Carla Franco

LMFT, 25 years of experience
Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering
VirtualAvailable

I work with high-achieving people who look like they’re doing fine—but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or quietly exhausted inside. Many of my clients are smart, capable, and used to pushing through, yet find themselves struggling with anxiety, resentment, burnout, or major life transitions. Therapy at Kaleidoscope Solutions is active, collaborative, and insight-oriented. We focus on understanding long-standing patterns, strengthening emotional regulation, and creating sustainable change—not just short-term relief. My clients are thoughtful, motivated, and ready to engage in the work of therapy. I accept Aetna and also offer private-pay therapy for clients seeking a more personalized approach. Sessions are held virtually in a supportive, confidential setting. If you’re ready to understand yourself more deeply and make meaningful shifts, I’d be glad to connect.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, we’ll start with brief introductions so we can get comfortable working together. From there, we’ll talk about what’s been going on for you and the challenges you’re currently facing. That conversation helps me understand what you need and allows us to begin shaping a treatment plan that fits your goals. We’ll continue to refine and build on this plan as we move forward together.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I care deeply about helping people feel more grounded and move toward the goals that matter most to them. My work focuses on building self-confidence, easing anxiety, and strengthening self-esteem. I support clients navigating disordered eating, body-image concerns, relationship or career roadblocks, and questions around identity. I especially enjoy working with high-achieving individuals who are used to pushing through on their own. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, understand what’s getting in the way—whether that’s perfectionism, self-doubt, imposter feelings, or long-standing patterns—and move forward with greater clarity and intention. I specialize in anxiety related to perfectionism and imposter syndrome, eating and body-image concerns, building healthier relationships, boundary setting, and burnout.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are high-achievers—those balancing careers, families, and high expectations of themselves. I work with individuals navigating eating or body-image concerns, as well as those struggling with imposter syndrome. Many of the people I support are capable and driven, yet feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure of themselves despite their accomplishments.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Offers in-person in 27201 Tourney Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, 201Virtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely practiced and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The core principle of CBT is that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors, and by identifying and changing negative thought patterns, individuals can experience positive changes in their emotional well-being. CBT is goal-oriented and often involves collaboration between the therapist and the client to identify and challenge distorted or unhelpful thoughts. It also emphasizes the importance of developing practical coping strategies and behavioral changes to address specific issues. The therapy is typically structured, with sessions focused on problem-solving and skill-building. It has been proven effective for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and stress-related disorders. CBT is usually time-limited, providing clients with practical tools and strategies that they can use independently to manage their mental health beyond the therapy sessions.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals who struggle with intense and overwhelming emotions, often seen in conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD). Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies. DBT is structured around four main components: Mindfulness: Focuses on cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness skills help individuals observe and describe their experiences without becoming overwhelmed by emotions. Distress Tolerance: Teaches coping mechanisms for handling crisis situations without making impulsive or destructive choices. Individuals learn to tolerate distress without resorting to harmful behaviors. Emotion Regulation: Aims to identify and change unhealthy emotional responses. Clients learn to understand and manage their emotions, develop emotional resilience, and improve their ability to respond to situations in a balanced way. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Focuses on improving communication skills and building healthy relationships. Clients learn how to assertively express their needs, set boundaries, and navigate interpersonal conflicts. DBT is known for its dialectical approach, which emphasizes finding a balance between acceptance and change. It recognizes that individuals may need acceptance for who they are while also working towards behavioral change. This therapeutic approach has shown effectiveness in treating various conditions, including borderline personality disorder, self-harm behaviors, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

Positive Psychology

The mind-body connection refers to the intricate relationship between the mind (mental processes and thoughts) and the body (physical health and well-being). This concept recognizes that our mental and emotional states can influence our physical health, and vice versa. The mind and body are seen as interconnected and mutually influencing aspects of an individual's overall well-being. Key aspects of the mind-body connection include: Psychosomatic Effects: Our mental and emotional states can have tangible effects on the body. For example, stress, anxiety, or depression can manifest physically in symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues. Stress Response: The body's response to stress, often referred to as the "fight-or-flight" response, involves a complex interaction between the mind and body. Chronic stress can have long-term impacts on physical health. Placebo and Nocebo Effects: The mind's beliefs and expectations can influence the body's response to treatment. The placebo effect refers to the positive response to a treatment due to the patient's belief in its effectiveness, while the nocebo effect is the experience of negative side effects based on negative expectations. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices such as mindfulness and meditation emphasize the awareness of the present moment. These techniques aim to bring the mind and body into a state of balance, promoting overall well-being. Biofeedback: Biofeedback involves using technology to monitor and provide feedback on physiological processes such as heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature. This feedback helps individuals gain control over bodily functions that are typically involuntary. Holistic Health Approaches: Holistic approaches to health consider the whole person, addressing mental, emotional, and physical aspects. This can include lifestyle changes, nutrition, and stress management to promote overall well-being. Understanding the mind-body connection has led to the development of integrative approaches in healthcare, where both psychological and physical aspects are considered in the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. Practices that promote a healthy mind-body connection contribute to improved overall health and quality of life.

, 28 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

December 1, 2025

Carla stands out for being curious, open-minded, authentic, and kind. She helps you discover what it is you are in therapy for so you can formulate tangible goals. This shouldn't be ground-breaking but it is— sessions with her have been a breath of fresh air. Other therapists have been too passive: they would take more of a backseat and expect me to drive the conversation, know what I need to work on, and how to go about it. If I'm going to just be talking to myself, why am I paying for therapy?

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 2 with Carla

June 11, 2025

Carla is also intelligent humorous, direct, challenges me, talks me through my concerns so I can find my solutions and helps me with being mindful of my intent in life decisions. She is a mom and you can tell in the way she cares for me as a client.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 92 with Carla