My Background

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and grew up attending Berkeley public schools. I loved living in the East Bay but as a teenager who needed to make her own path I decided to move across the country to attend Barnard College in New York City. I have always had a love and curiosity about languages and cultures so I majored in Middle Eastern Studies and spent my first year out of college working at a translation company. I realized quickly that corporate life was not for me. I quit my job and worked as a nanny on the Upper West Side of Manhattan while I applied to graduate school. At the time, I was volunteering at a domestic violence shelter and as a mentor for middle school girls and felt strongly that a career in social work was the right path for me. In 2008 I was ready for another move and came to Austin where I received my MSSW from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010. Since graduating I have worked in schools, drug treatment centers, psychiatric and medical hospitals and community mental health centers in addition to growing my private practice. 

 

My Therapeutic Style

My therapeutic style is warm, non-judgmental, and compassionate. Research has shown again and again that the therapeutic relationship is more healing than any particular modality or theoretical orientation. I attune to my clients in order to build a strong therapeutic relationship. I use my training in attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, internal family systems therapy and EMDR to ground my work.  I believe people work hard to resolve their problems as they arise and sometimes get stuck thinking asking for help is a sign of weakness. I know that it is in fact the opposite. It takes courage and strength to seek help. We will draw on that strength in order to heal your wounds and support your growth. 

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How I Work

My style of therapy is honest, collaborative and depth oriented. Let's peel back the layers so we can really make sense of what has happened in your life and what you need moving forward. I know that the ability to heal is part of being human. I love helping my clients connect to their deeper sense of compassion, acceptance and truth. The best way to find out if we are a good fit is to meet! Email me to set up a time for a free consultation.  

 

Please call or email to schedule a free consultation 512-897-5382 or anna.francis.lcsw@gmail.com

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