Frances Merz , LPC

Frances Merz is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in New Jersey with 19 years of clinical experience. She approaches counseling with the belief that people seek support because they want to make changes in their lives - to improve a situation, solve a problem, make a decision, or deepen understanding of their circumstances.

Frances uses an eclectic selection of therapeutic techniques, choosing methods that align with each client's strengths and needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan. She has worked with a wide range of concerns including low self-esteem and self-confidence, social anxiety, general anxiety, parenting challenges, career issues, stress, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep difficulties, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, and issues commonly faced by young adults and college students. She also supports individuals who are contemplating or recovering from weight loss surgery and offers medical advocacy to help clients navigate questions for health providers and cope with medical challenges informed by long personal experience with the medical field.

Frances does not provide marriage or relationship counseling online, nor does she offer online treatment for serious mental illness. She frames counseling as a collaborative effort that requires a client's commitment and energy, and she tailors treatment strategies to each person. Frances is available Monday through Thursday and typically returns messages within 24 hours, providing steady support aimed at helping clients reach their therapeutic goals.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Frances commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is often effective for managing anxiety, depression, stress, sleep problems, and related symptoms by teaching practical skills and structured exercises.

She also incorporates Solution-Focused Therapy, a goal-oriented approach that concentrates on strengths, existing resources, and small, achievable changes. This method can be helpful for clients seeking clarity on decisions, navigating life transitions, or working toward specific short-term goals such as career moves or improved coping strategies.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work Frances does with each client. She collaborates with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts strategies over time to ensure the best match.

Online therapy with Frances is delivered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility to fit busy schedules, school, and work commitments. These options make it easier to access consistent care from licensed professionals while accommodating different communication preferences and life demands.