Melissa Franco-Beal LPCC

04/24/2025

The Inner World of Connection
Jungian theory helps us uncover the unconscious patterns driving our behaviors, while the Gottman Method gives us tools to communicate through them.
1. 1. Bring the Pattern Into the Light
Start by noticing when the role shows up. Is it during conflict? When does your partner seem distant? Naming the pattern reduces its power.
2. Explore the Origin
Ask yourself: When did I first feel responsible for others’ emotions? That’s your entry point. Jungian work starts where the story began.”
3. Share It With Your Partner
The Gottman Method invites open dialogue. Share your insights with your partner using Gentle start-up:
Lately, I’ve noticed I try to fix everything. I think it’s a role I’ve learned, but I want us to shift that dynamic together.”

Share it with a friend working on breaking old patterns in love.

Melissa Franco-Beal, LPCC #18253
Individual & Couples Therapist | Jungian & Gottman-Informed
Helping partners and Individuals to grow through insight, depth & connection
📍Virtual & In-person in CA
🔗 More support
GV: (858) 621-3084
melissa@alba.center

01/11/2025

12/17/2023

Las Fiestas y el Duelo

Si tu o alguien que conoces está de duelo, aquí hay algunas sugerencias para honrar tu proceso mientras celebramos las fiestas:
• Comunícate con los que amas y te aman. No tengas miedo de preguntar si alguien ocupa ser escuchado y/o compartir tu experiencia.
• Identifica los recursos que se sientan cómodos para ti. Decir no a un evento es válido y establecer límites con la familia es crucial.
• Es importante reconocer que el duelo durante las fiestas es agotador. Sentimientos opuestos pueden coexistir, por ejemplo, puedes extrañar a alguien y aun así disfrutar de una cena con amigos.
• Honrar las viejas tradiciones y estar abierto a crear nuevas puede ser sanador. Las viejas tradiciones pueden ser una forma de sentirse más cerca de aquellos que no están físicamente, y las nuevas tradiciones son una oportunidad para honrar su memoria. Crear nuevas tradiciones no borra la memoria de nuestros seres queridos.
• Identifica actividades o cosas que te ayuden a sentirte en calma (encender una vela en memoria de alguien, respirar, meditar, usar un suéter o un par de calcetines pachoncitos, etc.)
• ¡NORMALIZA EL PEDIR AYUDA! El duelo es una montaña rusa y puede ser abrumador; hablar con un profesional puede ayudarte a procesarlo y a encontrar diferentes formas de afrontarlo. No está solo; ¡Estamos aquí para ti!

Melissa Franco-Beal
APCC
Google Voice: (858) 621-3084
melissa@alba.center
https://alba.center

12/17/2023

Holidays and Grief

If you or someone you know someone is grieving something or someone here are some tips to still honor the process while celebrating the holiday:
• Reach out to people and do not be afraid to ask and share.
• Find what feels comfortable for you. Saying no to attending an event is valid, and setting boundaries with family members is crucial.
• Recognize that grieving during the holidays is overwhelming. Opposite feelings can coexist, for example, you can miss someone and still enjoy dinner with friends.
• Honor old traditions and be open to create new ones. Old traditions can be a way to feel closer to the ones that are not physically around, and new traditions are an opportunity to honor their memory. Creating new traditions does not erase the memory of our loved ones.
• Identify coping skills that help you to self-soothe when feeling overwhelmed (lighting a candle in memory of someone, breathing, meditation, wearing a cozy sweater or pair of socks, etc.)
• NORMALIZE ASKING FOR HELP! Grieving is a roller-coaster, and overwhelming, talking to a professional can help you to process and to find different ways to cope. You are not alone; we are here for you!

Melissa Franco-Beal
APCC
Google Voice: (858) 621-3084
melissa@alba.center
https://alba.center