Book a therapist or psychiatrist in San Marcos, CA covered by Aetna

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.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California and Washington and provide outpatient psychotherapy services in-person and via telehealth. I have been licensed for approximately 1.5 years, and have 7 years of supervised clinical experience across rehabilitation clinics, community mental health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I trained under licensed psychologists before becoming licensed myself.

I work with first responders, active-duty military personnel, and veterans. These professions often involve repeated exposure to stress, uncertainty, trauma, and significant personal sacrifice, which can affect well-being, relationships, and life outside of work. My goal is to help clients navigate these challenges while also building lives that feel meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with what matters most to them.

My clinical training and professional experience include working with veterans within the Veterans Health Administration and providing trauma-focused treatment for first responders in intensive outpatient settings. Through this work, I have gained an appreciation for the unique demands associated with careers that require individuals to perform under pressure, respond to critical incidents, and regularly place the needs of others before their own. This perspective continues to inform my work with clients as they navigate challenges both on and off the job.

Marsi specializes in working with children, teens, young adults, and women who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the lingering effects of difficult life experiences. She is passionate about helping clients understand not only what they're experiencing, but why—because insight creates the foundation for lasting healing.

Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the latest research in neuroscience and trauma treatment. Marsi integrates evidence-based therapies including EMDR, attachment-based therapy, Polyvagal Theory, somatic interventions, cognitive and behavioral approaches, and play therapy to help clients regulate their nervous systems, process painful experiences, strengthen relationships, and develop greater resilience.

Whether someone is healing from childhood wounds or abuse, breaking generational patterns, navigating a major life transition, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life, Marsi believes lasting change is possible. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside each client as they rediscover hope, deepen self-understanding, and create meaningful, lasting change.

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.

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.

Through the course of my career I have primarily worked with individuals who are experiencing Depression and Anxiety, adjusting to life changes and transitions, having difficulty managing stress, and challenges with interpersonal relationships. I support healthy communication in relationships and explore parenting skills to encourage healthy family dynamics. I also work with the Deaf individuals and understand the cultural needs.

For nearly 13 years, I worked as a psychotherapist at a mens' long term substance abuse treatment program, The Fellowship Center, Inc. in Escondido California. I obtained several certifications as a drug and alcohol counselor, but I relied primarily on my training as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist to perform individual psychotherapy for residents in the treatment program.

I also have obtained training in Eye Movement Desentitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which I believe provides a robust treatment intervention for trauma. I now have 10 years experience using EMDR both in person and by telehealth with more than one hundred fifty clients.

I also have a strong interest in mindfulness and somatic interventions which I believe are essential in the integration of the treatment of both substance abuse and trauma.

In addition to trauma and substance abuse, I most frequently work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, or complex grief.

Finally, I enjoy working with clients who are struggling in the midst of major life transitions.

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

I offer a genuine, welcoming, and supportive therapeutic space, balancing warmth with a direct and honest approach to help clients create meaningful change. I strive to be understanding and collaborative, meeting clients where they are while supporting growth.

I have over five years of clinical experience working across a variety of settings, including county social programs, community mental health, pediatric hospital- Rady Children’s Hospital, and specialized group practices serving BIPOC communities and children, youth, and families. Currently, I work in a practice focused on supporting children and youth with ADHD and anxiety, as well as parents through parent coaching and family-based care.

I am trained in evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, PMT, TF-CBT, STAND, SPACE, and PCIT, and I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and strengths.