Paloma Franco, PsyD
Client Relations Specialist
Psychological Associate (PSB94027610)
Supervised by Melissa Johnson, PhD (PSY 13102)
Pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Welcome! I serve as the Client Relations Specialist and as a therapist at the Institute. I look forward to connecting with you about our services and assisting you as you get connected to one of our clinicians or with one of our other skill-building offerings.
As a bilingual therapist, I provide therapy in English and Spanish. I approach therapy with an open attitude and place immense value in building a safe, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I use a relational, attachment-based, and trauma-informed lens in my approach to therapy. I also approach my work with clients by looking at the whole person, keeping in mind the needs of mind, soul, body, and spirit.
I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they navigate healing and developing a better understanding of their inner selves. I am passionate about helping clients further understand their life stories and the different patterns that may be hindering or affecting how they view themselves and how they connect with others.
Specialties:
I provide support for growth in the following areas:
- Self-esteem / Self-confidence
- Developmental and Life Transitions
- Coping skills and Self-Soothing techniques
- Attachment Issues
- Mindfulness
- Grief and Loss
- Depression
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Perfectionism
- Mood Dysregulation
- Issues Related to Body Image
- Relationship
- Trauma Resiliency Model
- Self-Harm and Suicidality
- Racial Trauma
- College Transitions
Presentation, Workshops, and Articles
- Relational Self Awareness Workshop: Tips from Dr. Alexandria Solomon’s Loving Bravely Book
- “Healing Through Books,” an 8-week book discussion group for college students to share their own experiences as first-generation college students
Advanced Training:
- Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)
- Human Trafficking Case Worker/Advocate Training & Certification
Prior Experience:
- Counseling and Psychological Services at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Michelle Harwell Therapy, Internship
- Nectar Redman, PhD, Psychological Services, private practice, Internship
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Counseling Center
Education:
- Doctor of Psychology in Applied Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Master of Science in College Counseling and Student Development, Azusa Pacific University
- Bachelor of Arts in Literature, University of California, Merced
Mission: My mission is to guide clients as they get in touch with their authentic selves, empower them to look within, and provide support during their journeys. I welcome clients of all racial and ethnic backgrounds as well as LGBTQIA identified folks.
Email: PFranco@InstituteforGirlsDevelopment.com
Phone: 626-585-8075 ext. 139
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