Lauren Francis is a Licensed Psychological Associate, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and the Clinical Director of Chrysalis Center. She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Appalachian State University and brings a breadth of experience across outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient programs, and university counseling services.

Lauren takes an individualized, client-centered approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Her work is grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and a deep respect for each client’s unique story and lived experience. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, Lauren has advanced training in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders across the diagnostic spectrum, as well as co-occurring conditions including trauma, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She is passionate about helping individuals heal their relationships with food, body, and self, while fostering recovery that feels sustainable, compassionate, and aligned with their values.

Lauren’s therapeutic philosophy centers on the belief that meaningful change happens through safety, understanding, and empowerment. She creates a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build new ways of relating to themselves and others. Her approach reflects a deep appreciation for the courage it takes to engage in the healing process and the resilience of those who do.

In her role as Clinical Director, Lauren is dedicated to cultivating a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment for both clients and clinicians. She oversees program development, provides clinical supervision, and leads initiatives to strengthen trauma-informed and evidence-based care across all levels of the organization. Beyond her direct clinical work, Lauren is passionate about professional education and community engagement. She regularly presents on a variety of topics related to mental health, eating disorders, trauma, and evidence-based treatment, and she enjoys mentoring developing clinicians and advocating for expanded access to specialized care in the Wilmington community and beyond.

At the heart of her work, Lauren believes in the Chrysalis Center mission of restoring hope and empowering change—helping individuals, families, and teams move toward greater connection, balance, and lasting transformation.