(she/her)
Traditional talk therapy isn't always enough for a brain and body shaped by trauma or neurodivergence. I’m FranCina, a Level II Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP-II), Board Certified Art Therapist, Autism Specialist, and Yoga Therapist (in-training) licensed in NJ and PA. I don’t just sit and nod; our sessions are an active, compassionate conversation. Whether we are using Art Therapy, Somatic Yoga tools, or Trauma-informed strategies, my goal is to help you move from 'just surviving' to feeling truly empowered in your own skin. If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want a therapist who 'gets' the complexity of your experience, I’m here when you’re ready.
In our first session, our priority is safety and clarity. We’ll start by mapping out where you are feeling 'stuck'—whether that’s in your thoughts, your emotions, or your physical body. Because I am a CCTP-II and Yoga Therapist, I don't just ask 'how was your week?' We will begin identifying the specific triggers and patterns that affect your nervous system. You can expect a warm, active conversation where we decide together which tools—Art Therapy, Somatic Yoga techniques, or Trauma-informed strategies—feel right for your unique brain. You’ll leave our first meeting with a clear sense of how we will work together to move you from 'just surviving' to feeling empowered in your own skin.
My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and highly personalized. I believe that because trauma and neurodivergence live in both the mind and the body, therapy should address both. I utilize a blend of: Art Therapy: To process what words sometimes can't. Somatic & Yoga Therapy: To help regulate your nervous system and find safety in your body. CCTP-II Strategies: To address complex trauma and PTSD with evidence-based care. Neuro-Affirming Care: Specialized support for Autism Spectrum Disorder that honors your unique processing style. Whether we are using creative expression or somatic grounding, my focus is on building your self-awareness and empowering you to make choices that align with your true self. If you are looking for a therapist who is welcoming, non-judgmental, and ready to do the work with you, let's connect.
I am best positioned to serve adults navigating the complex intersection of trauma and neurodivergence (Autism/ADHD). My ideal clients are often 'high achievers' or creative souls who feel deeply disconnected from their bodies or overwhelmed by a world that wasn't built for them. They may struggle with: Complex Trauma (C-PTSD): Feeling constantly 'on guard' or shut down. Sensory & Executive Functioning: Navigating life with a neurodivergent brain. Somatic Symptoms: Chronic tension, fatigue, or 'feeling stuck' in a stress response. I serve those who are looking for more than just a listener; they want a specialist who integrates Art Therapy and Somatic Yoga tools to help them find genuine safety and empowerment in their own skin."
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
ADHD
Autism
Coping Skills
White
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
New Jersey
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Integrative
I use an integrative approach to therapy where you and I collaborate together on focusing on your unique needs. I work with you to learn strategies for helping you identify and communicate your needs to yourself and others in your life, using mindfulness and creative experiential strategies. I teach mindfulness skills, including mindfulness of breath to help you get in touch with yourself and stay focused in the present. I introduce ways for you to slow down and focus on you and your needs in the moment. I listen with compassion and help you process your own thoughts and feelings. We look at your past as related to your present and consider parts of self that influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I introduce ideas for processing your feelings and experiences using art therapy, journaling, metaphor, movement, breathing, designing and experiencing your own safe space, and other forms of expression. I always provide choice as I am trauma informed and respect your need for choice in therapy and out there in the world.
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
Often I teach DBT skills, including mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, for those whose needs surround interpersonal conflict, high emotional reactivity, and difficulty managing distress, and so we learn to tolerate stress in daily life while holding the space you need to be real and honor your truth.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Learning to focus your attention to reduce overwhelm and stress is a skill that can help you calm your system. Focusing on the present, on your senses, and external environment can help us get out of our heads. Focusing on your thoughts and feelings in the moment can help us understand and accept ourselves. My goal is to help you accept and honor your experiences to find direction and intention in your daily life.
Trauma Informed Care
I use a holistic approach that recognizes the wide-spread impact of trauma and its effect on so many aspects of our lives. Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. I shift the focus from "what's wrong with you?" to "what happened to you?," acknowledging the complex experiences that you may have faced, and using strategies that promote your healing and well-being. I create a safe space for you to explore your emotions, thoughts, feelings, sensations, urges, and anything else that comes up. For those who want to go deeper, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy views the mind as a multi-part system, like a family, where different parts each have their own roles, emotions, and intentions. IFS therapy helps you understand and integrate these parts, fostering internal harmony and healing, rather than suppressing or eliminating them. By developing self-awareness and self-compassion, you can learn to lead your parts with understanding, leading to improved mental health and personal growth. While I integrate various approaches to working with people with trauma, I provide space to integrate IFS with other modalities, including Yoga and Art Therapy to help you go deeper and work with your trauma experiences.
12 ratings with written reviews
January 9, 2026
I feel extremely lucky to have found you as my therapist. Every time we have a session I always end up feeling great. Our session always feel safe and easy. The tools that I learn during our sessions have made a great impact in my life, Although I’m still in the beginning of my healing and understanding journey I can confidently say that it feels great knowing I have Francina at my side.
December 2, 2025
Francina is wonderful! I just had my first session and am very much looking forward to the next. She is warm, authentic, kind, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to speak to. I feel like I've known her for years. I'm excited to be on this journey and have someone like Francina in my corner :)
November 5, 2025
Francina is an amazing therapist! She's warm, inviting, and truly makes you feel heard and understood. She offers compassionate and realistic guidance and I always leave my sessions feeling supported, grounded, and clearheaded. I cannot recommend her enough!!