Dr. Elissa Fronczak, PhD

Dr. Fronczak is compassionate, kind, intelligent and thorough. I've never "stuck" with therapy long-term until I started seeing her. She gives me a sense of calm ... she's impartial, supportive, and isn't afraid to challenge me when necessary. We have a conversation -- so there's actual dialogue and an exchange of ideas every session. I've been to other doctors where I do all of the talking and you never really hear from them except generic comments to keep you talking. Dr. Fronczak is different in that she is an active participant in the sessions -- you're not just sitting there, being observed. She's engaged. And by the questions she asks and how she guides us through sessions, it's obvious she cares. She is whip smart and points out any inaccuracies (for example if I'm coming to an irrational conclusion), or patterns and makes helpful observations about things I wouldn't have otherwise realized. She is a great therapist. And I have seen several. I feel a sense of calm and… stability when speaking with her and after leaving.

A family member of mine was treated by Dr. Fronczak for several months for psychological issues and the condition only worsened. Dr. Fronczak uses treatment methods that are not well-explained to her patients, probably because she doesn't understand them herself. If you seek to get better, then find someone who will work with you as a person, and not treat you as a test subject.

I would not recommend this therapist. I saw her for a couple of months. I thought things were going okay. At one session she pretty much stopped speaking to me. I was very confused. I couldn't think of anything I had done wrong in any session, where I was deserving of that. I try to be courteous, respectful and considerate of others. I had kept my appointments, done the "exercises, homework," paid for sessions and was committed to the process. I felt like I was dealing with a petulant teenager. I had asked some questions relating to some therapy exercises. She would smirk and shrug and say "I don't know." The questions I asked were pretty straightforward but I wasn't familiar with this type of exercise so I had some questions. I finished the appointment but felt like it was very disrespectful and strange. I thought that was poor behavior/therapy. I don't think most clients would like to be treated like this. It left me completely puzzled, very anxious and worse off than before I… started this therapy. Who wants to spend a therapy session with the therapist barely speaking to you/ignoring you and not explaining what is going on. She did know how to send me a bill for this final "session" with her. (It never feels any better to have to pay for poor service of any kind.) I believe there are better therapists out there and as a client choose someone who is committed to helping you navigate therapy, who values the client-therapist relationship, and above all treats you with respect.