Patricia Francis, OP, PsyD

A little about me

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 applying 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. I am 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.

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.

Serving also, as Clinical Director

As clinical director, I assist with clinical training at the Center, provide supervision for staff and students, teach in the CACTC program, and assist with our recruitment efforts. I also serve as the Center's HIPAA compliance officer, oversee ethics and policy issues, and maintain the Center's counselor's manual. Should you have any questions or concerns pertaining to your therapy care or matters of privacy, please contact me.

Working with the Deaf Community

Fluent in American Sign Language and better in Signed English, I have worked with the Deaf Community for more than 40 years. I directed the office that provided pastoral services with the Deaf Community for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois for ten years. During that time, I co-authored the book EYE-CENTERED: A study of the spirituality of deaf people with implications for pastoral ministry. In the 1990s, I served on the curriculum committee to develop a Master of Arts program for deaf students on Pastoral Ministry in the Deaf Community for St. Thomas University in Miami. Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors for the Lay Ministry Formation Program for deaf adults and teach in the program. In addition, I usually accept one or two invitations a year to present a workshop or provide a day of renewal or retreat. Today, I enjoy seeing Deaf people as well as hearing clients at the Center.

Spiritual direction

Spiritual direction is companioning someone who is seeking deeper intimacy in his or her relationship with God. The director's role is to listen, especially to the desire of the directee for relationship with the Holy, and to deepen what the person notices in daily life and in prayer as the person responds to God's invitation to a deeper relationship. Ultimately, as the directee listens deeply, he or she comes to recognize and appreciate God's transforming power and responds to that love in how he or she lives, caring for earth and others.

Couples and family therapy

Having worked with couples for many years, I think systemically and draw upon several theories to guide the couple and family therapy experience. Imago Relationship Therapy offers a dialogue process that many couples find helpful in being heard and acknowledged by the other, Gottman offers good ideas in his many books, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy has a focus on healing attachment issues triggered in the relationship. EFT has a body of research that demonstrates a high percentage of success. Sometimes I use Internal Family Systems theory if a partner seems to have a part that is blocking him or her from engaging in the couples' therapy, then return to the couples' therapy.

Professional memberships

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (clinical member) and IAMFT; American Association of Pastoral Counselors (Fellow, 1985-2018) and Heartland Region; American Psychological Association and IPA; American Society for Clinical Hypnosis and Chicago Chapter (2008-2021); EMDR International Association; Imago Relationship North America and Chicago Imago Relationship Therapists; International Catholic Deaf Association; International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Chicago Center for EFT; National Catholic Office for the Deaf and Great Lakes Region; Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute; Spiritual Directors International and Chicago Area Spiritual Directors.

Insurance

Provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO plans and Blue Choice, Medicare, and Aetna PPO and HMO; also accepts most insurance plans out of network.