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LMFT

Elissa Padilla, LMFT

  • Experience3 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Check the available next steps for working with Elissa online.

About Elissa

Elissa Padilla is an LMFT practicing in California who brings three years of direct clinical experience to her work with adults facing mood, relationship, and life-change challenges.

Background and approach

She focuses on concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, grief, addictions, parenting struggles, and the aftermath of trauma and abuse, drawing on a background that informed her interest in practical, evidence-informed approaches. Her style blends structured, present-focused techniques with deeper exploration of relational patterns and underlying feelings.

Elissa commonly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, Solution-Focused methods to set clear, attainable goals, and psychodynamic perspectives to examine recurring relationship dynamics. She aims to create an empathetic, nonjudgmental space while encouraging progress and personal insight.

Elissa works in English and offers multiple online session formats to fit different schedules. Prospective clients are invited to begin with a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to availability, using a subscription plan that can be canceled at any time.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online care

Elissa commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and attention-related difficulties. She also draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy to explore attachment and relational dynamics and to help clients build stronger emotional connections and clarity about relationship needs.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Elissa works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and presenting concerns. Together they review what feels most helpful and adapt strategies as progress unfolds.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different lifestyles and needs. These formats make it possible to access regular therapeutic support without travel, and they allow for varied ways of engaging that can complement the work of CBT and emotion-focused exploration.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
Elissa works with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, relationship and parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe the therapeutic approach and style?
The approach combines structured, goal-oriented work with deeper exploration of relationship patterns; sessions emphasize collaboration, practical strategies, and emotional insight.
What is the therapist's professional background?
Elissa has three years of clinical experience and has worked across behavioral health roles including counseling and case management before practicing as an LMFT.
Where is the therapist licensed and based?
The therapist holds the credential CA LMFT 127598 and practices in California.
Are sessions available in other languages or for international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only, and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Elissa provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; services use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesDivorce and separationForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityJealousyLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Psychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English

What Elissa can help with

Elissa Padilla works with clients on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Elissa works with teens and military.

Elissa has experience working with those impacted by substance use disorders and parenting concerns.

How Elissa approaches therapy

Elissa's clinical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Elissa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California.