Exploring Life & Business with Megan Bowling of Megan Bowling MA LMFT

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Bowling.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I come from a long line of helpers, mainly teachers. I was lucky to know early on how I wanted to help people. After completing my BA in Psychology from Cal Poly Pomona and MA in Clinical Psychology, I gained my clinical hours working with adults who needed to focus on healing their mental health in multiple different areas. I also assisted children with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) on self-regulation and expanding their social/emotional growth. In June 2019, I opened my own private practice and have been counseling adolescents and adults privately ever since.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I look fondly at my time in school and am still in regular communication with amazing people I met there. However, the Psychology programs did not help create the groundwork for future clinicians who wanted to also be business owners. For many in the mental heath field, creating and owning a private practice can be a practical option. For me, I had to navigate a lot of the growth and development of my business on my own. I’m extremely grateful for the help and support from supervisors and colleagues along the way and now try to assist others in their own growth.

When I started growing my business in 2019, we were on the cusp of the big pandemic shut down. Navigating the mental health challenges and business model changes in real time was a challenging. Almost overnight, sessions went from mostly in person to all telehealth. In reflecting back on this time period, it was difficult for many to process the pandemic and the challenges were regularly demanding in my own life as well.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Megan Bowling MA LMFT?
Megan Bowling MA LMFT was started in spring 2019. Sessions are available to most ages and people can be seen individually or as a couple. I specialize in individuals wishing to reduce their anxiety, boost their mood, and work on their relationships. In sessions, I offer a guided approach that tailors tools and techniques to what can be most helpful based on their history and individual needs. I often create my own therapeutic resources and offer them to clients as review to practice their tools in the time before meetings. I’m very proud of the resources offered, that individual strengths and considerations are used for creating opportunities for growth. In using a few clinical modalities, I’m able to help the client navigate their progress and have a say in what has been most beneficial for them individually. Outside of offering therapy services, I offer supervision to associates who are on their own path to licensure. I offer consultation for Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for families who want some extra attention or guidance for their children in receiving social/emotional support at school. My goal is to inform and inspire so I also write a blog on my website focusing on topics and tools that can help individuals and families.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m always looking out for clinical resources and ways to continue my education. I pride myself on my ability to acknowledge that I’m not perfect and that I can’t possibly know everything. I want to be up to date with new research to be the best ally and clinician I can be. Recently, I just finished “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson and have been rewatching the videos of Esther Perel, a professional favorite of mine. I firmly believe that education is a lifelong commitment.

Pricing:

• Individual Therapy – $140 per 60min meeting
• Couples Therapy – $160 per 60 minute session​
• Supervision to associates – $500 per month
• Social and Emotional IEP Consultation and Data Review – $100/hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bowlingtherapy.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapywithmeganbowling/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-bowling-m-a-lmft-42b30553
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/megan-bowling-ma-lmft-yorba-linda

Image Credits
Nikki Rivera