About Frances Merz

I have enjoyed helping people since childhood. Whether organizing community events, volunteer projects, or school fundraisers, I love getting people the help they need. With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, I have worked with various populations in several different contexts. 

When individuals seek counseling it is because they want to make a change 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 orientations based on the needs and strengths of the individual client. Frequently, I use cognitive behavioral, rational emotive, and solutions focused approaches. I also provide psychoeducation. 

Once the client and I establish an understanding of the situation, we work together to achieve mutually agreed upon goals.

I offer a warm welcoming, nonjudgmental approach so that clients can express themselves and grow in a safe, healthy and healing environment. My experience is in working with individuals, families, adolescents, children, high-risk youth, and court mandated clients. I have experience working in clinical, home, and online settings. I specialize in working with individuals on various topics including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, social skills development, conflict resolution and parenting skills. I also specialize in Weight Loss Surgery Consulting for clients who are considering surgery, are pre-op and/or post-op. My services address the social, psychological and physical challenges and opportunities of weight loss surgery by offering practical tools and strategies.

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.

Education

  • Masters of Arts in Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Post-Masters credits in Counseling from Caldwell University 
  • Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Lycoming College

Credentials

  • Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey

Associations

  • American Counseling Association

Publications

My Values

Confidentiality

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Creativity

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Compassion

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Acceptance

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