Meet Roxanne Francis | Founder & CEO, Francis Psychotherapy & Consulting

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roxanne Francis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roxanne, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my business/brand is knowing the limits of what I’m able to do and knowing when to ask for help. There are multiple areas of business that I do not know the answers to, but in asking for help, asking for referrals to people who can help, I have been able to reach out to and connect with amazing people who shine in their own zone of genius. They have guided me, saved me time and money, helped open doors for me and given me crucial advice. Asking for, and receiving help has helped reduce some of the stresses of entrepreneurship and has allowed me to excel as I can focus on my true zone of brilliance.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the Founder and CEO of Francis Psychotherapy & Consulting Services where we provide mental health therapy to children, teens, adults & couples. We also provide clinical supervision and mentorship to therapists, and we help those who work for agencies plan for and launch their own private practice.

I started my business because I was overworked and burning out quickly at my demanding agency job. I decided to choose my family by leaving my job with benefits and a pension, to bet on myself and start my own business and it was the best decision I ever made. Now I help other mental health clinicians who want to do the same thing.

I am excited and proud of the fact that I have become a recognized leader in my field, and am now the go-to media expert for mental health for local and national print and television media outlets in Canada. I am also proud of an annual event called The Therapist’s Lounge where therapists (seasoned or new to the field) can network, make referral partners and receive business mentorship as well as wellness and entrepreneurial support to mitigate the effects of burnout that many therapists have been feeling over the past 2 years.

I got where I am through persistence, determination and networking. It definitely was not easy, but I overcame the challenges by investing in paid mentorship, coaching and my own therapy and personal development so that I would not have to make costly mistakes. These individuals also helped me navigate the emotional ups and downs of running a business so that I could scale effectively.
One lesson that I learned along the way is that you can’t get anywhere alone. It is important to reach out, reach across, reach up and get the supports that you need.

I want the world to know that you don’t have to stay where you are if you are uncomfortable, or if it’s not working for you. You can change your circumstances. You just have to ask for help.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You can’t come to the General Toronto Area without visiting the CN Tower and dining in the 360 restaurant which revolves. Going to Niagara Falls is a must – the Canadian side has better views than the US side (just saying!) I would definitely hit up restaurants like Patois, Chubby’s and SugarKane for some Jamaican food. Toronto in the summer is a true vibe!! Festivals are alive and well again, so the pulsating sounds and vibrant colors of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly Caribana) are epic.
I would also check out art offerings like Nuit Blanche – an all night celebration of contemporary art as well as Art Battle Toronto – a live painting competition that showcases the talent of amazing artists across the country.
Shopping at Kaela Kay is a must, and you have to try to meet the vivacious owner Catherine Addai as well as entrepreneur Vivian Kaye – hit her up if you are a Black woman looking to get your hair sorted.
This city is known for its amazing people and great vibes.
Toronto will not disappoint!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to Monique Bryan, Branding & Marketing Coach @moniquebryan_co as well as Nicole O. Salmon, my mentor and Purpose Coach @nicoleosalmon

Website: www.francispsychotherapy.com

Instagram: @francispsychotherapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannefrancis-mswrsw/

Twitter: @FrancisTherapy

Facebook: @francispsychotherapy