Francine Hunnicutt, Marriage Counselor in Iowa City, 52245

Francine Hunnicutt, MA, LMFT

Profession(s):
Marriage & Family Therapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LMFT

My Approach to Helping

Life is complicated. Demands are coming from inside of us as well as outside. We are all complex beings. As we are able to accept all of our thoughts and feelings without judgment, life becomes more peaceful, forgiveness becomes possible, communication less reactive and more responsive. When we learn to be self aware, there are more possibilities for solutions because we are participating and taking responsibility for our part in unhealthy relationships. When we begin to observe what works we can do more of that and less of whatever creates distance from those we love. These are skills that can be learned and practiced.

More Info About My Practice

Please view my website for more information.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Working as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 1993 gives me the ability to synthesize the material I have read from Master therapists into a unique way of assisting my fellow men and women through the swamp of suffering into a glimpse of how they can recreate their relationships with themselves, partners, children, parents and friends if they are willing to work. Self awareness is the first step in being able to change behaviors to a more gentle way of interacting with oneself and each other. This includes being able to make the space to ask oneself "is my response going to bring us closer together?” When we see how the level of trust plays a major role in satisfaction or unhappiness and learn the skills leading to more trust, again being able to observe our own behaviors accepting all parts of ourselves lovingly, the positive and the negative, then we are much better prepared to be accepting of our partner. Educating couples about the negative story we carry in our heads about our partner that influences our "reactions" to them and how to work toward moving to a more positive view is another skill included in this practice. Couples come to understand that "conditioned responses" from our past can also interfere with relationships. As we become the observer of our own behavior the possibility for change becomes more real because then we are free to choose a response rather than react.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

What I love about being a therapist is being present when awareness arises . I believe that basically we all want to love and be loved but the circumstances of our lives have given us ideas about ourselves and others that keep loving at a distance. We are so unaware of the conditions that create our "life." Being the midwife to the blossoming revival of a relationship is like a celebration every time. Offering a view of ourselves and others that maybe we have never considered; or coming to know that we are the possessors of our own solutions is a new concept for people. What is offered are suggestions to allow each person to come to know their own essence, love, being, whatever you want to call the part of ourselves that seeks peace. Helping people see that only they can relieve their suffering. And by understanding how doing this offers the possibility to their partner to also find peace. Living in the "present moment," can dispel the drama of the past or the futility of the future. Just normalizing behaviors is so amazing, as you watch people relax. Being "present" with the people I meet, getting to know them, being interested in their lives and how they have suffered creates a sacred space. They help me, by offering me the opportunity to practice self awareness and acceptance without judgement. Some days I feel tired but rarely drained. Its more like an exchange of energy and not depletion. Working only part time also helps to accomplish balance.