Our Team
About Me
Hi, I’m Muriel Francis-Hoyle — an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#148987) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (#17456) based in Los Angeles, CA.
I serve adults and teenagers of all backgrounds through individual and couples psychotherapy.
My approach is eclectic and is flexible enough to be shaped by your unique circumstances, culture, needs, and goals. My core training is rooted in evidence-based practices including: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), crisis intervention, psychodynamic approaches, attachment theory, humanistic therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction (MSBR), positive psychology, and body-based somatic therapy.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Muriel received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and Bachelors of Arts in Social Ecology with a Minor in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.
Work Experience
She completed her MFT Trainee practicum in clinical psychology at The Coalition for Family Harmony, a multiservice agency, serving over 5,000 individuals a year. She saw clients of all ages and backgrounds offering counseling to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Muriel received intensive and unparalleled training in family psychology, trauma, and the assessment and treatment of PTSD.
Muriel furthered her specialization in trauma and forensic psychology by working as a rape crisis advocate on Ventura County’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). While there, she accompanied victims during forensic medical examinations to collect DNA evidence, offered crisis counseling to victims immediately following an assault, and acted as a support person during interviews with law enforcement.
Additional Specialty Areas
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Service Animals
Muriel is a trained therapy dog handler that has completed hundreds of visits with AKC registered therapy dogs to nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals and schools.
She helps clients navigate the complexities of emotional support animals, therapy animals, and working service animals, and can provide a letter to ensure your rights are fully protected.
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Ultra High Net Worth Clients
Prior to her career in psychology, Muriel worked in major gifts philanthropy, assisting with a portfolio giving over $150 million annually. Muriel understands the career pressures, lack of trust, and isolation that can come with affluence above $30 million. Whether you have a sudden liquidity event or generational wealth do you ever wonder, "do they like me, or my money?"
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Sex Therapy
Desire and self worth go hand in hand.
In a safe, nurturing environment we can unwind issues related to painful intercourse, body image, mismatched desire and arousal, consent, kink, LGBTQIA+ identity, and sexual misinformation.
It may be time to update your definition of sex and explore what feels good.
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Jail and Prison Reintegration
Muriel works with individuals throughout the incarceration process: from arrest, through pre-trial, entry, and post release. I'll support you through your journey of restoring self esteem, making more positive life choices, and rebuilding relationships.
Supervisor
Berenice Rosillo, LMFT
Muriel currently works under the supervision of Berenice Rosillo, a highly respected therapist specializing in trauma, domestic violence, and PTSD. Berenice is an expert in mass shooting events, grief, and loss. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and Arizona, Berenice brings her expertise to clients across state lines.
As a professor at Pepperdine, UCLA, and CSUN, Berenice is committed to advancing mental health education. Fluent in English and Spanish, she serves diverse communities with cultural sensitivity.
Beyond her private practice in Woodland Hills, she hosts a weekly radio segment on mental health, frequently shares her insights on Telemundo, and advocates for trauma awareness through community speaking engagements. Berenice is a published author and has experience with EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, emotional support animals, Department of Child and Family Services, and immigration cases.
Berenice also serves on the Law and Ethics Committee for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).
Her practice is a sanctuary where clients can find the support and guidance they need to thrive.