About us
Meet Francisca, our founder.
Francisca Lessa Stewart is an AHPRA Registered Psychologist (PSY0002547559), originally from Uruguay and based in Perth. She works in English and Spanish with adults, children, parents, couples and families.
Attachment · Trauma-informed · Perinatal & infant mental health · Child & family · Relational neuroscience
Why Connected Minds exists.
From an early age, Francisca has been fascinated by how people navigate life and adapt to its ever-changing circumstances. That curiosity led her to psychology, where she has dedicated her career to understanding the connection between early experiences, brain development and the nervous system.
At Connected Minds Psychology, we work collaboratively with each person. We believe everyone is doing the best they can with the tools they have, so we offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space where safety becomes the foundation for change. Healing is not only about addressing challenges; it’s about opening new possibilities for growth, resilience and connection.
Francisca’s training spans psychotherapy, attachment-based play therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, and couples and family therapy. Our approach is grounded in science and in the belief that every person’s journey is unique.
Alongside our clinical work, we create workshops and education for parents, translating attachment science into warm, practical tools for everyday family life.
What guides our work
Healing happens in the presence of safety, understanding and genuine connection.
Emotional safety
The foundation for any change.
Connection before correction
Understanding the need beneath the behaviour.
Repair over perfection
No one gets it right all the time. Repair is always possible.
Evidence with humanity
Scientific rigour, without losing sight of the person.
Training & credentials
- Master’s in Psychotherapy
- Couples & family therapy training, William Street Centre
- Attachment-based play therapy (Interplay)
- Interpersonal neurobiology
- AHPRA Registered Psychologist · PSY0002547559
