Matthew Francisco, LPC

Although I obtained a significant amount of knowledge as a therapeutic provider and underwent professional training, I myself do not claim to be an expert on my clients. I ultimately view clients as the true experts on themselves and I, as the therapist, am their creative partner in becoming the “best” version of themselves. “You are you, and I am I. And if by chance we find each other, it is beautiful.” – Fritz Perls. I believe the moments when therapists and clients have a meeting of the minds and hearts it is simply that: Beautiful. There is beauty in seeing a client take those first brave steps into the therapeutic space, accompanying a client in confronting his or her greatest fear, and witnessing a client transform from a victim to a victor. This work begins when a collaborative partnership beginsNot only do I believe clients are the experts on themselves, but I also believe that clients are the heroes of their own stories. In addition to taking inspiration from person-centered therapy and gestalt therapy, my work as a therapist has also taken inspiration from the works of literature scholar Joseph Campbell and his theory. In Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey,” the hero in the story goes through various stages of trials and tribulations. During the course of the journey, the hero often has to integrate parts of themselves and the world that surrounds them to become an agent of better change. Much like the “Hero’s Journey,” my approach to care heavily involves clients making contact and integrating with all aspects of themselves and their environment.