Some writers create stories purely from imagination—from insights based on understanding rather than experience. Others, like Angie Galler Bowen, draw narratives and dialogues from decades of professional experience walking alongside people in their darkest moments.
With over 25 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, cognitive-behavioral therapist, and psychology professor, author Angie Galler Bowen brings an extraordinary depth of clinical insight to her fiction writing.
In her debut novel, Saints Codependent: Good From Evil, she represents the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to helping others heal from psychological wounds, relationship trauma, and the silent suffering. This book
Examining the Credentials
Her professional journey officially began in 2006, when she was registered as a clinical social work provider in the National Provider Identifier (NPI) system.
Author Angie Galler Bowen earned her master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Following her education, she also obtained and maintained professional licenses in three states: Tennessee, Florida, and North Carolina. Additionally, her clinical credentials include LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), CCBT (Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist), and CRH (Certified in Rational Hypnotherapy).
Clinical Expertise and Specializations
Throughout Ms. Bowen’s extensive career in the field, she has earned clinical expertise certificates in multiple specialized areas. Aside from cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and social phobias, she is also an expert in diagnosing anxiety disorders, PTSD, hypnotherapy for smoking cessation, and OCD. Perhaps the most notable specialization is on unforgiveness and perfectionism’s devastating effects on relationships.
The last specialization proves particularly relevant to her writing, as Saints Codependent: Good From Evil explores how perfectionism and the fear of judgment can trap individuals in unhealthy relationship patterns for years. Whether readers are going through the challenge of leaving a toxic relationship or know someone who wants change, they can relate to Ms. Bowen’s novel.
Beyond the Walls: Teaching and Community Service
In addition to her clinical practice, author Angie Galler Bowen also guided students. She taught college-level courses in psychology, social work, and social welfare, contributing significantly to the education of future mental health professionals. Moreover, her teaching experience gave her a unique ability to translate complex psychological concepts into accessible language—a skill that shines throughout her novel.
She also appeared on local television and joined radio programs to share her knowledge, conducted training, facilitated spiritual retreats, and led grief support groups. Each of these experiences deepened her comprehension of how people from all walks of life cope with loss, trauma, and the struggle to rebuild after devastating experiences.
The Inspiration Behind Her Writing
Twenty-five years is such a long time. During these years, Ms. Bowen listened to her patients sharing their silent battles—domestic violence, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, and the agonizing confusion of loving someone who causes harm. And so, these stories, the raw emotion and experiences, became the inspiration for her novel.
Rather than writing non-fiction case studies, which a lot of people often choose to craft, she picked the novel format to reach readers who might never step into a therapist’s office but who desperately need the validation that their experiences are real, named, and survivable.
Her Debut Novel
Her debut novel, the first one in a planned trilogy, Saints Codependent: Good From Evil, centers on three generations of women. The women—Constance, Norma, and Libby—struggle to find their own identities while navigating domestic violence, sexual abuse, codependency, and the aftermath of trauma.
Despite being purely fictional, the book is influenced by real-life narratives and conversations. Additionally, it provides fast-paced action and suspense while simultaneously delivering clinically accurate portrayals of psychological struggle and recovery.
Readers sit in on psychotherapy sessions alongside the characters, learning therapeutic concepts in the natural flow of the narrative. At the end of the book, gentle yet probing questions guide individual readers or group discussions toward deeper reflection.
The novel challenges readers to recognize the commonality of evil in all families—regardless of income, gender, sexual orientation, or race. It reminds readers that trusting God’s love will not fail, even in unfathomable pain.
Her Personal Life, Retirement, and Plans
Angie Galler Bowen has been retired from active practice for many years. After her retirement, she cared for her husband until his death in 2018. He had battled dementia and cancer during his final years. This personal experience of caregiving and loss undoubtedly deepened her compassion for those who suffer silently.
When not writing or volunteering, she enjoys time with her special 8-pound companion, Georgia—a chocolate toy poodle—and with her grandchildren. Indeed, Angie is very much active in her daily life.
The second book in the trilogy, Living Life On Life‘s Terms – Not As Easy As It Sounds, is currently in the works. It will soon be available to the public.
And so, Bowen extends heartfelt gratitude to her readers for their precious time spent perusing and appreciating her novels, and hopes they are both immensely entertaining and clinically educational. For those interested in reading her first book, Saints Codependent: Good From Evil, it is available for download on different platforms. Readers can read her insights and excellent writing style. Grab your copy of her fantastically captivating novel today.
