Couples therapists in Encinitas, CA

I see therapy as a collaborative process. Together, we identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, develop healthier coping strategies, and build on your existing strengths to foster lasting change. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions, I aim to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and capable of creating the life you want.

I am Shaliss Padilla MA, LMFT, the Founder, CEO and Clinical Supervisor of group private practice MindbodyologyTM. I am also a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. In addition, I am a Holistic Psychotherapist, (or what I have coined a MindbodyologistTM), also a Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Specialist. I offer live and online support groups and workshops for survivors of narcissitic abuse and toxic relationships.

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Lead Clinician. I received my Master of Arts from Western Kentucky University have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1996 and provided services in child welfare settings involving abused and neglected children and parents who experienced addiction, trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I also have years of experience working in a private practice setting, working with teens, adults, couples and active duty military. I also specialize in treating trauma and PTSD using EMDR.

Are you are experiencing verbal and/or mental abuse from a romantic partner, a parent, sibling, friend, co-worker? Do you struggle with your own internal thoughts (e.g. "you’re not good enough”, "it's all your fault", “you are not a priority”). Maybe you’ve lost someone and you’re grieving. You are emotionally exhausted because of the pain you hide and the inability to say "no". You tell yourself the good is good but the bad is bad. You're scared and confused on what to do or how to "fix" things. These experiences create rumination, avoidance, trauma, anxiety, and more.

Hi I'm Natalie and I want to help you build a life that feels authentic and purposeful. Do you feel like you’re navigating life on autopilot, and have difficulty showing up for your work, your relationships, or yourself? You may find yourself caught in cycles of people-pleasing or seeking external validation, only to end up feeling drained and unfulfilled. If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. In our sessions, we’ll move beyond the 'what' to understand the roots of your struggle while building practical, compassionate strategies to help you reclaim your confidence and advocate for your needs.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field (12 in private practice). I work with individuals ages 3 and up, as well as couples. I am trauma informed, a certified clinical supervisor, and EMDR trained (currently not accepting EMDR patients). I hold a plethora of CEUs in mental health disorders and have owned my own practice for several years, offering in person and telehealth services.

CSUB BA Psychology 2002

CSUB Master of Social Work 2004

A lot of young men grow up getting the message that they're supposed to have it handled — keep it together, don't make it a big deal, figure it out on your own. So when anxiety, anger, low motivation, or just feeling lost starts piling up, reaching out for help can feel like the last thing they'd want to do. If that's you, or if you're a parent watching your son struggle and shut down, I get it — and I can help.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I work primarily with teenage boys and young men. I've spent years working with guys in some of the hardest settings there are — residential treatment, high-acuity programs, and intensive work helping young men take an honest look at their choices, their patterns, and who they want to become. That experience taught me how to actually connect with someone who doesn't necessarily want to be in therapy, and how to make this feel less like a lecture and more like a real conversation.

My style is warm but direct, and I don't think therapy has to be heavy or stiff to work. I'll meet you exactly where you are — no judgment, no pressure to have it figured out — and we'll get into the real stuff at a pace that feels right. I also work with adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, and figuring out who they are, bringing that same grounded, real presence to the work.

Sometimes a thoughtful conversation with the right person can make all the difference. As an experienced therapist, husband, and father, I bring both professional training and real-life wisdom to help people navigate life’s challenges. Over many years of both life and clinical work, I’ve had the privilege of helping people move through difficult seasons, gain clarity, and reconnect with their strengths. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you’re returning after time away, it’s normal to feel uncertain. Our first conversation is simply a starting point. I often work with people facing life transitions, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, seeking clarity and a practical path forward. Together, we’ll slow things down, understand what’s happening, and identify steps that help move you forward. If you are going through a difficult season, you don't have to navigate it alone.