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Hello! My name is Franni Filzen and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and credentialed art therapist. I work with youth, individuals, and families from a strength-based relational approach. I believe that every person is unique, and I employ an eclectic approach choosing from my years of experience and modality that I feel will work best with each individual.
My approach
I use family systems, attachment theory, trauma-informed care, neuro-sequential model of therapeutics, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, collaborative problem solving, and other modalities as well as incorporating art therapy when appropriate. Most important is meeting the person(s) where they are at.
My focus
I have worked with many different clients from all walks, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. I have worked with the military and their families, in residential treatment, hospice, correctional facilities, schools, private practice, and community mental health. I love engaging with clients that truly desire change and are motivated to do so. I am comfortable working with many conditions, and am happy to refer out if I meet someone that is struggling with something that I feel is out of my scope of practice.
My communication style
I believe that the relationship is the most important factor when working with clients. I like to meet people where they are at, create a safe and trusting space, and get to work on the why of what brings someone to counseling. Most clients connect pretty quickly and find it easy to talk to me as I am pretty down to earth.
My journey to mental healthcare
I have had several careers-fine artist, graphic designer, landscape architect, and librarian. What I discovered is that I really enjoy the people aspect of those fields. Art therapy was the perfect blend of those, and in order to practice I needed an additional credential. I was drawn to marriage and family therapy because it utilizes a systemic approach. Every person is unique, and their development is influenced by the systems around them-family, friends, neighborhood, school, work, community, and more. I sought out my own therapists in my 20s and realized that I could do a much better job than some of the therapists I met. That is what spurred me on to attain my education and enter the field. There is nothing more satisfying than reaching the termination point in therapy where the client no longer needs your service because you helped them figure out how to navigate their world!
My goals for you
I am a big believer in setting SMART goals when appropriate-specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. However, often clients might not be sure why they are coming and need to explore more deeply to figure out what they want. I approach the client where they are at in the moment.
My first session with you
My goal in the first session is to get to know someone, explore what they are wanting, share something about myself, and answer any questions. I want my clients to feel comfortable opening up about their concerns and that takes a bit of time.
