Francia Alexandre-Mertilus, LMHC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Francia Alexandre-Mertilus

Francia Alexandre-Mertilus

(She/Her)

LMHC
4 years of experience
Virtual

Hi, I’m Francia Alexandre-Mertilus, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of Blessed Heart Counseling. I specialize in supporting Black and Caribbean women navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is warm, culturally sensitive, and faith-affirming for those who seek it. You deserve a space where you can be fully seen and safely supported — and I’d be honored to walk with you on your healing journey.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, you can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where we’ll focus on getting to know you — not just your symptoms, but your story. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and what you’re hoping to get out of this journey. I’ll also answer any questions you have about the therapy process. My goal is for you to feel safe, seen, and supported from day one.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What stands out about my approach is how I blend evidence-based methods with cultural and spiritual sensitivity. I use tools like CBT and trauma-informed care to help clients unpack anxiety, grief, and burnout — but I also hold space for prayer, reflection, and emotional honesty. My work centers Black and Caribbean women, especially mothers and caregivers, who are ready to stop surviving and start healing. Clients often share that they feel lighter, clearer, and more at peace — not just because of what they learn, but because they finally feel seen and supported as their full selves.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m best positioned to serve Black and Caribbean women who are navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, or life transitions — especially those who feel pressure to stay strong for everyone else. Many of my clients are seeking emotional relief, deeper self-awareness, and a safe space to reconnect with their faith, identity, and voice. I support women who are ready to release the weight they’ve been carrying and begin healing in a way that honors both their culture and their beliefs.

About Francia Alexandre-Mertilus

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I’ve used CBT consistently to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns. I integrate it with a culturally sensitive, person-centered approach to support women navigating anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. Together, we explore how thoughts impact emotions and behavior, and build healthier, faith-affirming ways of thinking and coping.

Faith based therapy

I’ve offered faith-based therapy to clients who wish to integrate their Christian beliefs into the healing process. I support clients in exploring how faith, scripture, and prayer can be sources of strength, comfort, and transformation—always meeting them where they are spiritually and emotionally.

Strength-Based

I use a strength-based approach to help clients recognize the resilience, wisdom, and values they already carry. Instead of focusing only on problems, we explore how their lived experiences, faith, and cultural identity can be powerful tools for healing. This method builds confidence, clarity, and lasting change from the inside out.