Francesca Contreras
I'm trained in an integrative lens that honors the psycho-spiritual dimensions of healing while remaining aware of how unjust social, economic and political systems shape our inner worlds. Liberation is a core value of mine. I offer a deep, embodied curiosity, care and warmth to my clients, and a willingness to be transformed by our journey together.
Liberation is a core value of mine.
I have experience treating depression, complex trauma, anxiety, gender dysphoria, and drug/alcohol/process addictions.
First session
Finding the right therapist can be hard. I welcome questions about my motivations for being a therapist, my experience in the field, my approach to therapy and beyond. Perhaps most importantly, I invite you to really pay attention to how your body and gut feels when we meet and bring up any concerns you might have. My commitment is to finding you the right therapist either way, even if we are not a good fit!
Strengths
I have personal experience journeying through mental health recovery so I speak both from training and practice but also personal experience.
Ideal clients
I work best with people who deeply desire more peace and contentment in their lives, are open to mindfulness-based approaches to healing and feel ready to take radical responsibility in their lives. Those who are interested in "depth work" and using the body as a source of wisdom are good fits, as well. Queer folk, young femmes & biracial people of color encouraged to reach out!
Treatment methods
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS and parts work is the main lens I like to use with clients! I think it's relatable, because we all have different "parts" of ourselves that get triggered in different scenarios. I help clients map out their parts, to understand what triggers them and what role they are trying to play. From there, we explore what ways we can get their needs met that actually create well being and happiness in the long run, instead of 'self sabotage'.
Location
Virtual sessions