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Training and Professional Experience

•Canadian Certified Counsellor Certification Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. 2022 •Postgraduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy of Children and Adolescents Gestalt Psychotherapy Centre of Santiago. 2010 •Psychologist (licensing for Chile) Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. 2009 #1 ranked university in Latin-America according to QS Ranking Other trainings: - Compassion Focused Therapy. Levels I, II and III. 2018, 2020 and 2022 - Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training + Mindful Living Professional Online Training and Mentoring Program and Qualification of MB-EAT Qualified Instructor. 2021 - Compassion Cultivation Training Intensive. 2021 - Mindfulness and Body-Based Approaches: Interventions for Trauma, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD and more. 2021 - Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion. 2019 - Clinical and Educational Interventions Based on Mindfulness Certification. Practicum with Fernando de Torrijos. 2016 - Clinical Approach in Gender Diversity and Diverse Families. 2016 - Mindfulness for Children Workshop and Advanced Workshop. 2015 and 2016 - Detection of Child Sexual Abuse. Diagnosis and Report. International Update Course. 2013 - Fantasy and Healing: Play Therapy Workshop. 2009

My Story

Hello, I'm Fran!
Besides being a counsellor, I'm a human being who suffers in life like everyone else and has been to therapy many, many times. Sometimes because I've really needed it and others because I value therapy as a means of personal and professional growth. I know from personal experience that seeking therapy takes courage. So, to honour that I would like to open up and share with you a little bit more about me.
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I was born in Chile, lived in the US a few years as a child and now live in Vancouver Island with my family. I love being in nature, hiking with family and friends, swimming, taking pictures and connecting with people. I also love being alone, meditating, reading, and writing. Growing up I felt like I never completely belonged anywhere. I felt uncomfortable with myself and insecure, like I was too sensitive for the world around me, but I didn't even have the words to express that. I had very low self-esteem and deep inside feared the problem might be me. So, I never shared this feeling with anyone. I followed the life I “should”, hoping then I would be happy. And I did it right, but I felt miserable. And then, very scared, decided to ask for help.

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I started therapy and slowly my life began to change. Therapy helped me understand why all this was happening to me and that I was worthy, but I still felt unworthy. It wasn’t until I discovered Mindfulness and Compassion that I really learned to love myself. I learned to not only know I was valuable but to feel it. I learned to be my friend. I learned to take risks and be with myself when I failed. I learned to connect with my heart and recognize my needs. And by being able to see my needs I learned to prioritize what is really important to me.​

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It has taken a lot of work and it didn't happen in one day, but I have learned to enjoy the process with all its ups and downs. I now live the life I want and enjoy my life. I still have moments of uncertainty, but I don't get stuck and it feels so liberating and peaceful.

I am grateful for all I have learned and for the privilege of having a job where I can help others achieve the same inner peace I have found. I know change is possible and if you allow me, I will guide you through this journey every step of the way. It might seem scary and confusing right now, but I am convinced it is possible and I am sure you are worth it. And I want you to know this and feel this too. 

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I graduated as a Psychologist in Chile in 2009 and began working with clients in private practice and in a medical clinic. During the first 7 years of my career I worked exclusively with children and teenagers through a Play Therapy approach, working also with their parents and schools. As part of my personal journey I discovered Mindfulness, which then led me to discovering Compassion based therapies, and after years of practicing and training I realized I was ready to expand my practice to working with adults. I felt a bit nervous about the transition but it was much smoother than I expected. My work with children ended up being very helpful in understanding adult's issues and my clients were very happy with their results. The past 4 years I have been seeing mostly teenagers and adults, though occasionally I still see children.

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I'm a very curious person and love learning so I am always reading and training in new approaches to be a better therapist and to grow as a person. I strongly believe in doing the work yourself. Though I'm open to different ways of understanding I'm more a fan of evidence based theories. You can see a list of some of my trainings above (though not all). I mainly use techniques and frameworks from Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Gestalt Therapy, CBT, Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, EFT and ACT.

My Professional Story

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