A Filipina woman outdoors next to a large tan and white dog, smiling and looking joyful on a sunny day.

My Path to This Work

My practice is deeply rooted in my own lived experience. I know the journey of surviving intimate partner violence, of navigating different cultures as an immigrant, and of holding a multidimensional and neurodivergent identity in the face of systemic challenges. This isn't just my story; it’s the foundation that allows me to offer a truly empathetic and non-judgmental space for yours.

I am also a client of therapy and believe deeply in its power. My own healing has taught me that when we find our path to wholeness, we light the way for others. This belief is the heart of my mission: to empower you to heal, so you can become a source of strength and wellness in your family and community.

As a Christian, I am particularly oriented to the intersection of faith and justice, and I built my practice based on love, respect, and inclusivity. I have worked with historically marginalized communities throughout my career, and actively seek opportunities to work across cultures, faiths, and socioeconomic status.

Outside of the therapy room, I live a full and vibrant life. You can often find me powerlifting, trying new restaurants, hiking local trails, painting with watercolor, or simply enjoying time with my partner and my community. These moments of joy and connection are essential to my own well-being.

Ikaw? Anong storya mo?

If my story and approach resonate with you, I invite you to take the next step. Let's begin with a complimentary 15-minute introductory call to explore if we're a good fit.

Credentials

To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, a therapist must hold a master's degree, complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and pass two rigorous state board exams.

Continuous education is also required to maintain a license.

This entire process is overseen by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to ensure your therapist provides safe, qualified, and ethical care.

    • Building resilience after trauma

    • Support for survivors of intimate partner violence

    • Support for immigrants and children of immigrants

    • Working through worry and fear to feel more grounded

    • Moving through periods of sadness, stuckness, or hopelessness

    • Healing difficult relationship patterns

    • Navigating life's changes and new chapters

  • I have come to learn that there is no one-size-fits-all in therapy. The methods we use will be chosen carefully based on your unique story and goals. Our work might include:

    • Exploring Your Roots: Gently looking at how your earliest relationships and life experiences influence how you connect with others today.

    • Building Your Skills: Developing practical coping and communication tools to help you navigate challenges with more confidence.

    • Understanding Your World: Examining the impact of culture, family narratives, and societal systems on your identity and well-being.

    I use an integration of evidence-based approaches to therapy. You may check what’s in my therapeutic toolbox to see what formal and intensive clinical trainings I have completed.

  • I have completed intensive and formal trainings in the following therapeutic modalities:

    • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

    • Child-Centered Play therapy (CCPT)

    • Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)

    • Emotionally Focused Family Therapy Level 1

    • Integrative Somatic Parts Work Levels 1-3

    • Brainspotting Phases 1 & 2

    • Somatic Ecotherapy Level 1

    • Family systems, psychodynamic and attachment-based approaches

    • California State Certified Domestic Violence Counselor Training

    • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with concentration in Marriage & Family Therapy, University of San Francisco

    • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts major in Speech Communication, University of the Philippines (Los Banos)

    • American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT)

    • California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)

    • San Francisco Chapter of California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (SFCAMFT)

    • Asian Mental Health Collective

    • Kasamahan Filipino-American Mental Health Community

    • EMDR International Association

    • International Association for Ecotherapy

    • The EarthBody Institute

    • International Brainspotting Practitioners

    • Brainspotting Practitioners of Color

Endorsements

  • “Frances is a talented clinician with a passion for serving her community and those who've endured trauma. She's a brilliant teacher and mentor and I'm honored to work alongside her.“

    —Caitlin Billings, MA, LCSW

    Owner and Clinical Director, Sana Therapy Collective

  • “Frances is an extremely competent and compassionate therapist. She cares deeply about justice and how we are impacted by the systems we live in, while holding generous, client-centered space for folks to move on their unique timelines.“

    —Elliana Wolnisty, MA, LMFT

    Owner and Psychotherapist, Expanding Rings Psychotherapy

  • “Frances is a caring therapist you can truly count on. She understands trauma with expertise and offers thoughtful, structured support to guide your healing journey. Her deep commitment to cultural competence in this work is admirable and inspiring.“

    —Fengmei Li, MA, AMFT

    Associate Clinician, Sana Therapy Collective

  • “Frances is the therapist I would send my own family to. She's warm, clear, and grounded. She's very thoughtful and follows through. Clients feel seen and leave with real next steps.“

    —Tet Salva, MA, AMFT, APCC

    Associate Clinician, Sana Therapy Collective

  • “Frances brings strong clinical skill and a calm, grounded presence that helps clients feel safe doing meaningful work. She supports honest insight and tangible progress, and I would confidently recommend her to anyone seeking thoughtful, effective care.“

    Marcus Ghiasi, MA, LMFT

    Owner, Bayside Wellness & Counseling

  • “Frances is a compassionate and insightful therapist who leads with genuine curiosity and care. She creates a safe, supportive space for her clients and brings deep knowledge to her work with trauma survivors.“

    —Helen Citrin, MA, AMFT

    Associate Clinician, Transform and Thrive Marriage and Family Therapy

    Owner, Helen Citrin Health Coaching