Hello and welcome! I am Francesca, a mental health therapist located in Seattle.
My work is grounded in relational psychodynamic therapy, with an emphasis on understanding how early relationships, unconscious patterns, and protective adaptations shape the way we experience ourselves and others. I view symptoms not as problems to eliminate, but as meaningful responses that once served an important purpose. Together, we will explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, paying attention not only to life outside the therapy room but also to what unfolds within our therapeutic relationship.
My approach is trauma-informed and strengths-based. This means that I emphasize your unique personal attributes and life experiences as we work towards self-growth.
As a singer-songwriter, I believe in the power of creating music and art as transformative practices to tell our stories and uncover deeply rooted beliefs, fears, and vulnerabilities. I draw from my creative background in session to create space for forms of expression beyond the verbal.
About me: Aside from being a mental health therapist, I am a singer-songwriter and poet. I feel a deep connection to animals (especially horses!) and feel most alive when I am swimming in the ocean or seeing live music. I am also a lover of memoirs, chocolate cake, and learning languages.
Areas of Specialty
Individuals struggling with the mental and emotional impact of chronic illness: particularly Long Covid, POTS, CFS, MCAS, and hormonal imbalances
Individuals and couples struggling with relational distress and craving more intimacy/ connection
Adolescents processing trauma and/or identity
Modalities
Psychodynamic: Our work will center around exploration of past experiences, relationships, and versions of self. I am interested in why you have developed your unique way of being in the world.
Relational: Together we will explore the dynamics occurring between us (therapist and patient) and connect emotional experiences in the room to ones that may be occurring in other relationships.
Internal Family Systems (Parts work): The self is complex and multi-dimensional. We are constantly growing and developing our sense of self. Parts work enhances our sense of self and seeks to accept all parts, even the uncomfortable or painful ones. What parts have developed in order to protect us? To keep us safe? To tolerate pain? Once identified and accepted, we can begin to gently shed parts that no longer serve us.
Attachment-Based: I will support you in understanding your attachment fears and desires. Underneath our behaviors are emotional needs that are not being fulfilled. We will explore how to accept and express attachment needs, and balancing getting needs met externally and internally.
Qualifications & Education
Social Work Associate Independant Clinical License # SWIA.SC.70020888 WA state
Masters in Social Work (MSW), Smith College
EFT Externship