Franci Smith, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Individual, Family and Couples Counseling
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
I provide counseling and marriage & family therapy to individuals, couples and families. I have specialized training in couples counseling/intimate relationships, anxiety, depression, teen issues, and life transitions.
My main goal in therapy is to promote an environment of safety and support, so you and your loved ones can feel understood in a non-judgmental, accepting atmosphere. You can set your goals and we will work collaboratively together to help you progress towards them. My approach to therapy is built upon the effective formation of trust necessary for lasting, positive change.
My personal style is interactive, warm and engaging. Through therapy, you will have the opportunity to expand your perspective, make positive changes, and grow throughout the process. I provide an open and caring atmosphere where you can feel safe, respected and, most importantly, understood.
Presently, I maintain a private practice with locations in Brentwood and Walnut Creek. I am committed to ongoing professional growth and development as a psychotherapist, and I regularly attend trainings and workshops.
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
Please call or email me for an individual, couples or family therapy consultation today.
Education/Training
B.S. Psychology, California State University, Hayward
M.S. Counseling Psychology, California State University, East Bay
TRAINING
John Gottman Couples Therapy
Ester Perel’s Couples and Sexuality Therapy
IMAGO Relationship Therapy
Collaborative Couple’s Therapy – Dan Wile
Brief, Solution Focused Therapy for Individuals and Couples
Crisis Management and Behavioral Health Model
“Systematic Training for Effective Parenting” - Certificate
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Certificate
Borderline Personality Disorder - Certificate
“Adding Energy and Balance to Your Life and Practice by
Working with the Body’s Energy Meridians” - Certificate
CPSP (Comprehensive Prenatal Services Program)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Therapy for anxiety and depression using CBT approach
Teen Therapy
Bio
EXPERIENCE
My current and past professional clinical experience includes:
Private Practice Marriage and Family Therapist - current
Prenatal Psychosocial Consultant
Behavioral Health Specialist/Crisis Counselor
Invited Graduate Instructor at California State University, East Bay, Department of Educational Psychology, Graduate MFT Program
SPECIALIZATIONS
Couples Counseling. I have been trained in John Gottman’s Couple’s Therapy, IMAGO Couples Therapy, Esther Perel’s Couples and Sexuality Therapy, and Dan Wile’s Collaborative Couple Therapy. I have helped numerous couples to improve communication, intimacy, infidelity and rekindling their relationships.
Anxiety/Stress/Depression. Helping people to overcome from anxiety, stress, and depression is of personal interest to me. I love teaching individual's skills and techniques to overcome these issues. My graduate school thesis was written about Anxiety and Stress and ways to overcome it and live a happier and more fulfilling life. I also offer an anxiety support group.
Teen Counseling. I have provided counseling for many teens and have had training as a Young Teen Specialist at PPSP. My training includes helping with teens surrounding depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, school, peer and family relationships.
I have specialized training and experience in the field of Prenatal and Postnatal Counseling and Postpartum Depression. This experience has been acquired through years of work at women’s clinics. I have developed extensive knowledge and expertise concerning the issues that women face before, during, and after pregnancy (e.g., postpartum depression, changing family structure, change in relationship with partner, stress of being a new mother, etc.). I enjoy working with women and their families to help them adjust to these often difficult life changes.
Brief Counseling and Crisis Management. I co-developed and pioneered the pilot program to incorporate a Behavioral Health Model into the PPSP affiliate.
Memberships
CAMFT - California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists-Clinical Member
EBCAMFT - East Bay Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) - Licensed (MFC 49571)
Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology
The Chancellor's List for Academic Achievement in Graduate School
CPSP (Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program)-Certification 2010
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, credit cards, Some Insurance
License:MFC 49571
Helpful Links
 Counseling for Couples. Marital, Relationship and Pre-Marital:
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Marriage and Family Therapy in Brentwood, CA:
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Practice Areas/Issues Treated
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Therapy
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Life Transitions
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Addiction
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Adolescents
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Marriage Counseling
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Anger Management
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Men's Issues
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Anxiety and Panic
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Caregiver Issues
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Premarital Counseling
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Couples
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Relationship Issues
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Depression
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Domestic Violence
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Trauma and PTSD
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Grief and Loss
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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