Q. WHAT IS AN ENTREPRENEURIAL COUPLE?
There are three kinds of entrepreneurial couples.
You are a Solo Entrepreneur with a Supportive Spouse when:

• One partner owns and manages the business
• The supportive partners help out with the business part-time or psychologically
• The supportive partner may be employed outside the business

You are Dual Entrepreneurs when:

• Both partners are self-employed
• Each partner owns and manages a separate business

You are Copreneurs when:

• Both partners are self-employed
• Both partners own and manage their joint business

Q. WHAT DEFINES A FAMILY BUSINESS?

• Firm founded by a family member
• At least one family member works in the business in a responsible position
• It is a closely held company
• Business is expected to be passed on to family members

Q. HOW CAN DR. MARSHACK’S SERVICES HELP MY FAMILY BUSINESS?
Because the family business is a reflection of the family members who own and manage the business, there are family matters that come up at work, and work matters that come up at home. The boundaries between home and work are very permeable. And in some cases, the boundaries are non-existent, such as those family businesses operated from the home.
With this interrelatedness of family and work, it is not surprising that family firms have different issues to deal with than other businesses. Most decisions within a family firm are made not only for the growth and profitability of the business, but also these decisions must be in the best interest of the family and its members. If there is a conflict between business needs and family needs, this can be quite upsetting for family members.
Successful family owned businesses, have found ways to integrate the needs of family and firm. There is open communication, so that problems get addressed quickly. All family members, whether or not they work for the family firm, have a part to play in the business. For example, family members can be employees, managers, executives, shareholders, board members, professional advisers and consultants. Family members are hired and promoted within the company according to merit, not status.
Not all conflicts within a family firm are easily worked out from the inside, however. Sometimes the need of the family to nurture and protect its members is conflicting so greatly with the need of the business to expand and compete in the marketplace, that outside consultation is necessary to resolve the conflict. At these times, calling on professional consultants such as your attorney, CPA, and management adviser may help. However, as a Family Business Consultant and Licensed Psychologist Dr. Marshack specializes in consulting to families on issues involving family dynamics, communication skills, and conflict resolution. She will work in partnership with attorneys, CPAs and management consultants. Dr. Marshack can help your family understand and resolve the unique dilemmas facing a family firm, and help you to keep the needs of the family and firm in balance.

Q. WHAT ARE DR. MARSHACK'S CREDENTIALS?
Dr. Marshack has a Ph.D. in Psychology. She is a Licensed Psychologist and Social Worker in Oregon and Washington State (More information on her education and professional certifications is available on her credentials page).

Q. WHAT EXPERIENCE DOES DR. MARSHACK HAVE?
Dr. Marshack has been in private practice for over 25 years; is a public speaker at annual conferences; a "Families in Business" columnist and other local/national publications; and the author of "Entrepreneurial Couples: Making It Work at Work and at Home." (More information available in Meet Dr. Marshack section.)

Q. WHAT IS DR. MARSHACK'S APPROACH?
Dr. Marshack is solution-focused. She utilizes Cognitive Therapy, Neurolinguistic Programming, Ericksonian Hypnosis, and Thought Field Therapy.

Q. WHAT IS DR. MARSHACK'S AVAILABILITY?
You can usually schedule an appointment with Dr. Marshack within ten days. Dr. Marshack’s office hours are Monday - Thursday 8 - 5.

Q. WHAT WILL CONSULTATION WITH DR. MARSHACK COST?
Please call (360) 256-0448 or (503) 222-6678 for rates on:
Initial evaluation 75 minute session
Couples/Family 75 minute session
Individual 50 minute session
Testing

Q. WILL MY HEALTH INSURANCE COVER MY VISITS WITH DR. MARSHACK?
Most indemnity plans cover out-patient mental health. Coverage varies with each plan. Check with customer service at your insurance carrier.