About Therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT
At your first appointment, you can expect a calm environment and a smiling face. Your first visit is a one-hour opportunity to confirm that we are a good fit and can commit to working together moving forward. Your therapist will gather information about you or your child’s needs and history. We will incorporate your child into the appointment by describing therapy in an age-appropriate way and will allow them to play or draw to keep them engaged in our session. Ongoing appointments will take place weekly, for 45-minute sessions, and will be individually tailored to give you the most progress on your goals.
Services We Offer
With You Every Step of the Way
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT THERAPY
Is your child struggling in some way? Maybe they are going through a challenging adjustment in life. Maybe they are getting in trouble at school. Maybe they are having trouble getting along with others or just don't seem like themselves. We would love to help them understand their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences and as a result, remove their struggles.
ADULT THERAPY
In our therapy, we will work together to collaboratively decide what changes you want to see. Our work with adults ranges from struggles with depression/anxiety to parenting support and nearly everything in between. We would love to speak with you over the phone and schedule your first appointment.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING
If you are looking for someone to help you clarify your child's diagnosis and mental health needs, psychological testing is exactly what you're looking for. Conducting an assessment can also identify your child's strengths, abilities, and limitations. Call to consult about how our psychologists may be of assistance to you.
Our Team
Meet Our Owner, Postdoctoral Fellow & Associate
DR. LAUREN FRANKS
OWNER AND LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Hello there,
I am so glad that you found me here at Brighter Future Psychological Services. I am hopeful that this can be the place you find that help you’re looking for.
For over 10 years now, I have been working with children, adolescents, and their parents, trying to find ways to use their strengths to make significant improvements in their lives. My style of therapy incorporates CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), play therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy to uniquely tailor a format that works for each individual client. I have been certified in CBT. This allows me to really assist people with finding and changing their negative thoughts, which improves their mood and actions. Additionally, for younger children (3-8 years old) and their parents, I have been certified in PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) which gives us an opportunity for parents to be taught the therapeutic techniques I use. When families are committed to doing the work, it is very successful in improving both a child’s behavior and mood. It can strengthen positive connections with parents and establish clear expectations of rewards and consequences.
However, aside from formal training, the success of therapy is impacted greatly by the quality of the relationship between the client and therapist. When we meet, it is my first goal to make you feel comfortable and to ensure it feels like a good fit for both the parent and the child. Clear communication between everyone will set us up for success.
In addition to my work as the owner and licensed clinical psychologist at Brighter Future, I also value my role as a mentor and supervisor in the mental health field. I train and supervise graduate students as well as associates at this practice. If you work with one of my associates at the practice, I will ensure that you receive high quality care.
If you have other questions or are ready to get started working together, please reach out via phone (626) 513-8831 or email drlaurenfranks@gmail.com and I’ll be eager to begin connecting with you soon.
- Email:drlaurenfranks@gmail.com
DR. NICHOLAS RAMIREZ
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATE
For over six years now, I have worked with clients of all ages and walks of life. Some struggling with feelings that weren’t so pleasant, others wanting to understand how and why they came to be where they are in life, and so many other feelings in between. At the root of pain, I believe there lies a disconnect within ourselves that is often times hard to repair on our own. As a therapist, I value meaningful connection with my clients, unconditional understanding, and non-judgement. My hope is that we can make those, sometimes difficult, connections together!
I am trained and often work from a psychodynamic orientation. This simply means that my approach to therapy involves knowing, understanding, and empathetically engaging with those who are experiencing life in all its wonders and hardships. I value the relationship I have with a client above all else and offer strategic techniques to optimize wellness. Working under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Franks, I also frequently implement CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) interventions into my sessions to assist clients in seeing clear connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
My work as a child and adolescent therapist thus far has included work in school-based settings, large community mental health organizations, and now within the private practice of Brighter Future Psychological Services. I greatly value the opportunity to work with individuals early in development in order to heal and prepare them in ways that lend toward a fulfilling and successful future. I also find it greatly impactful to have ongoing engagement with the parents and caregivers of my child clients in order to promote even further support for the client outside of our sessions together.
I look forward to knowing you!
NICOLE GARCIA, M.A.
REGISTERED AMFT | REGISTERED APCC
Our past and present challenges can be difficult to face and hard to make sense of at times. I strongly believe that we do not have to go through these challenges alone, and therapy can be a tool for learning and healing.
I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, having received my master’s degree in clinical psychology. My clinical experience includes helping adults navigate a wide range of life stages, as well as working with children ages 4-18 and their families. I am very excited to be a part of the team here at Brighter Future, working under the supervision and support of Dr. Lauren Franks.
I am super passionate about working with children and helping them process difficult (and often overwhelming) feelings - as well as helping them learn how to name and express their needs. In session with clients, I will often utilize games, art, physical movement, music, and imaginative play therapy; because sometimes the little ones just don’t have the words yet to express themselves!
My style of therapy always involves building a connection with my clients while getting to know their strengths, interests, and personalities. I want this to be a collaborative and engaging process for my clients, no matter what age. I believe that therapy is not a one- size-fits-all and calls for a unique approach for each unique client.
For some parents and guardians, I understand that seeking therapy for your child can be a challenging experience. I hope to help you feel at ease and included in the process. Every child deserves a strong support system, and I like to think of myself as part of his/her team - alongside the parents.
I look forward to meeting you!
Nicole Garcia
Email: nicole.garcia.bf@gmail.com
AMFT #: 156898
APCC #: 20176
Supervised by Dr. Lauren Franks, License #: PSY 29013
CHERRY ELBERMAWY, M.A.
ASSOCIATE THERAPIST TRAINEE
I work from an integrative perspective, often drawing on personalized, supportive approaches while also incorporating techniques and solution-focused strategies to meet each client’s unique needs quickly. This means that while we may explore the deeper roots of your struggles, we’ll also work together on practical skills to help you cope day-to-day. My goal is always to tailor therapy to the individuals I work with, honoring both their life experiences and their strengths.
Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, I bring a multicultural lens to my work and value how culture, identity, and lived experience shape who we are. Above all, I believe healing and change happen through genuine connection with another person. I strive to build a relationship where clients and parents feel understood, supported, and free to explore different parts of themselves without judgment.
I look forward to meeting you and working with you!
FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
We are located in the beautiful community of Glendora within Los Angeles County on Baseline Road and Grand Avenue, with easy access to the 210 freeway. We have a spacious, 2nd floor office and offer the use of telehealth when preferred as well.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say!
Contact
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