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 help Gen Z and Millennial adults navigate relationship anxiety, dating insecurity, people-pleasing, trauma, and self-worth challenges so they can feel more confident, secure, and grounded in their relationships. For the past 5 years I’ve specialized in supporting young adults who feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, low self-worth, fear of rejection, difficulty speaking up about their needs, or unhealthy relationship patterns.

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.