Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Glendale, CA

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.

Hi, I’m Gigi — a fat-positive, queer therapist with over 15 years of experience in mental health, and a deep commitment to creating space for healing, exploration, and radical self-acceptance.

I believe therapy is for anyone seeking growth, clarity, or peace — especially those who’ve been told they were “too much” or “not enough.” I specialize in working with clients navigating identity, gender, sexuality, body image, and nontraditional relationships.

My goal is to help you reconnect with your most authentic self and build a life that feels like it belongs to you.

My work is rooted in curiosity, humility, and compassion. I draw from a variety of approaches, including CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, and attachment-based work — all through a feminist and socially conscious lens. I also recognize the complex systems of power that shape our experiences, and I aim to make therapy a collaborative space where your voice is centered and respected.

What matters most to me is that you feel seen, heard, and supported. I know what it feels like to move through the world feeling unwelcome or unseen — and I’m here to offer something different. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that no longer serve you, celebrate what makes you beautifully unique, and find ways to move forward with more confidence, self-love, and ease.

You are the expert in your life. I’m here to offer tools, perspective, and a steady hand — not to fix you, but to walk alongside you as you build the life that feels like home.

I believe that every person has the capacity to grow, heal, and create meaningful change when they feel understood, supported, and empowered. My goal is to provide a welcoming, compassionate environment where clients feel safe to explore life's challenges without judgment. I work with individuals who are seeking practical solutions, greater self-awareness, and lasting personal growth. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck! My background is rooted in working with diverse groups, including veterans, military personnel, individuals with chronic mental illness, people involved in the juvenile justice and forensic systems, and students from elementary to university level. I bring a deep commitment to cultural competency and awareness to my practice, aiming to create an environment where every client feels seen and understood. My professional journey includes roles as a supervisor at the Long Beach VA, leadership at Metropolitan State Hospital, and work in psychiatric and probation settings, giving me a broad perspective and unique insights that inform my work.

As an immigrant woman growing up in America, I have seen and personally experienced the challenges of being a minority woman. Through resiliency and perseverance, I am now the clinical director of an outpatient program at a non-profit. I have been working in the community mental health field serving low-income individuals and families for over 15 years. I specialize in trauma treatment, especially sexual trauma. I use a trauma- and cultural-informed lens to look at the issue.

I’m so glad you’re here! I provide therapy for individuals navigating life’s most challenging moments. I support individuals facing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, caregiver stress, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a supportive space where healing and self-confidence can grow.

Often times people consider engaging in therapy when life may feel unbalanced. Sometimes this may be due to emotions that are not manageable or needing support to get through challenging situations. My goal is to help you live a more authentic life that can be enjoyable and meaningful to you. I have a clinical background in supporting individuals and families who have experienced trauma, relationship challenges, or may be experiencing a current crisis that is impeding their daily life.

I believe in going beyond the belief that all we can do is manage trauma and symptoms forever. I believe our mind, body, and spirit already has the power to overcome it, we just have to learn how to tap into it and put it to use

Clients working with me can expect a therapeutic experience rooted in restorative care, cultural authenticity, and deep respect for their lived story. At Cultivating A Better Me, healing is not defined solely by symptom reduction—it is a process of rebuilding inner safety, strengthening emotional resilience, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself that deserve to be seen, honored, and supported.

My clinical foundation began at Sacramento Head Start, where I learned the profound impact of compassion, early intervention, and family‐centered support. With advanced training in Early Childhood Development and Counseling Psychology, I bring specialized expertise in disruptive behaviors, trauma‐responsive care, and expressive‐arts‐based healing.

Within my practice, clients are invited into a space where they can slow down, breathe, and explore their experiences without judgment. I integrate evidence‐based practices with creativity, narrative work, and culturally grounded approaches that honor identity, community, and personal agency.

Most importantly, clients should know that I show up with presence, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping them cultivate meaningful, sustainable change. Healing is a collaborative journey—and I walk alongside you with compassion, clarity, and support.

With over a decade of acute care experience as a Registered Nurse and a Master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental

Health Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, neurodiversity, and medication

management.

As an Asian American growing up overseas, I bring cultural considerations and my multicultural experiences into the therapy process.