Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Padilla.
Hi Marisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
From a young age, I found myself very interested in the helping professions. I grew up with an extremely supportive and encouraging family who would always remind me to “shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” My mother’s work, in particular as a school teacher and principal, really inspired me to consider a career where I’d get to enjoy what I do by helping others.
I committed the last couple of years during my undergraduate studies at UC San Diego to participating in internships, networking events, and courses specific to mental health and psychology. After spending time in a range of settings, including schools, research labs, community outreach, and private practices, I felt inspired and made the decision to pursue my Master’s in Clinical Counseling at Point Loma Nazarene University to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
It was an intentional choice to take this path to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to support people, especially people of color, in navigating their relationships and their mental health and consider challenges from the perspective of how one relates to others.
After many years of graduate school, 3,000 hours of supervised work, studying hard for licensing exams, and just trying to get through a global pandemic, I eventually got to where I am today. Throughout these years, I gained: lifelong connections with colleagues, deeper insights into navigating mental health challenges, and experience providing mental health care across populations and settings, including partial hospitals, intensive outpatient facilities, and group private practices offering group therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy to teens, adults, families, and couples.
I eventually made the jump to opening my own private practice, Illuminated Life Therapy, where I now work with Millennial and Gen Z folks to prioritize their mental health, enhance their relationships, navigate anxiety and trauma, and support them in taking steps toward a meaningful life. I feel so grateful to be in a career that is so fulfilling and invites unique client experiences each day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been some challenging moments! Initially, starting out as a therapist prompted quite a bit of self-doubt, questioning if I was good enough, if I was meant to be in the field, or if knew enough to provide quality care to clients. As a mixed person of color, I was uncertain how I’d be a good fit to some clients knowing about stigmas around mental health for Black and Latinx communities.
While this experience, often referred to as imposter syndrome, still shows up occasionally, I’ve now learned to turn it into an encouraging reminder that I am human, I am always learning, I’m not perfect(and that’s okay), I care deeply about my client work, and as a therapist of color I get to celebrate my uniqueness and be a representation for my communities and culture, honoring that taking care of our mental health is important, and there are therapists of color out there!
Throughout my training, I moved through a handful of jobs which allowed me to learn and grow in both competence and confidence. I learned about how to be a therapist providing clinical support, but also about how to take care of myself as a therapist. Ironically, it wasn’t a priority of mine to make space to take care of my own mental health when I first started in the field – I worked long hours and had loose boundaries. There was a point where I was nearing what I felt was burnout and I knew it was time for a change. It was only within the past few years that I became truly intentional about implementing self-care and managing my time in a way that has allowed me to be present with myself, my clients, and all of my connections.
Additionally, taking the step away from a full-time role at an established group practice to begin my own journey with Illuminated Life Therapy has been such a vulnerable step filled with uncertainty but such a learning experience! They don’t teach you much about how to run a business in grad school. I was in a space where I was ready to take the ambitious step and figure all of it out. I dedicated months to researching, networking, and building my business. In addition to creating increased flexibility, it’s been so fulfilling to stand by my own values and mission as a therapist and offer quality care to Millennial and Gen Z folks working to feel emotionally empowered in their relationships. I am so grateful for all those who trust me to support them in navigating mental health challenges and work toward a more secure and fulfilled life.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Illuminated Life Therapy?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 136357) based in beautiful San Diego, California, and founder of Illuminated Life Therapy. It is my hope and mission that I can provide clients with a safe space for healing, growth, and commitment to a meaningful life for themselves and their relationships.
I have nearly 10 years of experience working in the field of mental health across populations in San Diego and throughout California. I offer mental health therapy to Adults and Teens, specializing in work with Millennial and Gen Z folks who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, boundary setting, people pleasing, and low self-esteem within relationships.
I am a dedicated Black and Latina therapist and fellow millennial committed to providing inclusive, culturally competent, and affirming care to individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities, with significant experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Creating a safe and welcoming space is a top priority for me, and I look forward the opportunity to connect with you and honor the unique aspects of your identity.
‘Illuminate’ reflects the commitment to helping clients gain new insights, hope, and confidence as they move through various aspects of their life. An illuminated life is a life full of meaning and fulfillment and one where we all get to shine uniquely. Illuminated Life Therapy aims to shed light on the emotions and challenges that may exist throughout life – within ourselves and our relationships. While difficult at times, it can be highly beneficial to allow space for our experiences to be safely and authentically acknowledged. This can pave the way for meaningful work through therapeutic approaches that best fit a client’s needs.
I understand that taking the first step towards seeking support is a courageous decision. I always welcome clients to book a free 15-minute introductory call with the intention of providing a supportive space from the very beginning and leaving space for any questions or concerns.
Regarding services, my primary population is work with Individuals, however I also offer work to Couples with communication challenges, and plan to offer group therapy services in the future. I offer virtual therapy to all California residents and walk-and-talk therapy to San Diego locals. For those engaging in Walk and Talk, it can feel nice to have the support of someone literally walking along with you on your journey, and what better place than sunny San Diego to spend some time outside?!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My partner has been such a positive support throughout all chapters, but especially as I’ve built my own business. I feel grateful for the ongoing encouragement, the celebrations, and acknowledgements from him. In busy seasons, he has been especially intentional about checking in with me, offering a helping hand, and continues to support my goals and remind me of my potential. I’d like to thank him for always believing in me and comforting me in moments of uncertainty.
I’d like to give credit to the support of my family and friends, who have been intentional about sharing my business name with their communities, rooting for me, and expressing kind words about my commitment to mental health awareness.
My gratitude extends to my clients for allowing me into some of the most private aspects of their lives; therapy is such a vulnerable space. It’s an honor to engage in this work. While I provide therapeutic guidance and support, I have learned so much from my clients and am constantly inspired by them and reminded of how sacred our experience of human connection is.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy: $185 per 50-minute session
- Couples Therapy: $200 per 50-minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: illuminatedlifetherapy.com
- Instagram: @illuminatedlife.therapy
Image Credits
Taylor Overton Photography
