Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Francis.
Elizabeth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, which is an immigrant city with lots of different cultures but is also an underserved community. My parents emigrated from Lebanon and created a life that very much reflected our Lebanese heritage. My home was one world and as soon as I stepped outside I was in another world.
I was actually the first in my family to go to college, and that completely opened my eyes. Studying abroad was another turning point that really changed how I saw myself and the world. I became fascinated with people and the forces that shape who we are, and that curiosity is what drew me to psychology and ultimately graduate school.
In grad school, I got really interested in bicultural identity. I was surrounded mostly by classmates who were white and privileged, and I kept asking myself: what does belonging even mean? That question was at the center of my own healing and pushed me to dive deeper into my culture, and more importantly, into myself.
Now, in my work as a therapist, I bring all of that with me. I focus on the relationship people have with themselves, and I use the therapeutic relationship to help uncover and heal core wounds. I work a lot with generational trauma, grief, and low self-worth, and I also run adult process groups to help people build connection with themselves, and with others. My goal is to help people find authenticity, connection, and a sense of wholeness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For a lot of kids of immigrants, you’re figuring out life in the U.S. at the same time as your parents are. I was the first in my family to go to college, and later graduate school, so I had to learn how the education systems worked on my own. There were definitely times I doubted whether I could make it, especially seeing firsthand how inaccessible resources for immigrants/children of immigrants can be.
On a personal level, grad school, training, and my own therapy brought a lot up to the surface. You’re really asked to sit with pain, to look inward, to confront parts of yourself you might normally avoid. It’s incredibly meaningful work, but it’s not easy.
There were moments of burnout and self-doubt, trying to balance my desire to help others with my need to care for myself. Over time, I’ve learned that slowing down, staying connected to community, and trusting the process are what sustain me. Every challenge has really deepened my compassion for myself and for the people I work with.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice, Elizabeth Francis Psychotherapy, is really rooted in depth-oriented, relational work. I see clients individually and also run adult process groups, both in person in Sherman Oaks and online across California. For me, therapy is about helping people understand themselves by exploring the unconscious patterns, emotions, and beliefs that shape their relationships and inner world.
I work a lot with complex and generational trauma, grief, and issues around identity and self-worth. I’m especially passionate about supporting first-generation kids of immigrants and anyone navigating bicultural experiences. My approach is intuitive, direct, and compassionate. I focus on the relationship you have with yourself as the foundation for growth and healing.
A big part of my work is paying attention to the process. Sure, we listen to what’s being said, but we focus even more on what’s being felt. In my adult process groups, people learn how to show up as themselves with others, understand their relational patterns, and develop the capacity for deeper, more authentic connection. I’m also developing workshops that explore generational trauma and identity, particularly for those with Middle Eastern ancestry or similar cultural experiences.
At its core, my work is about creating a space where people feel truly seen and understood, and empowered to live more fully in alignment with who they really are.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Honestly, I don’t think I’m a very mysterious person. Most things about me are usually out on the table, no surprises. That said, my clients might feel differently, since I don’t really disclose much about myself in sessions!
Pricing:
- $225 for a 50 minute session
- $75 for group
Contact Info:
