Compassionate, culturally-affirming and trauma-informed therapy for individuals

Specialties: relationship struggles, LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, identity, trauma

The invisible forces that shaped you started before you were even conceived. These forces are personal — the lived experiences of your ancestors, the homes you grew up in, the educational environments you studied in and the people all around you. And these forces are also systemic — the cultural, social, and economic systems you live in. Change and healing begins when you start understanding how all these environments have uniquely shaped you and learning to have compassion for yourself — insecurities, wounds, and all.

I specialize in listening for the stories and defenses that have become harmful instead of helpful. Once upon a time, these stories helped you to make sense of the pain and difficulty in your life, but now they are limiting your ability to feel connected and alive. By bringing these defenses forward into the light, we become actively involved in the process of bridging old ways of relating with a new awareness. This deeper awareness may already come out in your dreams, creativity, play, or your sexuality. In therapy, we will work to support and nurture this budding awareness by using the therapist/client relationship to focus on your experience of the world while looking into ways to challenge unhelpful stories and patterns. You will gradually notice a relaxing of your self-judgment, a strengthening of your sense of self, and a deepening of your relationship with others.

In addition to supporting people in transforming experiences of trauma, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues, I also support individuals with the following:

  • Learning to move from reactive to responsive and find greater freedom of choice in stressful situation

  • Healing a harsh self-critic and working towards more confidence and self-compassion

  • Exploring your sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or relationship structure

  • Navigating life transitions and endings (e.g., career, relationships, health)

  • Unlearning toxic relationship dynamics.

  • Establishing healthy boundaries with your partner(s), family members, and friends

  • Overcoming imposter syndrome , exhaustion, and burnout

I’m here to meet you wherever you are on your journey and support you every step of the way.

I blend compassion with insight so you can dive into self-exploration without judgement and cast off whatever is holding you back.

My Approach

  • “Luisa’s calm and grounded energy helps me feel safe to explore things that feel too scary to dive into on my own.”

    — D, Coaching Client

  • "Having a space that’s all for me every week makes me feel more peaceful and confident. My partner and I are having conversations we’d never been able to have before, I’m learning to voice my needs and set boundaries, and I’m finally learning how to relate to my anxiety in a way that feels healthy."

    — R, Coaching Client

  • "Luisa got me through a really tough break-up. I thought my ex was the problem, but she helped me understand my own relationship patterns, where they come from, and to be able to sit with my feelings instead of turning to drugs or running away."

    — H, Coaching Client

Hi, I’m Luisa.

I’m an Oakland-based couples and individual psychotherapist. I bring together traditional talk therapy with mindfulness and somatic practices to help clients reconnect with their authentic selves. Using compassion, insight, and humor, I’ll both support and challenge you on your journey. 

Let’s chat