Biography

Dr. Françoise Paradis, Ed.D.

Throughout my professional career I have studied and practiced a variety of techniques and approaches, ranging from the traditional, scientifically-based psychotherapies to the shamanic and intuitive. I believe that my ongoing learning, personal application, and sharing of these techniques has facilitated the development of what I consider to be a unique and rich integrative model for restoring health and harmony to mind, body, and soul. The focus of my integrative approach is to assist you in identifying the root of your distress by examining how your traumas, critical life events, core beliefs and behaviors are aligned with your soul’s desires. Where there is a misalignment or unresolved conflict, we work together, using the most appropriate approaches for your situation, to bring the whole being into harmony – mind, body, and soul.

I have provided psychological services in private practice for over twenty years. At Hidden Springs, I offer individual and group psychotherapy, marriage and family counseling, psychological evaluations, workshops, and weekend retreats. Before establishing Hidden Springs in 2002, I practiced in Presque Isle, Maine, serving individuals, schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and employee assistance programs. I conducted workshops, retreats, and gave lectures on a variety of mental health topics and provided consultation to other professionals. Prior to private practice, I taught courses in the areas of human services and counseling at the university level. I've written and published articles in the field of psychology and cultural diversity. I have developed and coordinated bilingual-bicultural programs in human services and in student services at the University of Maine. My training has been ongoing, studying with medical intuitives, Drs. Christine Page and Carolyn Myss; Shamanic Practitioners, Serge King, Ph.D., Michael Harner, and Sandra Ingerman, Mindfulness Teacher and Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, and many other wonderful teachers in both traditional psychological practice and the more soul-directed approaches. I am a graduate of Boston University with a doctorate in Counseling Psychology (1983). I also hold a Certificate of Advanced Study in Counselor Education (1978), a Master’s of Education in Community Counseling (1974), and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology (1970) from the University of Maine. I maintain active memberships in the American Psychological Association and Maine Psychological Association. I am a licensed psychologist in Maine, a certified school psychologist, certified group psychotherapist, a board certified forensic examiner in psychology, and a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

With the assistance of family, I founded the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund in memory of my brother to provide financial, educational and supportive assistance to families of cancer patients in the St. John Valley. I have developed fund-raising activities for this organization, and continue to be an active member of its governing board.

In 2004, I republished Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous epic poem, Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie and later produced an audio version of the poem read by Layne Longfellow. Evangeline is the story of Acadians being deported from Nova Scotia in 1755. It is the story of my ancestors and very dear to my heart. I believe it is from knowing our ancestral history that we gain the most insight into our character and life choices. Read about it at http://www.francoiseparadis.com