Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Frank.
Mary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had an interest in the human mind. Why do people react in certain ways? How do our cognitions relate to those behaviors? What is the role of emotion in all of this? I am extremely curious about others. I want to understand the misunderstood.
This led me to psychology. I feel most therapists are drawn to the field due to their own struggles and experiences in life. I am no different. Once I decided this was the path I wanted to take, I knew relationship therapy would be my focus. As an undergraduate, I enrolled in a Human Sexuality course and fell in love.
This opened a whole new chapter for me. I never even knew there was such a thing as a “Sex Therapist”. I wanted to learn more. It was exciting! I took more courses, and spoke with certified sex therapists. I couldn’t get enough. I found my niche. While in graduate school, I also attended the Texas Sex Therapy Institute where I completed my schooling for the Sex Therapy Certification. I began working at a local psychiatric hospital, but knew what I really wanted was to join a private practice. After months of unsuccessful searching, I was approached with an opportunity at a group practice. Of course, I agreed. Which leads me to where I am now. After nearly 2 years working with a group of amazing therapists, I am ready to take the leap on my own. I’ve learned a great deal, and cherish the time I have had with both colleagues and clients alike.
I’m beginning a new chapter, and it’s frightening. Yet, I will never succeed unless I try. So here I am. Jumping into the deep end with my floaties on, learning how to swim.
Has it been a smooth road?
The beauty of mistakes is that we may learn from them. And I’ve made many. Starting a practice on your own leads to many bumps along the way. The biggest challenge for me has been figuring out how to market myself. Clients don’t typically magically appear at your door. I’ve had to work to get my name out. Which is still a work in progress.
Searching for possible referral sources, attending networking groups, and speaking engagements was definitely not how I anticipated spending my free time. Unlike other businesses, most of my clients don’t openly share with others that they are seeing a therapist, let alone provide a personal recommendation of one to their peers.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the M Frank Therapy story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, with a particular interest in working with relationship issues, and sex therapy. My aim is to provide a safe space, fresh outlook, and positive attitude to aid my clients through the healing process. As a Certified Sex Therapist candidate, I am interested in working with both couples and individuals who are experiencing difficulty with sexual intimacy. My area of experience includes premature ejaculation, discrepancy in sexual desire, difficulty with communication, and infidelity, among other relational and sexual issues. I have helped clients to gain insight into the strengths and limitations of their relationships, building effective communications skills, and identifying personal needs. I believe all individuals regardless of lifestyle, age, or gender have the right to happy and healthy relationships. I have a strong belief in equality among all, as well as promoting a sex positive attitude, and educating on healthy sexuality. I am proud to have the opportunity to work with many amazing clients from all walks of life.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
My hope for the future of mental health is to create a space of greater acceptance and understanding. There is such a huge stigma surrounding mental illness, and therapy which prevents many individuals from seeking the help they truly need. We all have struggles. Seeking help does not mean you are weak, or inadequate. In fact, it often takes much more strength and courage to create change.
As for my practice, I hope to be helping many more clients achieve their goals through therapy. So much so, that I will need to expand my practice to keep up with the demand.
Pricing:
- 5o minute session- $145 (couples or individual).
Contact Info:
- Address: 2219 Sawdust Rd., #1303,
The Woodlands, TX 77380 - Website: mfranktherapy.com
- Phone: 281-241-9255
- Email: [email protected]
- Other: https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/name/Mary_Frank_MA,LPC,CST-Can_Houston_Texas_286513
Image Credit:
Robyn Arouty
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