Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.
— Maya Angelo

Elisa Padilla, LCSW (she/her/ella)

I worked in community based mental health clinics and this was truly where my passion for supporting the growth of others was ignited in me. I was privileged to work with people of all ages, walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. I bore witness to their evolution and increased understanding of themselves as I supported them in identifying and tending to their emotional wounds.

This work has shaped me in that it fueled my curiosity to understand the human experience through art, music and poetry. It was the fuel that led me to cultivating my own spiritual practices, then guided me to reconnect with my own ancestral practices to ground myself and cultivate a sense of wholeness.

The demands of living in our times can take a toll on me. Engaging in practices that connect me to the Earth and our animal Earth companions help me feel connected, peaceful yet invigorated. Everything talks in nature. The trees, the birds, the bees, plants. All are in dialogue, and I am ever so curious to understand what they are saying. Mindful walking and listening guide me with tuning in to this concerto.

Sometimes the journey is within, and this is when I meditate or journal. I might pull a few tarot cards to see what the Universe has to say about my query. Sometimes I feel exhilarated or sad for which music is the best remedy. When a sense of isolation engulfs me, I turn to poetry. I see you Lucille Clifton, and you too Ms. Sandra Cisneros. I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling some type of way.

Visibility is empowering, healing and necessary. This is something that I strive to bring into my sessions to support your journey. The dedicated time and space that I provide to you in your session is truly an opportunity to safely unravel with intention what needs tending to.

The vulnerability required from you to fully participate in the therapeutic process is something that I treat with reverence and humility. If this resonates with you, please reach out to explore our compatibility in working together.

My Professional Background

I have worked in community based mental health clinics that served individuals of all ages.  The age range of my clients was anywhere from children (5+), adolescents, to adults who were in their 90’s. My career path led me to working with foster youth and their families, formerly incarcerated youths, and houseless adults.

Education, Training, and Certifications

• Bachelors in Communication Studies, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles CA

• Masters in Social Work, Cal State University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Fun Facts

I enjoy communing with nature by going on nature walks and am an amateur birder. I also love reading poetry and am trying to rekindle my love of reading “real” books. I am a self-taught tarotist and use this as a tool for my own self development. I consider myself a seeker and as such, I like to learn about different faiths and spiritualities through the myths and stories of other cultures. I truly enjoy music and in recent years converted to only purchasing vinyl records. There is something truly special about the sound and experience of listening to vinyl records.

Get in contact with Elisa to book a free 15-minute consultation. Click here.