Michael Franceschetti
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE
I am a Clinical Psychology practicum student working under the supervision of a registered Psychologist. My current training focuses on psychological assessment with adolescents and adults.
More than a diagnosis
My work is rooted in a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, paying particular attention to the unique circumstances that have shaped your life. I approach each individual with curiosity, respect, and cultural humility, recognizing that an assessment is not merely about arriving at a diagnosis, but about gaining a deeper understanding of the broader context of your experiences and personhood. I aim to foster an assessment process that is structured yet humane, objective yet remaining responsive to you as an individual to create a space where people can engage as openly and safely as possible, even within the necessary boundaries of forensic evaluation.
Understanding, not judgement
My orientation to assessment is shaped by a strong appreciation for how psychological symptoms, behaviour, and decision-making are embedded within broader developmental, relational, and environmental contexts. Rather than viewing behaviour in isolation, or immediately judging actions as “good” or “bad”, I consider how trauma history, neurodevelopmental factors, family systems, social stressors, and situational pressures interact to influence mental state and capacity. This perspective helps me to provide balanced opinions that reflect a thoughtful understanding of the person behind the referral. My goal is to produce assessments that are clinically sound, legally relevant, and grounded in fairness to you.
Walking in your shoes
Through my training in counselling psychology and my experience as a Registered Psychotherapist, I have developed a deep appreciation for the powerful role that environmental context, social inequities, and systemic factors play in shaping behaviour and psychological functioning. This understanding not only informs my assessments, allowing me to provide opinions that balance accountability with a nuanced view of each individual’s circumstances, but also shapes the empathy I bring to my work. Recognizing the complex interplay between psychology and environment helps me approach each person with respect, compassion, and a thoughtful awareness of what it’s really like to be you.
Curiosity led me here
I initially set out with plans to pursue medical training, driven by a desire to help people live healthy lives. I quickly did what any aspiring medical student does: volunteer in a hospital! So, I did that. It didn’t take long, however, to realize that I was far more squeamish than I’d like to admit. Still, my motivation to support others through very real challenges and misfortunes never faded. While studying philosophy, I came to appreciate how profoundly our inner worlds, our thoughts, beliefs, and mental capacities, shape our lives. This realization led me to psychology, where I completed my master’s degree in counselling psychology and have since been practicing as a Registered Psychotherapist. Guided by ongoing curiosity and a desire to offer more comprehensive care, I am currently completing a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Here at The Thought Centre, under the supervision of Dr. Tina Dadgostari, I am assisting in the completion of Section 34 psychological assessments.