A LITTLE BIT ABOUT Frances

I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and attended college in Charlottesville, Virginia. When I was 21, I did a cross-country bike trip and we passed through Denver. It was then I knew that one day, I’d call this beautiful state my home! After a short stint in business consulting, I moved to Colorado in the summer of 2018 and attended grad school at Colorado State University for Marriage and Family Therapy.

In my spare time, I’m an avid reader, usually consuming at least two books at a time. I enjoy cooking and make a mean banana bread. I’m also very active. Whether it’s cycling, running, yoga, snowboarding, climbing… I’m up for it!

Why I pursued a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist

A challenging upbringing and a deep sense of emotional confusion landed me in therapy as a young adult. Two months after starting with my therapist, my brother, who was my closest companion and friend, passed away due to overdose. The journey that followed took multiple, unexpected turns, and the path unfolded into one of greater self-awareness, self-discovery, and healing. In awe of the therapeutic process, I frequently wonder where I would be if I hadn’t first stepped into my therapist’s door.

At the same time, I also began to re-think my role as a consultant. While the 9:00 – 5:00 was fun and engaging, I wondered whether I might find more meaning in another career. As a deep listener, helper at heart and curious about people, I was intrigued by the possibility of becoming a therapist. Over time, I became especially passionate about helping others recover from loss, betrayal and other forms of relational trauma. With respect for all relationships and a strong belief in the importance of not labeling people or their distress, I finally decided to pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Why do clients choose Frances Russell? Here is a bit of voluntary feedback from a few of her clients.

“Francis is wonderful. I cannot say enough great things about her.”

“I have found sessions with Frances to feel safe.”

“It was a great session. The space provided by Frances was safe, comfortable and confidence building.”

“We thought our initial session exceeded expectations. We are both more optimistic in what we'll be able to achieve in therapy than we were prior to coming in to therapy.”

“I feel very comfortable talking with Frances and look forward to more sessions with her.”

“Frances creates a safe space to share the most private information openly.”

“I leave our sessions feeling really good! I am hopeful I will keep moving forward in a positive way!”

“We both left our session with Frances feeling like that had been one of the best therapy sessions we have ever had!”

“Frances is such a skilled and heart felt person and therapist. We are lucky to be working with her.”

Credentials

ICEEFT Trained - Emotionally Focused Therapy

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Colorado

Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

Bachelor of Arts – Political and Social Thought, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

Previous Experience

The Center for Family and Couple Therapy – A therapy center that provides services to the Northern Colorado community where I provided individual and couples therapy.

Child Trauma and Resilience Center – I conducted resilience-based assessments to help youth and families heal from childhood trauma.

Professional Affiliations

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy - Member

Random ‘fun facts’ about me!

Best Goal: To gracefully receive and let go of things as they are meant for me.

Best Habit: Getting up with the sun!

Best Reason to be Happy: At most, there are only 5 days until the weekend.

Best Legal Route to Joy: Vegan chocolate salted oreo ice cream at any of the Little Man branches OR re-arranging furniture on a regular basis.

Best Flaw: I’m terrible at telling lies.

Best Accomplishment: Cycling across the country!

Best Motto: There’s nothing to fix.

Best Under-Appreciated Skill: Taking pictures of things I want to buy… and then not buying them because it feels like I already have it.

Ready to get started?

Schedule an appointment with me.