Frances Berniger , LPC

Frances Berniger is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Virginia and Texas with 20 years of experience in mental health and education. Before becoming a counselor she spent sixteen years as a special education teacher, a background that informs her patient, strengths-focused approach to working with adults. She concentrates her practice on adults age 35 and older who are coping with grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, addiction, caregiver stress, and challenges related to self-esteem and life transitions.

She offers a safe and compassionate space where individuals are guided through evidence-informed strategies to build coping skills and make meaningful changes. Her work draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, Mindfulness practices to increase present-moment awareness and stress management, and Solution-Focused and Strength-Based techniques to amplify clients' existing resources and progress toward concrete goals. Frances also integrates approaches tailored to issues such as family-of-origin conflicts, codependency, and compassion fatigue.

Over years of practice she encourages practical skill-building and collaborative goal setting, helping clients develop tools to manage current struggles and face future challenges with greater resilience. She is open to both audio and video session formats depending on client preference.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Frances Berniger uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy as core tools in online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, and to support healthier coping patterns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple awareness and grounding practices that can help manage emotional reactivity, improve concentration, and reduce rumination often associated with grief or trauma. She also integrates a Client-Centered approach that emphasizes empathic listening and building on each person's strengths, creating space for clients to set their own goals and move at a comfortable pace.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Frances works with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and adjusts techniques over time so the methods fit the individual rather than the other way around. This partnership helps tailor sessions to address issues like relationship concerns, addiction, caregiving stress, and life transitions.

Online therapy with licensed professionals offers flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to access support from home or work. These options allow consistent engagement and practical continuity of care while working toward meaningful change.