The first step to healing from trauma is looking for the support that can help you or your child do so. The next step is beginning with a professional that has the knowledge and experience to be an ally on the journey towards healing. My journey to social work began after years of struggling with how my trauma has influenced my ability to reach my potential. It was when I found a therapist that believed in me that I began to see my worth. You are capable of so much despite the trauma you have experienced. My role is to see the best in you so that you can begin to do the same. Therapy is a relationship between clinicians and clients that gives us a safe place to heal. As a person first I have struggled with my trauma and continue to carry its weight. As a therapist I have gained the knowledge and experience to help others while continuing my education in the field of trauma and my own work towards personal growth. Please schedule with me through the Grow Website. If needed we can change the day and time to better accommodate you. My availability is limited due to working full-time as an LCSW and Clinical Trauma Professional while I grow my practice.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session we will complete an initial assessment. This assessment will be an introduction to your past, present, and goals for the future. Essentially this session will provide me with the background information that lead to the need and desire to begin your journey with me during treatment.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider my relationship with my clients is my greatest strength. This relationship has helped me with improving the behavior of children and adults through a supportive and understanding relationship. There is no judgement. Only an understanding that we each struggle in our own way and at times need someone to walk with us through the darkness.
About Frances MacDonald
Frances MacDonald offers therapy covered by Managed Health Services (Managed Medicaid), Medicaid - Managed Health Services and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Indiana.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Supportive
One of my biggest goals as a therapist is to identify what has brought you or your child to treatment and the road that has led you here. My focus is to gain a better understanding of the experiences that have taken place that led you to seek treatment for you or a child so that we can work together to find an intervention that can help. I understand that my clients come from different environments and experiences and what works for some may not work for others. A supportive approach allows clients to lead treatment through the development of a positive therapeutic relationship. Through this mutual partnership we will focus on your strengths (you have so many) while establishing a path towards growth. The goal of my practice is to help you and/or your child feel understood through a positive relationship based on mutual respect that helps you to believe in your ability to thrive,
Attachment-based
Through the use of attachment-based interventions the focus is placed on the relationship of the client and therapist. The goal of attachment-based practice is the development of a trusting and supportive relationship that can treat a variety of mental health problems. I have used this treatment while working with children and families involved in the foster care system that have experienced trauma related to attachment disruptions. This intervention has proven to be successful across all age ranges. Through the development of a safe, secure bond with the client and therapist my clients are better able to speak freely and openly while exploring how their current behaviors have been influenced by their earlier experiences. An attachment-based perspective not only helps clients to understand their behaviors but supports their caregivers in understanding how attachments influence behavior while working towards ways to help their children.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness practices can be used with clients of every age. For both children and adults these practices help us to focus on the present and the moments that bring us joy while changing thought patterns that influence our ability to continue on a path towards growth. This intervention can be used to treat a number of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, general emotional distress, trauma, and addiction. Mindfulness allows us to focus on what we are capable of in this moment while looking towards the future. Deep breaths.
Humanistic
Each of my clients are unique and hold so much value. Both children and adults are capable of overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. Humanistic practices take a strength-based approach that helps you to identify what gives you worth because there are so many reasons that you deserve to be heard and seen as a person. Through this approach my clients and I are equals in the therapeutic process and my focus is to provide empathy, understanding, and unconditional positive regard for you and what you or your child are capable of. We are capable of so much given the right support.