Alaysia Francis, M.A.

Registered Psychological Associate (PSB # 94029494)

Supervised by Kristine Flanigan, Psy.D. PSY 35863
In-person and telehealth

Who I Am

Hi, I’m Alaysia, a Registered Psychological Associate (she/her) and Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Doctoral Candidate based in Southern California.

What I Do

I am an eating disorder therapist who works with adults and adolescents experiencing eating disorders, body image distress, and co-occurring concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. Many of the clients I work with feel disconnected from their bodies, overwhelmed by food and weight concerns, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel aligned with who they want to be. I approach this work with deep respect for how adaptive these patterns once were and how difficult it can be to imagine change. My work is informed by meaning-centered and existential perspectives. I help clients explore how suffering, while deeply painful, can also become a doorway to insight, growth, and self-understanding. I support clients in discovering how they want to respond to life’s challenges in ways that feel authentic, values driven, and life affirming. My goal is to help clients feel grounded, supported, and empowered as they work toward a more stable and compassionate relationship with themselves.

I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can show up authentically. I take a collaborative and relational approach to therapy. I firmly believe the therapeutic alliance itself is a powerful agent of change. I am intentional about practicing with cultural humility and aim to be inclusive, affirming, and responsive to each client’s lived experience. I balance warmth and empathy with clinical insight thus helping clients feel both supported and gently challenged in their growth.

More About Me

I earned my M.A. in Psychology from Pepperdine University and am currently completing my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have extensive experience working in inpatient and residential eating disorder treatment programs serving adults, adolescents, and their families. In inpatient settings, I have worked with adolescents and adults diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) as part of multidisciplinary treatment teams.

My clinical work has involved close collaboration with psychiatrists, dietitians, medical providers, and families which has shaped my integrative approach to care. I also worked in outpatient acute mental health settings with adults experiencing severe psychiatric distress, crisis, and stabilization needs. My clinical work is my passion for supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring concerns. I find deep meaning in helping clients navigate recovery, strengthen coping skills, and move toward more fulfilling and connected lives.

In my free time, I value moments that help me feel grounded and connected. I enjoy spending time with my family and unwinding with a good movie. I also appreciate quiet moments to reset through yoga and meditation.

How I Help

I utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) tailoring interventions to each client’s needs and goals. In addition to evidence-based interventions, I integrate humanistic and meaning-centered approaches into my work. I help clients reflect on who they are beyond their symptoms and explore how their experiences have shaped their sense of self.

Therapy becomes a space to clarify values, rebuild a sense of purpose, and create meaning even in the presence of uncertainty or struggle. My work focuses on helping clients challenge unhelpful thought patterns, build emotional regulation skills, and develop greater self-compassion. I recognize that eating disorders and psychological distress can feel isolating and overwhelming. My aim is to help clients feel less alone and more empowered as they move toward healing.