Hi! I am Francesca, a psychodynamic therapist specializing in relationships, chronic health issues, and finding the “self” through art.
Welcome to my practice! My work is grounded in the belief that 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.
Each individual and each hardship is unique. You may come to therapy for many reasons, including trouble in relationships, feeling stuck or stagnant in life, being unable to experience joy and delight, anxiety and rumination, confusion about your identity and purpose, and so much more. I am here to be a thought partner, a guide in emotional processing, and a resource that allows you to dig deeper.
Although I strive to create a warm and compassionate therapeutic relationship, this is not talk therapy that seeks to only validate and affirm. I will challenge you to go deeper when you are ready, to face difficult truths about yourself and the world, and to lean into the complexity of the human experience.
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, relational conflict, and craving more intimacy/ connection
Adults and adolescents experiencing disordered eating and / or eating disorders
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 either integrate parts or begin to gently shed parts that no longer serve us.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) & Attachment-Based Therapy: I will support you in understanding your attachment fears and desires. Underneath our maladaptive behaviors in relationships are emotional needs that are not being satisfied or seen. We will explore (individually or in couples) how to accept and express attachment needs, and how to balance getting needs met through connection and internally.
Qualifications & Education
Social Work Associate Independant Clinical License # SWIA.SC.70020888 WA state
Masters in Social Work (MSW), Smith College
EFT Externship