Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Defranco
Hi Christopher, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has been shaped by a deep curiosity about the world around me and a commitment to helping others. It began in high school when I traveled to Ecuador on a mission trip, an experience that exposed me to a drastically different way of living. Seeing firsthand the resilience of the people I met deepened my passion for service and reinforced my desire to understand more of the human experience.
That passion led me to pursue clinical mental health counseling, where I’ve spent over a decade working with adolescents and adults facing challenges such as trauma, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, and neurodiversity. I’ve worked across nearly every setting in my field—from community mental health and inpatient treatment to private practice and research.
Beyond clinical work, I’ve always been drawn to the connection between mental and physical well-being. That curiosity led me to Bali, where I completed a 200-hour yoga certification, deepening my understanding of the practice. Inspired by this, I created Find Your Fit, a wellness company integrating movement, mindfulness, and meditation into businesses, mental health organizations, and schools.
Today, I balance my time between private practice, consulting, and expanding Find Your Fit’s reach through yoga instruction, workshops, and retreats. I also have a passion for mentoring young counselors and entrepreneurs, helping them refine their skills and discover their niche in the mental health field. At its core, my career has always been about growth—and I’m continually seeking new ways to make a meaningful impact.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—it’s been a road full of twists, challenges, and growth. Early in my career, working in community mental health was both rewarding and incredibly demanding. Serving marginalized communities meant encountering systemic barriers that made it difficult for clients to access the care they needed. It was frustrating to see the limitations of the system while doing my best to provide meaningful support.
As I progressed in my career, stepping into leadership roles came with its own learning curve. Transitioning from direct clinical work to overseeing teams and treatment programs required me to develop new skills—navigating organizational challenges, advocating for systemic changes, and balancing the emotional weight of decision-making on a larger scale.
Like anyone in the mental health field, I’ve also had to be mindful of burnout. Holding space for others’ struggles is deeply fulfilling, but it requires balance and self-care. Learning to set boundaries, prioritize my own well-being, and diversify my work through consulting and teaching has helped me sustain my passion without feeling overwhelmed.
Despite the challenges, every obstacle has shaped me into a stronger clinician, leader, and advocate. I’ve learned that growth often comes from discomfort, and I’m grateful for the experiences that have pushed me to evolve both personally and professionally.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults facing a range of challenges, including trauma, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, neurodiversity, and mood disorders. I have extensive experience in treating PTSD and working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, and I’m particularly drawn to complex cases that overlap these specialties and require a nuanced, individualized approach. My clinical style is integrative, blending evidence-based therapeutic modalities with mindfulness, movement, and a deep understanding of the mind-body connection.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge traditional mental health care with holistic wellness practices. My clinical background, along with my yoga certification, have allowed me to incorporate a variety of approaches to treatment that allow for a more comprehensive form of healing.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to create impact beyond individual therapy. It’s the very reason I created Find Your Fit, and enjoy supervising and mentoring younger professionals.
Ultimately, my approach is rooted in adaptability, compassion, and a commitment to seeing people as whole, complex individuals. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health, and I strive to meet people where they are—whether that’s in a therapy room, a treatment center, or a yoga studio.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Absolutely. No one succeeds alone, and I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors, colleagues, and supporters who have shaped my career in meaningful ways.
One mentor who stands out is Dr. Joe Trombello, whom I had the privilege of working with on a research study in Dallas. His guidance provided me with both encouragement and accountability, pushing me to think critically, refine my clinical approach, and develop confidence in my expertise. His mentorship reinforced the importance of evidence-based practice while also reminding me of the human side of mental health work.
I also owe a great deal to my team and close friends at Find Your Fit. They helped me create something that supports the intersection between physical health and mental wellness. They also remind me to trust in my passion and creativity, something I still lean on them for today.
Pricing:
- Individual Program Access for Find Your Fit starts at $10
- Mental Health Counseling and Consultation pricing varies but free consultations are available.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://defrancochristophe.wixsite.com/counseling
- Instagram: @findyourfityoga
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/defrancolpc
- Other: https://www.findyourfityoga.com
Image Credits
Galvin Mason, Natalie Bambic
