My Approach to Helping
"Once upon a time..." is the beginning of many stories. I believe each of us has a personal story that is worthy of an audience. If you are seeking therapy, you have a story to tell and I am the one you trust with the story you have told no one else. Perhaps your story is filtered through the lens of depression, anxiety, trauma or substance dependence. I will listen, and remain attentive to, and curious about the intricacies of your story. I will provide an atmosphere of safety without judgment so that enlightenment, healing and growth can take place. I enjoy working with couples, individuals and families to help enhance and maintain healthy relationships, manage life transitions, and symptoms related to depression, anxiety and trauma. My corporate background combined with my passion for psychotherapy enables me to provide practical, solution-focused counseling to clients struggling with work-related challenges.
More Info About My Practice
Workplace Wellness
Prior to joining the mental health and addiction professions, Marie Francis spent years navigating through corporate executive suites in a variety of different industries. She learned that working professionals struggling to meet the workplace demands of maintaining productivity and performance scrutiny often turn to substance use as a way to manage these stresors. She has worked closely with professionals whose substance use, depression or feelings of anxiety were shrouded in secrecy, shame and fear of exposure or job loss. Ms Francis uses her experience to assist clients by creating a confidential environment where they can obtain the counseling necessary to overcome these challenges.
Religious Indoctrination Recovery
Marie Francis has first-hand knowledge of, and personal experience dealing with the long-term effects of trauma and emotional disconnection caused by religious indoctrination and extremism. Her expertise using Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy, and have proved to be healing when treating clients seeking to recover from these and similar experiences. These and other mind-control practices can have a direct correlation to relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, social anxiety, substance abuse and heartbreaking emotional disconnection from family and other loved ones. Note: Marie Francis' personal views on religion do not accompany or influence her counseling.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
Going to therapy is like going to any other health provider. When your eyesight needs adjusting, you get glasses. When your mental health or relationships or emotional wellness needs adjusting, you come to therapy. It's that simple.
