Frances Berniger , LPC

Frances Berniger is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 20 years of experience. She focuses on concerns like grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, self-esteem, and addictions. Her background as a former special education teacher shapes a patient, practical style.

She offers a calm, listening-based approach that puts the person first. Sessions tend to be straightforward and goal-oriented. Clients work on concrete skills for coping, managing emotions, and improving daily functioning.

Frances uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused methods. That means she helps people spot patterns of thinking that cause trouble, try small changes, and practice present-moment awareness. Work in therapy includes short-term strategies and longer-term skill building.

She has licensure in Texas and Virginia and draws on teaching experience when explaining tools and homework. Sessions are often audio but video is available when preferred. The therapist works with adults and has particular familiarity with issues faced by people 35 and older.

In sessions the tone is direct but compassionate. People are guided to set realistic goals and build step-by-step plans. Practical strategies and encouragement are emphasized so people leave with things they can try between sessions.

Approaches for online therapy and how they help

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening without judgment and helping people find their own solutions. It is useful for building trust and exploring feelings about relationships, grief, and life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts influence feelings and behavior, and teaches concrete exercises to change unhelpful patterns. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and mood management by giving clear tools to practice between sessions.

Mindfulness Therapy trains simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and increase emotional regulation; it can be helpful alongside other methods for managing anxiety and trauma symptoms.

Finding the right mix of approaches is collaborative. The therapist will discuss goals, try techniques together, and adjust methods based on what feels most helpful. Clients and the therapist decide which tools to keep using as progress is made.

Online work is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to match different needs. Video lets you see facial cues and do exercises together. Phone calls are useful when bandwidth or convenience matters. Live chat and text messaging can fit quick check-ins, short coaching-style conversations, or ongoing support between sessions. These options make scheduling and sticking with therapy easier for people with busy lives.