IFSTherapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

LPC

Frances McNamara, LPC

  • Experience15 years
  • LocationPennsylvania
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Depression, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Continue with Frances

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Frances

Frances McNamara is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 15 years of clinical experience in Pennsylvania. She has worked across a broad range of concerns from adjustment and mood disorders to more complex presentations such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.

Background and approach

Her background includes supporting people facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, addictions, and the everyday stresses that accompany life transitions. Frances uses an authentic, present-centered stance in sessions and draws on evidence-based methods including cognitive and dialectical strategies alongside client-centered and emotion-focused work.

She values respect and creates space for clients to explore both successes and barriers, inviting honest expression about what is most pressing in their lives. Frances aims to collaborate with clients, offering steady professional support as they pursue improved wellbeing and greater resilience.

Her approach emphasizes practical skills and emotional understanding, tailored to each person’s needs and goals. Frances welcomes those ready to engage in a partnership-oriented process and to take steps toward better functioning and self-awareness.

Integrating IFS, ACT, and Practical Online Care

Frances blends Internal Family Systems with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered techniques to help people explore internal conflicts and build values-driven lives. Internal Family Systems invites a respectful, curious stance toward the different parts of oneself, which can be useful for addressing trauma, shame, and self-critical patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on clarifying personal values and developing psychological flexibility through mindful acceptance and committed action, often supporting anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is treated as a collaborative process. Frances works with clients to identify which methods resonate with their needs and goals, adapting sessions over time as circumstances and preferences evolve. The aim is to combine emotional understanding with concrete skills so clients feel supported in setting and pursuing realistic steps forward.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and preferences. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care while balancing work, family, and other commitments, and they allow therapists and clients to focus on progress using approaches tailored to the individual's situation.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Frances address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, self esteem, career concerns, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and ADHD, along with related mood and anxiety presentations.
What is the therapeutic style or approach like?
The style is authentic and present-centered, combining cognitive and dialectical techniques with client-centered and emotion-focused methods to support skill building and emotional processing.
How much experience does the therapist have?
Frances has 15 years of experience providing counseling across a range of mental health concerns and levels of need.
What are the therapist's credentials and location?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania with license detail PA LPC PC010157.
Can sessions be offered in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are provided in English and Frances is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Clients may meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what fits their needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyDepression

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Mood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

Pennsylvania

Languages

English