I’m Steven Frank. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), licensed in California and living in Seattle, Washington. The way the law works is that if I have a California license, I can live outside of California, but can only work with California residents. For that reason, all my work is perforyemed online through telehealth. I see primarily adults and seniors in my practice and while I work mostly withindividuals, I will also see couples when needed. I’ve been licensed since 1983 but actually began to “grow” a private practice beginning in 1990. While most of my experience has been with clients dealing with depression and anxiety, over the last 4-5 years I’ve been more focused on the treatment for symptoms of trauma and abuse. I’ve been trained in EMDR (a specific treatment for trauma), and will use that method as needed, when appropriate, and with your understanding of the process, and consent. By the way, my first job experience (before beginning my schooling for the MFT license), was in the California State Hospital system as a psychiatric technician. I was a member of a hospital inpatient treatment team that treated people with severe mental disorders. This was excellent training for working with clients who are seeking help, but on an outpatient basis.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
People like to know what to expect from therapy. So I like to take the time to get clear about what someone wants from therapy and how they would like to get there. The first couple of sessions are spent with my learning about you and why you are seeking help. I'm very interested in your view, what you want from therapy. I can also let you know what I'm thinking. Whatever we end up doing will be something that you feel good about.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
The tools and methods that I offer in therapy are not always the same for every individual I meet. People are unique and require different approaches. I tend to use similar approaches when developing a treatment plan. These are: Cognitive behavioral, EMDR, internal family systems Workbooks and other reading material are encouraged (as appropriate) -Mindfulness, Relaxation, Meditation, Guided Imagery as appropriate Most helpful and essential in good therapy is knowing that you are receiving help. I want our sessions to be based on mutual trust. That can take place when you know that I am actively listening to what you have to say.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
From feedback over time, I do hear from client reviews of my ability to communicate a feeling of caring and empathy,,,, especially when with someone that needs and requests help. I know that I do care about the person in front of me. I thought about it: In 1972 I was hospitalized with severe depression and anxiety. Was a difficult period for me. One thing I did learn from the esperience-- I learned about depression and anxiety. I knew what it was. And if anyone could recognize it by experience, I sure could. Over time, I could `
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I want to be of help for those who have experienced trauma in their lives. For years it has been of source of much satisfaction to see positive change in others. I've learned a lot as a result of my own experiences as a young adult has also made a big difference in how I perform as a therapist . The effects of trauma can originate from a one time incident (e.g. a car accident), It can begin in families that can be abusive in ways. This kind of mistreatment can occur over and over again, sometimes for years.