Meet Dr. Guillermo Franco
Do you feel like your heart is racing, your stomach is constantly aching, or you suffer from headaches? Do medical providers tell you everything looks good with your health? Perhaps, it is time to view some of your physical health complaints in the context of mental health. Many individuals experience somatic problems—physical problems brought on by underlying mental health issues due to anxiety, depression, trauma, and a host of other mental health conditions. People find it easier to complain about physical problems than to reveal they are lacking motivation to engage in daily activities or that they are feeling down and out. They go through the motions as their situation worsens and they feel helpless to improve their lives.
Unfortunately, in our society some people believe that mental health problems are a form of weakness. This sentiment is called ‘stigma’ and it is associated to the belief that you are ‘less than’ or ‘something is wrong with you’ if you seek therapy. It is my sincere belief, that everyone in the world would benefit from therapy and should seek treatment when needed. I dream that one day, in a perfect world of course, that everyone can go to therapy without worrying about being judged or talked about in a negative fashion. That the stigma of mental health completely vanishes from our society. That going to therapy is just as easy as going in for bloodwork---or maybe not bloodwork, but you get the point. I find that people need to be heard, that individuals sometimes just need a platform where they feel safe and can discuss difficult subjects with someone that is actively listening and “in the room” with them. I believe that you cannot fake being genuine and with that sentiment, I believe my clients deserve a therapist who is authentic, caring, and supportive. As such, when you come see us you will be treated with respect and advised as to the best possible solution to your problems—even if that means referring to another provider that is a better match or has particular expertise in the area of need. At the end of the day, we are here to serve our clients in a sound and ethical manner.
I have over 14 years of experience working in various settings including providing mental health treatment in an outpatient community-based mental health clinic, treatment of anxiety and depression, treatment of personality disorders, treatment of adults with Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia, group therapy, substance abuse treatment, and psychological assessment in a hospital setting.
My approach to treatment is to be in the room with you and guide you through some of the issues with which you struggle and cannot seem to overcome. Nothing comes easy in this world, but if you are willing to put in the work, together we can strive to enhance your mental health by developing the skills to improve your overall well-being, increase your hope for the future, and energize your physical and mental status!
My belief is that everyone can benefit from psychotherapy so long as two components are met. First, the client has to be ready for treatment. If you are reading this, we can check this one off. The second, the client and therapist have to build a solid therapeutic relationship. We have not met yet, so this one is pending. Once those two vital factors are satisfied, treatment can naturally develop into a transformational process. There are too many problems in the world today, but you don’t have to go through all of this alone. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about improving your mental health and it starts by contacting us for a free consultation.