Meet Marisa

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #136357

Hi there! I’m Marisa, the Founder of Illuminated Life Therapy. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 136357) based in sunny San Diego, California and I offer In-Person and Telehealth sessions therapy sessions to Millennial and Gen Z adults.

Do you struggle with relationship challenges that affect your day-to-day life? Do you feel overwhelmed with new connections, dating, navigating relationship conflicts, or enduring relationship changes? Do you wonder how your relationships could be better? Now more than ever, individuals are feeling challenged in building and maintaining healthy connections, letting go of unhelpful relationship patterns, and navigating relationship conflicts and changes. 

I believe there is hope for emotional security in both yourself and your relationships. I offer therapy to adults who are struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and trauma related to relationships.

My Clinical Experience involves work across ages, cultural backgrounds, and settings including: outpatient clinics, psychiatric hospitals, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and community outreach. I have been in the field of mental health for nearly 10 years, serving individuals both in-person and via telehealth. I specialize in working with Millennial & Gen Z adults who face emotional challenges including anxiety, low self-esteem, and trauma related to relationships. I work with individuals who are:

  • experiencing emotional challenges surrounding new relationships, dating, marriage, or separation

  • struggling to navigate conflicts or boundaries with romantic partners, family, friends, and acquaintances

  • navigating abusive experiences in current or past relationships and looking to develop a sense of security and control

  • facing challenges in boundary setting, people pleasing, assertiveness

  • working to understand relationship patterns, attachment, and break unhelpful cycles

  • experiencing challenges with independence in relationships, or adjusting to life after a breakup

  • navigating low self-esteem or anxiety, and wanting to show up authentically and confidently in relationships

On a Personal Level, I am a dedicated Black and Latina therapist 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.

With a background in competitive sports and participation in collegiate athletics, movement has always been a crucial part of my life. I value the connection between movement and mental health, and how our mental well-being influences both movement and performance. When clinically appropriate, I love connecting with clients about their relationship with movement and exploring how this relates to mental health.

I am continuously striving to reflect on my own values, and be mindful of how these values show up in my own actions to make life meaningful. In my free time, I enjoy running along the beach to catch a sunrise or sunset, traveling to a new destination, spontaneous picnics in the park, and am currently on the hunt for the best matcha latte in San Diego!

  • My Therapeutic Approach is a gentle, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with humor and creativity that ideally allows space for you to safely explore emotions, feel encouraged, and develop new insights. I am committed to providing thoughtful and intentional care so you feel comfortable to talk through your experiences, while showing up as your authentic self each time! When we connect, we will have the opportunity to work together to create a realistic plan for treatment approaches that best fit your needs. I am trained in the following:

    Internal Family Systems (IFS)

    Internal Family Systems, also known as IFS, is an approach that explores and works with the different "parts" within an individual's personality that can at times mimic a family dynamic. Think about those times you may have felt some sort of internal conflict “part of me wants to leave, but part of me wants to stay”, or maybe there is a self-doubting part that loves to show up every time you’re taking a step outside of your comfort zone.Those are your parts in action!

    IFS acknowledges that everyone has various internal parts with unique emotions, beliefs, and roles. The goal of IFS is to help individuals understand and harmonize these parts, creating space for increased awareness, internal balance and self-compassion.

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is an evidence-based and mindfulness-based therapeutic approach that focuses on openness and acceptance of the emotional difficulties that come with life, while committing to living in a way that aligns with one’s unique values. It encourages individuals to be present, acknowledge their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and take committed actions toward a meaningful and fulfilling life.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly referred to as CBT, is an evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT aims to help individuals develop more balanced beliefs about themselves, others, and the world, leading to improved emotional well-being.

    Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT)

    Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT is an evidence-based practice that emphasizes the development of skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It combines acceptance strategies with change-oriented skills and techniques to enhance overall emotional and interpersonal functioning.

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling - Point Loma Nazarene University

    Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology - University of California, San Diego

  • Culturally Responsive Self Awareness: Mapping Cultural and Social Identities - San Diego California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

    Racial Trauma: Assessment and Treatment Across the Lifespan - San Diego California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

    Trauma Informed Care - Discovery Behavioral Health

    Internal Family Systems - Dr. Richard Schwartz, Founder of Internal Family Systems

    Clinical Work with Young Adult LGBTQIA+ Populations - Newport Healthcare

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) - San Diego Chapter Board Member and Therapist of Color Group Facilitator

    I’ve found great fulfillment in community involvement. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with community mental healthcare programs and skilled therapists throughout San Diego county to provide resources and trainings to healthcare providers and students, as well as opportunities for therapists to connect, specifically therapists of color, so we can continue to learn and grow together, and best support clients

I understand that taking the first step towards seeking support is a courageous decision. If you are ready to get started or have any questions, I invite you to reach out, and look forward to connecting!

Let's Talk!

Professional & Clinical Testimonials

“I am so grateful Marisa came into my life when she did! She is kind, thoughtful, and knowledgable. She has helped guide me through so many challenges, and has such a wonderful, calming presence. I cannot recommend her highly enough!”

“Marisa is a fantastic clinician. Her compassionate approach is conducive to a safe and grounding experience in therapy. She brings an incredibly valuable perspective as a woman of color, an athlete, and someone who isn't afraid of humor. She is a light.”

“Marisa is a wonderful and knowledgeable colleague! I love how much she cares not only about her own clients, but how involved she is in making mental health resources accessible to everyone. Marisa is dedicated to her own growth and is such a warm, friendly therapist! I’m so grateful for her leadership.”

“I recommend Marisa as a therapist. During our time working together, I witnessed her exceptional ability to create a safe and supportive space for clients. She is deeply empathetic, insightful, and skilled in a variety of therapeutic techniques.”