- CBT methods
- Solution-Focused work
- Medical advocacy help
About Frances
Frances Merz is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey with 19 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping adults who are facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, career uncertainty, life changes, grief, trauma and related concerns. Frances also works with people dealing with ADHD, bipolar mood challenges, sleep problems, seasonal affective disorder, social anxiety, parenting stress and young adult issues.
She believes people come to counseling to make changes or solve problems. Sessions are collaborative and practical. Frances chooses methods based on each person’s needs and strengths rather than sticking to a single formula.
Her typical work includes straightforward problem-solving and skills-building. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and to try different behaviors. She also draws on Solution-Focused Therapy to set small, attainable goals and track progress.
Frances has experience supporting clients through medical decision-making, including people considering or recovering from weight loss surgery. She can help brainstorm questions for medical appointments and offer coping strategies for ongoing health concerns.
She often works with college students and adults facing life transitions, such as career shifts or parenting changes. Counseling requires active effort from the client, and Frances outlines options and strategies for people willing to do that work.
Her general hours are Monday through Thursday, and she typically replies to messages within 24 hours. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; confirm the current session options before booking.
How her approaches shape online sessions
Frances commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in her work. CBT involves looking at thoughts and behaviors to find patterns that keep problems going and trying small experiments to test new ways of thinking and acting. Solution-Focused Therapy centers on identifying clear, short-term goals and building on what already works to make steady progress.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. She discusses goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before deciding on specific techniques. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made as progress is reviewed.
The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, reduce travel time, and let people use quieter surroundings or lower bandwidth options when those practical considerations matter. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT and Solution-Focused techniques to work in remote sessions and focus on concrete tools you can practice between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
19+ years
Listed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, career issues, life changes, grief, trauma, sleep problems, ADHD, bipolar and related areas including life purpose and seasonal affective disorder.
How does Frances approach someone feeling stuck?
She uses practical techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to identify patterns, set small goals, and try new behaviors based on the client's needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 19 years of experience working as a clinical counselor with adults in a variety of life and mental health concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in New Jersey.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm the current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Frances?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.