Family Therapy

Why Family Therapy

Family dynamics are complicated. There's history between each individual as well as the family overall. This can be both wonderful and so difficult at the same time. Often time families seek therapy together when every conversation turns into a fight, or maybe there are behavior challenges that are wearing everyone out, or maybe you're stuck in a pattern that plays out over and over again. Or maybe, something just feels off and it is simply the right time to get a little support in figuring out how to address it. Regardless of the situation, each family deserves to have a little support and each family member deserves to be heard. 

My Approach

My style of therapy comes from a mix of two evidence based practices, Brief Strategic Family Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. This means that I am very directive in sessions and may give family members tasks, such as saying things in a new way or changing where they are sitting. My goal is to blend processing and action steps. It is important to me that families feel their dynamics change as we work together. 

Getting Started

I offer a free consultation session with families to get to know one another and to ensure that my skills match what your family needs. I suggest that families expect to have at least ten therapy sessions together. The duration and extent of our work together can absolutely be determined as we go, and ten sessions has been the minimum I have seen that benefits most families. I make sure to check in with families periodically to ensure that our goals are still aligned, that the family feels we are moving in a direction that benefits them, and that our time together is still helpful.

Julie offers day time and evening sessions to fit family needs. For scheduling and availability, please email mcgowan.rapportcounseling@gmail.com or fill out the New Inquiry Form found on the Contact page.

The price per family session is $175. Reduced Priced slots are available as needed.

FAQs

• Q: Who counts as a "family?"   A: I am happy to work with families of all shapes and sizes! You may need to address communication or conflict just with your nuclear family, your adoptive family, your over bearing grandmother who insists on parenting your children even though she technically doesn't live with you, your two aunts and three step children that live with you and your five hamsters, or maybe it's simply you and your siblings! Whoever your family consists of, I am happy to work with you. (Please note, I do not speak hamster.)

• Q: What happens if not all family members can attend a session?    A: Sometimes things come up and we get busy and aren't able to make it to everything on our calendar. This is understandable, and I am still happy to meet with the majority of the family even if all family members cannot be present for a session. Sometimes, however, one family member consistently misses sessions, which can greatly impact the rest of the family's progress. When this happens, it becomes part of the family's treatment plan and something we will need to discuss further together. 

• Q: What is your cancellation policy?    A: I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you contact me more than 24 hours before your scheduled session, we can try to find a time that same week to reschedule. If you contact me less than 24 hours before your scheduled session, then the whole fee will be charged unless we are able to find a time to reschedule in the same business week that works for both of our schedules. 

• Q: How can I schedule an appointment?   A: Great question! To schedule an appointment or learn more, please email Julie at mcgowan.rapportcounseling@gmail.com or fill out the New Inquiry Form found on the Contact page.