Frances Griffis , VT Psychologist 048.0069422, FL Psychologist PY5664

Frances Griffis is a licensed psychologist with a long-standing focus on the geriatric population and on supporting adults through significant life transitions. She approaches therapy from the belief that people continually strive to become their best selves, and she works collaboratively to reflect on patterns of thinking and behavior to determine whether they serve the person moving forward. Her clinical practice addresses mood disorders, grief and loss, anxiety, end-of-life concerns, and adjustments to life changes, offering a warm and empathic environment where individuals can express themselves without judgment.

Using a client-centered stance combined with cognitive behavioral techniques, she helps clients explore their experiences, identify unhelpful patterns, and develop practical coping strategies. Griffis has practiced at the doctoral level for 25 years and spent an additional nine years working with a Master of Counseling Psychology prior to that. She holds a postdoctoral Masters in Psychopharmacology, which allows her to discuss medication options and collaborate with prescribing physicians when appropriate; she does not prescribe medication herself and does not push clients to take medication.

Griffis is licensed in Vermont and Florida - VT Psychologist 048.0069422 and FL Psychologist PY5664 - and brings decades of clinical experience to work with individuals navigating grief, mood concerns, caregiving and end-of-life issues, and the challenges of aging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Frances Griffis draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and existential therapy to tailor support to individual needs. Client-centered therapy focuses on offering an empathic, nonjudgmental space where the person’s own goals guide the work - it is useful for people coping with loss, life changes, and emotional distress. CBT addresses patterns of thinking and behavior, teaching practical skills to manage anxiety, mood symptoms, and stress through structured strategies and homework. Existential therapy explores meaning, choice, and values, which can be particularly helpful for those facing end-of-life questions, aging concerns, or feelings of emptiness.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Frances works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to identify which methods fit a person’s goals, preferences, and circumstances, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. The aim is to match technique to the issue rather than apply a single method to everyone.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for schedules and mobility needs. These formats make it easier to attend sessions from home, coordinate with medical providers, and maintain continuity of care during transitions, while preserving the therapeutic connection therapists cultivate in traditional settings.