How We Are Different
Our approach combines the latest insights in relationship and individual therapy with real world solutions based on more than 25 years of experience.
Deep Expertise
We have more than two decades of training and experience in multiple areas -- sexual addiction, sexuality issues, substance abuse and addictions, trauma and recovery.
A Strategic Approach
We focus on the underlying issues of the conflicts in your relationships and your life.
Pragmatic and Empathic Solutions
We provide tools and techniques to help you feel better about yourself
and those you love.
A Clear Direction
We help expand your possibilities and options -- and get results fast. Therapy doesn’t need to take forever.
Merry Frons, PhD, LCSW, CAC, CSAT
Dr. Frons has been working with individuals’ and couples’ relationships issues for the past 25 years. Her training as a sex therapist grew out of her experience working with couples when she realized that sexuality issues were part of couples concerns and had a large influence on the underlying couples’ dynamic. She received her Doctorate in Human Sexuality and became certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT is the gold standard for sex therapist certification) and is an active member of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR). She enjoys working with couples because in her work she has experienced rapid and profound change in couples’ relationships by identifying and working with certain key dynamics in the couples’ relationship. Clients often seek out Dr. Frons for individual work when they are experiencing difficulties with a partner. Working with a partner who has experienced betrayal or is concerned about their spouse’s relationship with sexuality can be explored as a preliminary approach to dealing with the future of the couples’ relationship.
Dr. Frons has advanced training in addictions, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety and a variety of treatment approaches such as mindfulness, hypnotherapy, Emdr, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory and psychodynamic therapy, including systems, narrative and strategic theories. She completed Post Doctoral training in Couples and Family Therapy at NYU Post Doc Institute. Dr. Frons enjoys working with individuals as well as couples and is sought out frequently as a specialist for couples’ cases involving difficult and complicated issues. Dr. Frons lives in Wainscott, NY, with her husband of 38 years and their dog Jasper.
Melissa Samuel, LCSW
Melissa is a licensed clinical social worker who has successfully treated many patients with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and sexuality concerns. Melissa has expertise in working with couples going through difficult relationship transitions. She has advanced training in CBT, mindfulness, couples therapy, sexuality, anger management, trauma treatment, family therapy and death and dying/bereavement work. Her warm and empathic engagement style enable her to form a solid rapport and alliance with her clients and quickly gain their trust. She has helped many individuals and couples successfully navigate difficult challenges and move forward with their relationships.
She completed her Masters Degree at New York University and worked in a variety of mental health settings in New York including schools, residential treatment facilities, family court and medical and psychiatric inpatient and outpatient centers. After working at Bellevue Hospital for many years she joined the staff at Renew four years ago. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and AASECT, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. She is an in-network provider for Cigna and Aetna and is able to supply documentation for out of network benefits for all insurance companies.