B.A. in Sociology, University of Oregon
Ms. Francis is committed to supporting individuals and families as they work toward achievable goals, persevere through tough moments and nurture bonds with the important people in their lives. She employs a variety of evidence-based therapy models, tailoring individualized approaches that address clients’ unique needs from a systemic lens. Throughout the therapy process, she pays close attention to clients’ personal histories, the intersectional dimensions of their identities, and the historical contexts they navigate, always considering the myriad ways these factors can shape the problems we face. Ms. Francis enjoys collaborating with clients to identify what is causing them to feel stuck and cultivate new patterns characterized by self-acceptance, effective communication and safe coping. She enjoys building and attending to therapeutic relationships colored by warmth, curiosity, humor and feedback.
Ms. Francis graduated with a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy from the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. While there, she completed an additional track in addiction counseling. After graduation, Ms. Francis spent three years at a community mental health agency in Portland, Oregon, where she provided therapy services to children, teens and families facing a wide range of mental health, substance use and relational concerns. After moving to the Chicago area, she worked with community stakeholders to strengthen youth substance use prevention initiatives in the Skokie area.