I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Texas with 20 years of experience. My first career choice was as a Special Education Teacher for sixteen years. My Counseling focus is with Adults , 35+, experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, being a spouse/child of individual with a Personality Disorder, specific to Narcissism. You will be provided a safe and compassionate space. Guidance will be provided utilizing CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness, Strength Based and Solution Focused approaches. You will be encouraged to achieve success though counseling while acquiring skills and strategies for meeting life's challenges. In my four years as an independent contractor with BetterHelp, it appears the majority of individuals prefer Audio sessions. I am open to video sessions if that would be your preference.
Professional experience
20 yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyRelationshipsSelf esteem, MotivationDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and geriatric issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Narcissism, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Women's issues, Workplace issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Frances Berniger. 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.
She has helped me thru some doffucult times & i have learned to figure out ways to cope with issues so much better
Written on Oct 09, 2025 after therapy with Frances for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and self esteem
Frances has been a blessing to me. She is such a good listener with no judgment. She helps with coping strategies and worksheets. She’s responsive to messages. She’s been wonderful.
Written on Sep 26, 2025 after therapy with Frances for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and family conflicts
Frances has been very supportive, listens to my ever changing areas of focus, yet remembering to return to past areas. She is a pleasure to work with.
Written on May 31, 2025 after therapy with Frances for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Frances has been very kind and helpful. Sessions were always on time and finished with suggestions, activities, or worksheets for productive ways to progress.
Written on May 23, 2025 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting issues
Great first session! Look forward to working with Frances.
Written on May 23, 2025 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
She’s wonderful. Wish I could have met her as a friend rather than a therapist. It’s very important for me to speak with an inclusive person and someone who isn’t in this profession for the $$. She has helped me greatly.
Written on Apr 16, 2025 after therapy with Frances for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and coping with life changes
France's is helping me through the hardest time of my life I feel comfortable and at ease talking to her..
Thank you.
Written on Nov 19, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues
Frances is AMAZING. One of the main reasons I got through my divorce relatively sanely, and I’m now back with her for help dealing with a new relationship. Cannot possibly recommend her more. :)
Written on Sep 04, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 2 years and 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Has really been helping me through my process
Written on Aug 19, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Frances is a very great therapist. She’s kind, understanding, and attentive. I always look forward to our sessions.
Written on May 30, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I cannot say enough about Frances. She is so intuitive, kind, responsive and a superb listener. She blows me away at every session with helping me towards important revelations. I am so lucky to have her and Betterhelp.
Written on May 29, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse
Frances is fantastic-- she thinks out of the box and is very helpful with my issues and she also shows great compassion and supportive spirit to make me feel like I have someone on my side- and shes very responsive to messaging and recommends great resources for me as well
Written on Feb 26, 2024 after therapy with Frances for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
She’s an unparalleled professional.
Written on Oct 12, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes
She is the one of the best people I have met in my search for better mental health.
Written on Sep 20, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 3 years and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Super helpful. I feel better after each session.
Written on Jul 25, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Frances is incredible, best therapist ever!!!
Written on Jun 17, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I've worked with lots of therapists, and Frances is the best!
Written on Jun 14, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Frances is absolutely wonderful! She listens, gives good advice, understands, and cares. Trust Frances with you feelings. You will make progress. I promise.
Written on Jun 13, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Francis is an excellent counselor and therapist and makes you feel like you have a friend who listens. She has excellent guidance and instruction that helps you get to the core of your issues and what's on your mind. She so easy to open up to. Like a really good friend.
Written on Jun 03, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Frances is a bright light, and very helpful. I really have enjoyed her as my therapist. In points of the conversation, she felt like a friend. Thank you Frances! Keep being amazing.
Written on Apr 28, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Frances has been very helpful to me. She is comfortable and smart. I don't feel like I have to give a right answer, just a true one. I feel safe with her. She has also equipped me well in a short time to handle stressful circumstances that pop up in my daily life.
