Mary Frances Santmier, LPC

Mary Frances (she/ her) has been working with adolescents, adults, and families for over 20yrs. She is passionate about creating a safe and warm space for her clients, as she knows the importance of a trusting and consistent therapeutic relationship. She works to help her clients understand the patterns and beliefs that no longer benefit their lives. She believes that self-compassion and showing grace to oneself are the most crucial aspects of change. She takes a collaborative and interactive approach to therapy and encourages clients to recognize their growth and strengths along the journey.

Mary Frances has experience in a wide range of presenting concerns. This includes trauma work, substance use, self-harming behaviors, navigating crisis situations, interpersonal relationships, LGBTQ+ related issues, neurodivergence, parent and child relationships, school/peer related issues, grief/change/life transitions, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. She has worked with adolescents and adults in community mental health programs, crisis-based programs, and in generalized outpatient settings. She has facilitated substance abuse treatment groups, family groups, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups. There are a variety of approaches she pulls from including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing/Enhancement, Emotionally Focused Therapy, mind-body based therapies, and Family Systems approaches. She is currently training in Internal Family Systems and in advanced interventions to assist those in recovery from emotionally toxic relationships.

Outside of the office, Mary Frances enjoys connecting with family and friends, seeking out a good laugh, discovering new music while listening on repeat to others, keeping up with good series and movies, and finding ways to support dog rescue in the Richmond area.