Frances "Francie" Pratte

Practical, strengths-based therapy for everyday challenges

LMFT California

Experience: 21 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Frances

Frances "Francie" Pratte is a licensed marriage and family therapist who draws on over two decades of clinical and caregiving experience to help clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, anger, low self-esteem, and depression.

Background and approach

She brings a strengths-based outlook that honors each person's knowledge of their own life while offering practical skills and supportive guidance. Her background as a Registered Nurse informs a compassionate, grounded approach to challenges like panic attacks, caregiver stress, pregnancy and childbirth concerns, and first responder issues.

Francie favors collaborative, goal-oriented work that meets people where they are and builds on existing resources. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered listening and solution-focused techniques to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, sharpen communication, and set achievable steps toward change.

Based in California, Frances Pratte combines clinical training with real-world experience to create a calm, pragmatic space for growth and problem solving.

Integrating practical therapies with flexible online care

Frances Pratte uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and develop concrete strategies for managing symptoms like anxiety and panic. Client-Centered Therapy is also a core part of her practice, offering empathic listening and support that centers the client’s perspective and personal strengths. Solution-Focused Therapy helps set clear, attainable goals and focuses on small, forward-moving steps to resolve current concerns.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process and she works together with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals. That partnership helps determine whether a skills-based CBT focus, a strengths-oriented client-centered path, or brief solution-focused work is the best fit for a particular concern.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options allow clients to arrange appointments around work, caregiving, or other commitments while maintaining continuity of care with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does this therapist commonly address?

She works with concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship problems, anger, low self-esteem, and depression, and also focuses on caregiver stress, communication problems, panic attacks, pregnancy and childbirth, guilt and shame, life purpose, and first responder issues.

What is her therapeutic style and approach?

Her work blends client-centered listening with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused techniques, emphasizing collaboration, practical strategies, and the client’s own strengths.

How long has she practiced?

She has 21 years of professional experience, including clinical roles and prior work as a Registered Nurse that contribute to her practical, empathetic approach.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the credential CA LMFT 29885 and practices from California.

Does she conduct sessions in other languages or accept international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available for online work?

Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.

How are fees and payments handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to her availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteem Depression

Additional focus areas

Caregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameLife purposePanic disorder and panic attacksPregnancy and childbirth

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

21+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English