Here to listen and help to transform.

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Hi everyone!

I am Michael Franc and I am a Lifestyle Psychologist.

 

I was fortunate to get a wide breadth of training, from classical psychoanalysis to the latest psychopharmacology. I have also spent years teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in philosophy, psychology, and the humanities. I have spoken at conferences internationally. My studies began in philosophy, and while the affair with philosophy continues to this day, my education path led me to a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. This turned out to be great, as I truly enjoy working with patients. My dissertation was on Psychosemiotics of Seduction—how we use food, as well as fashion and other signs, in attracting sexual partners. Food, and how culture influences our relationship to food, remains my interest to this day. I eventually studied nutrition and learned how to cook using whole food, plant-based ingredients. I am always learning new things. I am a RYT 500 yoga instructor with training in Hatha, Tantra, and Nidra yoga, yoga for anxiety, and yoga for PTSD. I am also a certified Ayurvedic nutritionist

 

There are many theories of treatment in psychology, and there are differences between clinicians. The one thing I always hear from my students and my patients alike, and which I take pride in, is that I am relatable and easy to talk to. I try to help my patients find meaning in their lives, inspire them to make slight changes to become unstuck from their current situations, and ultimately rewrite their own narratives as they realize they are in control of their destinies. At the end of the day, I am not a bio-hacker or a lifestyle guru—I’m just another guy trying to navigate the complex world of nutrition and still keep a bit of that cake while eating a little of it too, trying to stay healthy and fit, and not harm anyone or the planet in the process.

 

A little about me. I was born in former Czechoslovakia. When I was 18, I defected the communist regime and after a year living in Italy arrived in the United States. I have served in the US military, enlisting as an E-1 and retiring as O-6. I spent much of my time working in Special Warfare, latest with U.S Army Special Forces who I still support as a reservist. Along the way, I’ve made many lifelong friends and learned a lot about human motivation and resiliency. I live with my wife, three children, and an Australian Shepherd in Orange County but divide my home between the United States, Czech Republic, and South Korea. I enjoy academic research, reading and writing fiction, yoga, and cooking. For health and sanity, I walk three miles every day. Most of all, I enjoy continuing to wonder and learn.

 

I work closely with and provide referral to some of the best lifestyle medicine psychiatrists and primary physicians. Some of these clinicians offer services over video chat.

 

Please follow my adventures and photos from my walks on Instagram, YouTube, & Facebook  at @daily3miles along with pics and videos of my mostly healthy cooking.