Meet Dr. Francis. . .

As a licensed clinical psychologist, somatic experiencing practitioner, and trained spiritual director/companion, my desire is to be fully present to those who come to address issues affecting their well-being, attuning with compassion and applicable clinical skills.  That stance provides a safe space for people to explore and process the issues that bring them to therapy and ultimately to achieve healing and personal growth, maintain wellness, and promote healthy relationships. As a person of faith, I am always open to the opportunity for people, if they so desire, to use their spirituality and their own Faith Tradition as resources that support their healing.

I work with people who present with a variety of issues.  I am particularly interested in working with people who have been traumatized and often suffer from PTSD, as well as those who have mood disorders such as depression, bi-polar disorder, grief, anxiety and adjustment disorders.  In addition, I serve those striving to improve self-esteem, navigate life transitions or diversity issues, improve interpersonal relationships, address chronic pain, and manage stress, anger, ADD/ADHD and various addictions or co-dependency.  Being a Medicare provider has launched me into studies in the area of gerontology so I pay attention to particular issues this population brings to therapy.

To achieve healing and a sense of well-being, I draw from the literature on brain science and a variety of evidence-based as well as other therapeutic techniques in which I have been trained including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP) as well as sand tray work, guided imagery, art, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Positive Psychology. Aware of the benefits of Yoga, Tai Chi, good nutrition and sleep, massage and body work, exercise, physical therapy, and sometimes medication or homeopathy, as well as other adjunct therapies.  I refer to professionals trained in these areas to provide additional care when indicated.

“Fluent in American Sign Language and better in Signed English, I have worked with the Deaf Community for more than 40 years.”

In addition to working with individuals, couples and families, I sometimes facilitate groups or provide presentations on various topics related to holistic living, such as the mind, body and spirit connection, interpersonal relationships, marriage, communication skills, spirituality, and mental health issues.  Doing this depends upon need and available time.

Education

~ Psy.D.,  Illinois School of Professional Psychology (Chicago)
~ M.A., Sangamon State University, HD Counseling with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
~ M.A., Creighton University in Christian Spirituality with practicums in spiritual direction and retreat work
~ B.A., Quincy University in Elementary Education (Certified K-12, minor in English)

Dr. Francis is a vowed member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois