Dr McGowan has over 15 years of clinical experience in mental health and has specialised in chronic pain Gastroenterology for over 5 years. Alongside her private practice work, Dr McGowan is the Principal Clinical Psychologist (gastroenterology) at The Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust. Before this, she worked in generic mental health services, having gained over 15 years of extensive experience across a range of settings, including primary and secondary care.

Since qualifying as a Psychologist, Dr McGowan has completed a range of further training to enhance her clinical practice, including advanced training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy, and specific training in Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT) for physical health difficulties. She has also received further training in risk assessment, utilising specific measures such as the RSVP, HCR–20, and Mindfulness.

In order to ensure that she keeps up to date with research development and national guidelines, Dr McGowan has attended various conferences, including those by The British Pain Society. Dr McGowan set up a clinical psychology service within an inpatient environment and is currently establishing clinical health psychology provision within an NHS gastroenterology service.

Furthermore, she has lectured on the Clinical Psychology Doctorate courses on chronic pain and has presented to Pain Consultants, Occupational Therapists, and Physiotherapists on pain psychology. She is also a Clinical Supervisor to Trainees and Assistant Psychologists.