I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey with over 19 years of experience working as a clinical counselor. I believe that when individuals seek counseling it is because they want to make changes in their lives. They may want to improve a life situation, solve a particular problem, make a decision, or achieve a greater understanding of life or personal circumstances. I utilize a variety of counseling techniques from an eclectic collection of theoretical orientation, based on the needs and strengths of the individual client.
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including low self-esteem/self-confidence, social anxiety, anxiety, parenting problems, career challenges , and everyday stress that we experience. I enjoy working with college students, as well as individuals trying to work through transitions in their lives. I do not work with marriage counseling, relationship counseling,, or serious mental illness online.
I am also interested in working with individuals who are contemplating weight loss surgery or are post weight loss surgery patients and are looking for a counselor experienced in this area.
I also like working with clients who need assistance with medical advocacy. This is when a client is having health issues and is not sure how to maneuver the medical field, brainstorm questions to ask medical providers, and to cope with the overall issues of dealing with a medical situation. I have been involved in medical field through personal experience since I was a teenager and have learned some helpful tips along the way that I would like to share with others.
Counseling is a joint effort, which can not be successful without your hard work, energy, and courage. I do not use a cookie cutter approach to treatment. Meaning treatment techniques are chosen based on your needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Not every approach works for everyone and I believe in being flexible so that my clients have the opportunity to get the most out of their time in counseling.
I look forward to be able to support and empower you in your therapeutic goals.
I look forward to working with you!
A note on my availability:
I want to let you know about my general availability for counseling. I think it is important to let my clients know when I’m available so they can know when to expect a reply to a message. I am available Monday-Thursday. I will usually return messages within 24 hours.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Sleeping disorders, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Life purpose, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social anxiety and phobia, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
NJ LPC 37PC00409500
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Frances Merz. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Frances is wonderful and knowledgeable. She takes time to fully understand your perspective and your questions and offers a lot of helpful guidance to think through. I really appreciate our exchange, which feels like going to a mentor for nuggets of wisdom.
Written on Dec 02, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Had a couple of sessions and so far so good. I'm getting exactly what I need from the sessions and really understand who I am as a person, and what I strive to be. It takes time and effort with Frances' guidance, but I know I can do it while being gentle on myself.
Written on Oct 29, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Frances is GREAT! Great listener, asks great questions, and tailors her approach to find what will work for you. Highly recommend her!
Written on Oct 22, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, compassion fatigue, and adhd
For the first two meetings are going great and I feel comfortable with Frances
Written on Sep 06, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
Frances has such a sympathetic understanding to people and creates helpful solutions you can actually use. Very thankful for Frances getting me through some hand times. Thank you again!
Written on Apr 21, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Frances is an excellent counselor. She really listens to her patients and provides excellent advice and care. I would definitely recommend Frances to others.
Written on Nov 10, 2017 after therapy with Frances for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and bipolar