- CBT and client-centered
- Solution-focused steps
- 21 years experience
About Frances
Frances "Francie" Pratte is a licensed marriage and family therapist who emphasizes a respectful, person-focused style. She draws on more than 21 years of professional experience and a background that includes nursing. Francie keeps language simple and practical, and she helps people take small steps when things feel overwhelming.
Francie focuses on stress, anxiety, and mood concerns. She also addresses relationship strain, anger, low self-esteem, and caregiver stress. Panic disorder and panic attacks are listed among her areas of focus, along with issues tied to pregnancy and childbirth and work stress for first responders.
Her approach centers on listening first and following the client's lead. She uses client-centered methods to understand each person's priorities and values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is part of her toolbox when people want concrete ways to change thinking and behavior.
In shorter-term work she brings solution-focused strategies to help people set clear goals and try practical steps between sessions. She pairs this with longer-term support when deeper patterns come up. Her nursing experience informs a down-to-earth perspective on health, stress, and life transitions.
People who meet with Francie can expect straightforward, respectful conversations. Getting started is framed as a collaborative process, with attention to what each person needs and what feels doable in everyday life.
How Francie's Approaches Work Online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person's goals and values. The therapist creates space for people to tell their story and then helps shape sessions around what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and is useful for anxiety, panic, and mood challenges because it offers concrete strategies to try between sessions. Solution-Focused Therapy zeroes in on small, practical changes and clear goals to build momentum and reduce overwhelm.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Francie will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and recommend methods that fit their situation. The process is collaborative - goals are set together and adjusted as progress is made.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by reducing travel time and allowing shorter or more frequent check-ins when needed. It can also be a good way to keep momentum between in-person visits or to try focused CBT exercises from home. Ask about specific scheduling and format choices when you sign up so sessions match your routine and needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Francie commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, anger, and low self-esteem, and also focuses on caregiver issues, first responder stress, and panic disorder and panic attacks.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is client-centered and down-to-earth, aiming to listen first and follow each person's priorities while offering practical strategies.
What kind of professional background does she have?
Francie has 21 years of professional experience and has also worked as a Registered Nurse, which informs her practical approach to health and stress.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Francie?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.