Grief counselors and therapists in Vista, CA

Hi, most of my adult life has been spent working with others in the area of mental wellness. It is a passion to help others grow, learn, heal and self actualize. I am a wife, stepmother, mother and owner of 3 fur babies. Horseback riding, surfing, travel and meeting new people energize me as does a day of peace and solitude in nature.

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.

I am very honest, caring, real and genuine. Encouragement and support for their future journey.

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.

Hey there—I'm Mika, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who's here for real talk and real support for adults and teens right here in Southern California. I've spent years helping people work through tough life events like trauma, addictions, ADHD, burnout from high-pressure jobs, anxiety, depression, and rocky relationships. What I love most is seeing folks step into their strength and build the life they want—I'm here to walk that path with you, no judgment, just genuine care.

First Things First, you are here! I’m happy about that and excited to help you reach your next step in life. Having helped my clients for over 20 years now, I have a deep understanding of how to facilitate growth and will be tailoring our sessions to your personal goals and individual needs.