About Me

Hi, I’m Dr. Lastenia Francis, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Founder of Meaningful Emotion Therapy LLC. For over ten years, I’ve been committed to helping individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and reconnect. My journey into Marriage and Family Therapy was driven by a desire to strengthen Black families, and that purpose remains at the heart of my work.
 

Life can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re carrying the weight of trauma, societal pressures, and relational challenges. My goal is to create a therapeutic space where you can be your authentic self, free from judgment, and feel truly heard and "seen". Therapy is about more than just addressing problems—it’s about reclaiming your story and finding new ways to move forward with strength and resilience.
 

I earned my BA in Psychology and Sociology from Stony Brook University, an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mercy College, and a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University, where I focused on Black military families. My experience spans individual, couples, family, and group therapy, primarily within Black and Hispanic communities. I’ve walked alongside many individuals as they’ve healed from trauma, built healthier relationships, and rediscovered their strengths.
 

As a clinician, I see your story from a systemic perspective. Every part of your life—your family, community, and culture—shapes your experiences and contributes to your well-being. Drawing from narrative therapy, I encourage you to explore the stories you’ve been told and the ones you tell yourself. Together, we’ll work on rewriting those narratives in ways that honor your resilience and reflect the life you want to live.

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While I’m trained in many therapeutic modalities, narrative therapy often guides our work. You are the expert in your own life, and I’m here to help you unpack the layers of your story, challenge the narratives that no longer serve you, and co-create new chapters that align with your true self. Your strengths, both as an individual and within your relationships, are central to this process.
 

I also recognize that starting therapy, particularly for people of color, can feel daunting. We’re often taught to keep our struggles within the family, but I’m here to remind you that it’s okay to seek support. Navigating personal challenges alongside the realities of being a person of color in today’s world can be exhausting. You don’t have to face it alone.
 

I’m here to walk with you on your healing journey. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, relational issues, identity struggles, or simply trying to make sense of it all, we’ll work together to create new experiences that empower you and your relationships. You deserve to live a meaningful and connected life, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
 

If you’re ready to start your journey, I’m ready to help. Let’s reclaim your story together.