Written on Apr 24, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Francis Berniger is an angel. She listens and then responds. She has helped to save my life. Her process with me has been to work through her steps of worksheets and conversations. She is simply a healer through words. I felt very comfortable with her plan to help me and it is working! I would recommend her to anyone. Thank you, Francis! Keep saving lives!!!
Written on Feb 25, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Such a great therapist!
Written on Feb 02, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management
frances is AMAZING! she is so warm and welcoming and provided such a comfortable space. she has so much knowledge and taught me so much. life is so much easier now after working with her. she is an absolute angel!
Written on Jan 20, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and adhd
I have only been with Dr. Frances for a short period of time, but the comfort level and level of understanding I received is unheard of. She is definitely an Angel and highly interested in building my mental state.
Written on Jan 11, 2023 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem
It has helped me a lot over 3 weeks having weekly calls.
Written on Nov 25, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, and coping with life changes
Good
Written on Nov 11, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Very understanding makes you feel comfortable and let's you be yourself easy to open up to
Written on Oct 13, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and anger management
Frances gives me the opportunity to talk about the things that bother me in day to day life. I am able to talk and get some advice on how to go about making the days better. She is wonderful and very helpful!
Written on Sep 30, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I had a wonderful experience with Francis, she is amazing and very helpful!! My last free session through my however didn’t go through I’m sorry Francis I tried to message you it wouldn’t let me !! I have no clue why ? I will check with my work … Thank you for being so helpful when I can afford it I’ll be back !! Sherri
Written on Aug 25, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
I enjoy our sessions Francis understands supports listens offers multiple ways of viewing a situation and dealing with the situation.
Written on Aug 02, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
I love the journaling side of things. It allows for our sessions to be a reflection of the journaling, rather than pricing together what happened between sessions.
Written on Jun 24, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Frances is amazing. She makes me feel seen and heard and helps me when I need it most. It’s more than I could hope for and I love the strength and clarity I have because of our sessions.
Written on Jun 21, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Francis is the best, has helped me more than she knows.
Written on Jun 13, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Frances has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She has helped both my wife and I with some difficult things. She has the ability to lighten the conversation without going off topic. Not only does Frances listen, but she makes you feel heard as well. A massive thank you to Frances for giving us the tools we needed to learn more about ourselves as individuals and as a couple. We will revisit the techniques and skills she has given us for years to come. We will miss our interactions with her dearly.
Written on May 29, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Frances has provided support and aided me in identifying solutions to a variety of situations and events I needed to process.
Written on May 04, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 11 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
She’s very helpful she listens well and i love her approach it’s like she eases in and backs off then ease back in so she won’t push you to hard and i love that
Written on May 03, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and anger management
I really enjoy speaking with Frances. I've been working with her for years and there is no one else I would trust my care with than Frances.
Written on Mar 30, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
It may have only been 3 sessions as or right now, however Frances has really helped. She has an amazing personality that allowed me to really connect. That was my biggest concern with using BetterHelp. She has also shown genuine concern, and care for the issues I have raised. That coupled with her suggestion, and therapeutic expertise has allowed me to find the outside help I need. I highly recommend her, and BetterHelp. I was a skeptic too.
Written on Feb 10, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Frances has been terrific. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for counseling.
Written on Feb 09, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse
I am a returning patient of hers. She is the best.
Written on Jan 27, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
She is great!
Written on Jan 18, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Frances is incredibly supportive and i really appreciate our sessions
Written on Jan 10, 2022 after therapy with Frances for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
Frances is amazing. I feel heard and validated during each session. She truly understands my concerns and has lots of wonderful strategies to help me cope.
Written on Oct 29, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, and self esteem
I’m very grateful for Frances! She’s kind, quirky, knowledgeable, and has definitely given me perspective on the issues I’m dealing with. She’s hopeful that we can make change, even though I feel extremely stuck…and broken. She’s non-judgmental and I really enjoy working with her!
Written on Oct 20, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Wonderful therapist who listens and helps. Best therapist I've worked with.
