and self-esteem, anxiety, shame, healthy boundary-setting, communication issues, feeling stuck, and life/career transitions.

Questions? joe@forrealtherapy.com

Interview Bio with joe bova

Why did you make the transition to become a therapist?

I have been intrigued by psychology and how the mind works for as long as I can remember.  Although I considered pursuing a career in this field when I was younger, I chose to explore my creative side, working as a writer and animation artist in Los Angeles for the first chapter of my career.  I entered my second career chapter in Chicago, where, as an entrepreneur, I established and ran a successful small business.  After selling the business, a mentor encouraged me to revisit psychology, and yada yada yada… chapter three!

What does discussing a difficult, transitional moment look like with you?

Many of us fear uncertainty and change.  Transitional periods can trigger fears of the unknown future and whether we’ll be able to navigate the potential challenges and changes that lie ahead.  Together, we can process and work through these fears and anxieties.  Once we relinquish the attachment to our fears, we can enter new transitions or continue an ongoing transitional process with a sense of excitement and hope. 

How do you incorporate your own identity into your work?

My personal journey has allowed me to explore, define, and ultimately own who I am.  The knowledge I have gained through working on myself is something I incorporate into my work with clients.  I understand how lost we can feel when we don’t have a concept of who we are.  Helping clients to explore and discover their authentic and best selves is a very rewarding part of what I do.

What can I expect when working with you?

I provide a casual, safe, and judgment-free therapeutic environment.  I strive to create a space for my clients to explore who they are and who they want to be.   I approach my work with clients as a collaborative process, helping them on their journey to find meaning, growth, and fulfillment.  Together, we will explore thoughts and feelings, connect the dots, and find healthy and creative ways to move forward.

What is your universal piece of advice?

Trust yourself.  You are stronger than you know!