Therapy for 20s & 30s folks navigating relationship anxiety, breakups, people-pleasing, and dating insecurity so they can feel more confident and secure in their relationships
Serving adults in San Diego and virtually across California
Currently offering Virtual Therapy and In-Office Therapy(waitlist) for adults 18+
Accepting New Clients Beginning September 8th, 2026!
Serving those navigating:
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Relationship & Dating Anxiety
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Anxious Attachment & Insecurity
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Breakups & Relationship Loss
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People-Pleasing & Boundaries
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Relationship Trauma
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Self-Worth & Self-Trust
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Racial & Cultural Identity
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Life Transitions (20s & 30s)
Marisa Padilla, LMFT
Welcome! My name is Marisa (pronounced Muh-Ree-Suh), and I am the Founder of Illuminated Life Therapy. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 136357) based in beautiful San Diego, California. I work with folks in their 20s and 30s who tend to overthink relationships, struggle to trust themselves, and worry that speaking up or having needs could threaten connection. Therapy can help you understand your patterns, communicate more confidently, set boundaries, tolerate uncertainty, and make relationship decisions based on what matters to you.
My approach is warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive, integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I offer virtual therapy across California and in-person sessions in San Diego through my private pay practice.
Therapy with me is a space to better understand yourself, build security within yourself, and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Whether you prefer the convenience of Telehealth (online therapy) or the traditional In-Office session, let’s work together to prioritize your mental health, enhance your relationships, and support you in taking steps toward a meaningful life.
The Post-Breakup Guide: Healing, Rebuilding & Owning Your Next Chapter
A 10 Part Course to Moving Forward After a Breakup. A therapist-created guide and video course designed to help you navigate your breakup, process difficult emotions, rebuild self-worth, strengthen boundaries, and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
The Post-Breakup Guide is here!
A therapist-created guide and video course designed to help you navigate your breakup, process difficult emotions, rebuild self-worth, strengthen boundaries, and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
Listen up!
Marisa speaks on Trust & Thrive Podcast with host Tara Montazeri, discussing all things 20s & 30s! Check it out here:
Specialized Populations:
