Ms Jacinta Franich

A conversation with Jacinta Franich

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  I have always been drawn to psychotherapy and counselling and initially started training to be a counsellor when I was 28 years old. I found that I didn't have the life experience or maturity at that stage, so put my study on hold until later in life. After I had children, I was again drawn to helping others and went back to studying, now fully ready to embrace the life of a counsellor and help others when they are struggling with life issues.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  I am strongly influenced by therapies which use mindfulness and self-compassion as part of the therapeutic approach, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Self Compassion Therapy. During my time working in a private psychiatric hospital I recognised how self critical people, and how damaging it is to them in day to day living. I believe that being kinder to ourselves is the key to healing.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  I love working with people between the ages of 18 and 35 because so many life transitions happen during this time, that are both exciting and challenging. I enjoy helping people navigate these times and offering skills and insights that can bring relief quite quickly, and provide support.

• What methods do you use?

  I use person centred therapy, mindfulness meditation, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, and strengths based therapy.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  Most of my clients start to feel progress after the first session, because they gain insight and self awareness from the first session, which helps them see new perspectives and therefore make changes. However this does not mean that one session is enough or that there is not a moving forwards and backwards from session to session, as sometimes progress brings with it new insights that need to be worked through or navigated.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  I believe therapy is what brought me to the counselling profession, and got me through my young adult years when I was navigating relationship, moving away from my family, and starting my own family. I would not have the empathy for, or acceptance of others without therapy.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  Helping others and seeing the lightbulb moments. I particularly like working with young adults because I see generally how receptive they are to new insights and making changes. No matter how small the changes may be, they are always of significance.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Of course. This is where mindfulness and self compassion have brought me so much relief in my own life, understanding that being kind to oneself and trying to remain in the present moment is critical to moving through the tough days.

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  There are so many, but I think the use of technology is driving the loss of connection for many and I hope there is a turn back towards enjoying the simple things in life with family and friends.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  I can't think of anything off hand, but what inspires me every week is my volunteer work at the Wayside Chapel. Working with the homeless is inspiring when I see how strong and resilient they are and how much they offer me. It makes me feel very grateful for the life I have.