A Different Path. A Shared Journey
My journey to becoming a therapist has been shaped by two very different careers, both driven by a desire to improve people’s lives.
Before entering the mental health profession, I spent more than 25 years working in engineering and leadership within the medical device industry. While I enjoyed solving complex technical problems, I found myself increasingly drawn to helping people navigate challenges that couldn’t be solved through technology alone.
That realization eventually led me to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and begin a new chapter as a therapist.
Looking back, I recognize that my first career provided me with invaluable experiences, but becoming a therapist has given me a sense of purpose that I had not experienced before.
Why This Work Matters to Me
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I have the privilege of working with individuals and couples navigating addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and significant life transitions.
I’ve developed a particular interest in working with men, many of whom have spent years believing they must manage emotional struggles on their own. The expectation to remain strong, self-reliant, and always in control can make acknowledging difficulties—and asking for help—particularly challenging.
I believe recognizing when something isn’t working, and being willing to explore a different way forward, is an expression of strength rather than weakness.
My Approach to Therapy
I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and respect for the unique experiences each person brings.
I don’t believe therapy is about telling people how to live their lives or providing answers to questions only they can ultimately resolve.
Instead, I see our work as a collaborative conversation. Together, we’ll explore the experiences and patterns that have shaped your life, identify the strengths you already possess, and consider how you would like to describe yourself, your relationships, and your future.
My approach draws on evidence-based practices, including solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, narrative, and emotionally focused therapies. I tailor our work to your individual needs rather than expecting everyone to fit a particular therapeutic model.
Above all, I believe meaningful change becomes possible when people feel genuinely heard, understood, and empowered to make their own choices.
The Meaning Behind Anam
Anam is the Irish word for soul.
As someone who grew up in Ireland, the name holds personal meaning for me. It reflects my belief that therapy involves more than addressing symptoms or overcoming difficulties. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, deepen our understanding of our relationships, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and meaningful.
That is the spirit in which I founded Anam Therapy Group.
Francis J. Toal, MBA, MS, LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
California License #23225
