Julie McGowan
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Areas of Specialty
- Infant Mental Health
Contact
Facts
I am a foster parent.
I played on the USA National Korfball Team in 2006
I have one sister who is 2 years older than me. People ask us if we are twins, but we don't think we look alike.
“Keep your eyes wide open and do a lot of listening” - Grandpa
Profile
I am an optimistic, glass-half full kind of person and seek to enjoy the little things in life. I love to laugh and I do it as much as possible! I enjoy my work and being able to walk alongside children and families in whatever journey they are facing. When I am not at work, I enjoy being a mom and a foster parent. I was called to do foster care not only to care for children but also to walk along side birth parents and to support them on their journey. I have three biological children (6-year-old girl, 3-year-old girl, and 3-month-old boy ) and have had three long-term foster placements over the last six years. I am recently engaged and my fiance and I look forward to planning our wedding over the next year. When I am not working I love getting outside and enjoying the sun. In the summer my kids and I spend a lot of time at the pool, the beach, or splash pads. I am very close to my family and travel often out of state to see them. When I have free time I enjoy cooking, reading, and napping!
Education
Grand Valley State University, Master of Social Work
2007-2009
Hope College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
2002-2006
Experience
Most of my experience, and my passion, has been working as a therapist with children and families who have experienced some type of trauma, abuse, and/or neglect and are experiencing emotional and behavioral concerns. I am trained in TF-CBT, TBRI, and ADOPTS and also have experience using techniques such as play therapy and sand tray therapy. My focus is on children ages 0-6, however I have experience with children of all ages as well as adults. I enjoy doing parent work, supporting parents as they explore how their own histories impact their experience of parenting and working with them to develop strategies that are relationship and attachment focused.” I also have a background in working with older adults struggling with issues of adjustment, grief and loss.