- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-Focused work
- Addresses guilt and shame
About Elissa
Elissa Padilla is an LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California with three years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, depression, bipolar challenges, addictions, grief, parenting concerns, ADHD, and issues tied to life changes. Her profile notes a focus on guilt and shame among other concerns.
Before her current work she held roles as a counselor, case manager, and social worker within behavioral health. That background shaped her familiarity with substance use concerns, parenting struggles, and emotional trauma. She brings practical experience from community and clinical settings.
Her sessions emphasize clear methods rather than jargon. She often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to map thoughts and behaviors, Solution-Focused Therapy to set short-term goals, and Psychodynamic ideas to look at recurring patterns. Emotionally-Focused Therapy is also in her toolkit for relationship-related work.
Clients can expect straightforward conversation about what feels stuck and what small steps might help. She frames work around goals and problem-solving, and she pays attention to how past experiences affect current choices. Guilt and shame are named areas she addresses alongside attachment and forgiveness concerns.
Practical matters are part of the process. Sessions follow a plan, with room to adjust as needs change. New clients are invited to use the site matching flow to schedule an initial appointment and begin with a brief intake questionnaire.
How her approaches work in online sessions
Elissa uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is practical and often focuses on skills for managing anxiety, depression, and strong self-critical thoughts.She also draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy for relationship-related concerns and connection issues. EFT centers on identifying emotions in the moment and shifting how people respond to one another, which can help with attachment and intimacy problems.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. She will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels useful, and then try methods that match those needs. That collaborative process helps shape whether sessions emphasize skills, insight, or short-term problem solving.
The therapist's profile does not specify which online formats are used. Before booking, confirm the current session options so you know how meetings are arranged. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into busy days, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so therapy can fit alongside work, parenting, or caregiving responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, grief, parenting challenges, ADHD, and related issues such as attachment, forgiveness, and guilt and shame.
How does she approach guilt and shame in sessions?
She uses concrete methods like identifying thought patterns, setting small goals, and looking at how past experiences shape current feelings. Sessions focus on practical steps rather than abstract theory.
What is her professional background?
She has three years of direct clinical experience and has worked previously as a counselor, case manager, and social worker in behavioral health settings.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California and practices there.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know whether phone or video is offered.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button on the site, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.