Frances Griffis
I am a clinical psychologist with 35 years of experience providing psychotherapy. My current private practice serves adults, with a specialty in geriatric psychology. I have practiced in Burlington, VT, Plantation, FL, Pompano Beach, FL, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and in upstate NY. My approach to therapy is person-centered cognitive behavioral. I primarily offer an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and guidance on how to make your life better than it is. This may include a variety of other approaches and techniques. My education includes a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, and a post-doctoral Master of Science in Psychopharmacology. I like to say I have studied both the art and the science of psychotherapy.
It is my aim not to jump to conclusions nor to present as knowing what is going on with the client but rather to listen and ask questions to reveal to both of us what is happening.
My personal life provides a broad spectrum of experiences including having lived in cities, the suburbs, and in rural areas. I have been married, divorced, remarried, and widowed, and have a vary large family and extended family. Treating depression, anxiety, grief & loss, chronic mental illness, family & relationship issues, and poor-self esteem are some of my areas of expertise.
First session
During the first session we will spend some time making sure the basics have been provided and then move on to discovering what it is the client wants to work on and what they want to accomplish. I make it a point to offer at least one "tool" for them to take with them at the end of the session.
Strengths
One of my biggest strengths is flexibility. I adjust what I do to each client's needs. This adjustment continues throughout therapy to match the client's needs as they evolve. Another strength is my skill at maintaining an open-ended questioning point-of-view. It is my aim not to jump to conclusions nor to present as knowing what is going on with the client but rather to listen and ask questions to reveal to both of us what is happening.
Ideal clients
I see adults with a focus on the elderly who are depressed, anxious, grieving, or need help dealing with relationships or problems of daily living.
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Establishing therapeutic rapport is essential to any treatment modality. My preferred way to do this is to focus on the person and what they are looking to achieve in therapy and to find the tools within them to do sol.
Location
Virtual sessions