Written on Oct 19, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
I believe Frances is a compassionate and sincere therapist. She is good about letting you explore what topics you want to discuss in each session or she can guide you along with questions and exercises. She is also very responsive to messages and helps you navigate BetterHelp. I look forward to speaking with Frances each week and gaining a better understanding of myself.
Written on Sep 28, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Absolutely love Frances! I have been with her for a good while now and I’m so thankful for her
Written on Aug 25, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
Very friendly and attentive!
Written on Aug 21, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and adhd
I find Francis to be non-judgmental, open, respectful, and is good at redirecting me.
Written on Aug 15, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, and anger management
She is one of the best to ever do it. I am so glad that she and I were able to reunite. She knows my history and has always been very helpful, caring, and supportive.
Written on Aug 11, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Frances is great, she listens to what I’m going through and offers thoughtful guidance to help me through the situation. Very personable and empathetic therapist that I would highly recommend.
Written on Jul 26, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coaching, and adhd
Talking to Frances is such a joy. She has a great personality and her positivity and humor are infectious. She offers practical and helpful tips to help manage my thoughts.
Written on Jul 23, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Frances is amazing! She listens and always happy to help you out.
Written on Jul 22, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
I was in a very dark place when I finally began my sessions with Francis Berniger. She's been such a great listener, she's helped me focus so much, and realigned my priorities. Overall she's been leading me to a much happier mental state of being.
Written on Jul 17, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Frances is an amazing individual and counselor. Frances adapts to your needs and way of thinking and provides tangible solutions to issues you are facing. I don't feel like I need to prep before each session in order to make progress. As an individual from a minority culture, I didn't once feel uncomfortable talking about my life and principles. Frances asked questions only as needed to understand my background and respected me as an individual. I highly recommend Frances.
Written on Jun 16, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd
Frances is excellent. I am so happy I was able to be matched with her.
Written on Jun 08, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
She's awesome!
Written on Apr 27, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Great counselor! Very supportive and understanding.
Written on Mar 17, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 8 months on issues concerning relationship issues
Wonderfully supportive, encouraging and empathetic. She has helped me come through the most difficult period of my life.
Written on Jan 16, 2021 after therapy with Frances for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Frances had helped me so much is just a few short months. I am so thankful!
Written on Oct 19, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Frances made me feel at ease the moment we started talking. It's very easy to talk with her about literally anything.
Written on Aug 26, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related issues
I look forward to my sessions with Frances. She listens to me and then she gives me feedback. She knows how to deal with my Narcissistic daughter, and gives me great advice on how to pull back from her in the right way. I respect her opinions and her help.
Written on Aug 25, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Frances is wonderful, capable, insightful, high energy and enthusiastic to help you reach your goals in counseling. I am very happy I found her.
Written on Aug 25, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Frances has made me feel so comfortable and safe in such a short amount of time, I really could not ask for anything more.
Written on Jul 26, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
She's great! Definitely recommend her.
Written on Jul 24, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
Frances is an expert in her field and solution oriented!
Written on Jul 17, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, bipolar disorder, and coaching
Listens, keeps track of ongoing concerns, has helpful worksheets and helps you through exercises you can later do on your own when having an anxiety attack, for example
Written on Jul 15, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Frances has been easy to communicate with. She listens to my preferences, and it's easy to tell she takes good notes. She is kind and warm and easy to plan/schedule with. This has been my easiest transition to a new therapist that I've ever had.
Written on Jul 15, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
I have only had one counseling session with Frances, but immediately felt that she wanted to understand my counseling goals and needs. I felt her compassion and expertise right away. I’m so thankful that I was able to be linked up with her.
Written on Jul 15, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I immediately felt comfortable with Frances. There was no feeling of being judged, only supported. She has provided me with very helpful resources that I am using on a daily basis to help with my anxiety and my past unhealthy coping tools.
Written on Jul 10, 2020 after therapy with Frances for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
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