Fabiana Franco PHD, Clinical and Consulting Services in NYC

08/08/2025

The C-PTSD Inner Critic: Chronic Shame and Self-Blame

Dr. Fabiana Franco recently published an article on Psychology Today titled, “The C-PTSD Inner Critic: Chronic Shame and Self-Blame,” exploring how the inner critic develops in trauma survivors and what can be done to overcome it. In it, she writes:

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is often characterized by a pervasive and frequently debilitating internal narrative known as the “inner critic.” For individuals struggling with C-PTSD, this inner critic can become a relentless source of shame, self-blame, and emotional dysregulation. Understanding the origins of this critical voice in trauma and developing compassionate strategies to challenge it is essential for healing and emotional recovery.

The article covers:

-How early trauma shapes the inner critic and chronic shame
-Why shame and self-blame reinforce emotional distress
-Therapeutic approaches such as CBT, self-compassion techniques, and narrative therapy
-Practical daily strategies to quiet self-criticism and build resilience

Click here to read the full article:

Unmask the inner critic in C-PTSD. Learn how trauma fuels chronic shame—and how to change the narrative. Reclaim your voice with compassion and evidence-based treatments.

08/06/2025

Living a Meaningful Life After Complex Trauma

Dr. Fabiana Franco recently published an article on Psychology Today titled, “Living a Meaningful Life After Complex Trauma,” exploring the profound impact of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) and pathways to healing. In it, she writes:

Experiencing trauma, particularly Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), can profoundly impact an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. While the impacts of C-PTSD can be deeply disabling, professional specialized help can help individuals recover and build resilience.

Unlike PTSD, which often stems from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD typically arises from prolonged exposure to trauma such as childhood abuse, neglect, or other enduring stressors. The article highlights:

-How C-PTSD affects emotional regulation, identity, and relationships
-Evidence-based therapies like EMDR and DBT for recovery
-The importance of self-compassion, self-esteem, and interpersonal healing
-Practical steps survivors can take to rebuild their lives

Click here to read the full article:

Discover how targeted support helps survivors of complex trauma reclaim their lives.

07/28/2025

🧠 Learning to Set Boundaries Without Guilt

Setting boundaries is not selfish. It is a healthy and essential part of emotional well-being. Still, many people struggle with guilt when they start saying no, expressing limits, or asking for space.

Here is the truth:
✅ Boundaries protect your energy and relationships
✅ They help you show up with intention, not resentment
✅ They are a form of self-respect, not rejection of others

Guilt often shows up when you are doing something new, not something wrong. If you were raised to prioritize others, keep the peace, or avoid conflict, boundary-setting can feel uncomfortable at first.

Therapy can help you unlearn patterns that keep you stuck, understand your emotional needs, and build confidence in expressing them clearly.
You deserve relationships that include your voice too.

Reach out today: https://drfabianafranco.com/contact/

06/22/2025

Healing isn’t always graceful.
Sometimes it looks like sleeping longer than you think you should.
It sounds like a shaky “no” that makes your stomach twist.
It means crying in your car before stepping into the next task.
It feels like everything’s getting harder before it gets better.

But that doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’re feeling.
It means you’re finally tending to what you used to push past.

Healing isn’t linear. It’s deeply human.
Give yourself grace. Reach out today if you need help.
You’re not going backward. You’re just beginning to move differently.

06/03/2025

It’s okay if you didn’t get everything done today.

It’s okay if your emotions feel too big sometimes.

It’s okay if you need space from people you love.

It’s okay if you don’t have the words to explain how you feel.

It’s okay if healing is taking longer than you expected.

It’s okay if all you did today was survive.

It's okay to reach out for help.

05/19/2025

Are you feeling disconnected?

Life has a way of pulling us in countless directions, leaving us feeling lost or disconnected from who we truly are. But what if you could rediscover yourself? Therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect with your core, and reawaken the passions and dreams that may have been buried under life's pressures. It's time to listen to your inner voice again and find the peace that’s waiting for you.

05/05/2025

When everything feels like too much, what helps you come back to yourself?

In moments when the pace of life feels overwhelming, even the smallest practices can offer grounding—whether it’s something you do, feel, remember, or simply allow.

You don’t have to have the perfect answer. Just something that helps.

What helps you feel steady when things feel chaotic?

Feel free to reflect quietly—or share if it feels right.

04/24/2025

Life is full of ups and downs. Things change—relationships shift, we fall in love, we experience joy, and sometimes, we get hurt. Even our daily routines—like sleep, diet, and relationships—can be affected.

It’s easy for mental health struggles to creep up on us without warning. Arguments with your partner, snapping at loved ones, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and loneliness you can’t fully explain. If you’re noticing these signs, it’s okay. Your mind and body are signaling that it’s time to seek support. Therapy can help you regain balance and find peace again. Don’t wait—taking that first step is one of the most powerful acts of self-care you can make.

04/08/2025

Some mountains are harder to climb... and that’s okay.

We all face challenges that others can’t see. The journey to healing isn’t always straightforward — but every small step matters.

If today feels heavy, pause. Breathe. Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can. And that is more than enough.

Help is just one click away 💛

03/31/2025

We’re not always taught to talk about how we feel.
Sometimes we’re told to “tough it out,” “move on,” or “keep it to ourselves.”
But here’s the truth:
Feeling better often starts with speaking up.

Whether it’s sadness, anxiety, confusion, or numbness—naming it is the first step to healing.
Therapy is a space where you can finally put the pieces into words—safely, without judgment.

You don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out for expert help today.

03/27/2025

🧠 The Science of Therapy: Why It Actually Works:

Therapy isn't just "talking about your feelings." It's a scientifically grounded process that reshapes how your brain responds to stress, relationships, and emotions.

✔️ Studies show therapy can rewire neural pathways—helping you break patterns of anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
✔️ Common therapy techniques are evidence-based and tailored to how your mind processes and heals.
✔️ The therapeutic relationship itself has healing power—it activates areas of the brain linked to safety, empathy, and self-regulation.

💬 Common Myths:
❌ “Therapy is only for people with serious problems.”
✅ Therapy is for anyone who wants to grow, heal, or understand themselves more deeply.

❌ “Talking won’t change anything.”
✅ Talking with the right support activates reflection, insight, and real behavioral change.

❌ “It’s just advice.”
✅ A good therapist won’t tell you what to do—they’ll help you explore what’s right for you.

Therapy is brain-based, person-centered, and transformation-oriented.

You’re not “broken.” You’re human—and your brain is built for healing.

03/09/2025

Life isn’t meant to be a constant struggle. Stress, anxiety, and self-doubt don’t have to be your everyday reality. We all deserve a life where we feel at ease, connected, and fulfilled. Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward a better, healthier version of yourself.

Prioritizing your mental well-being means making space for joy, clarity, and peace. If something doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to accept it as “just the way things are.” Help is available, and a better quality of life is possible. Reach out today.