Professional Development Consultations
for Therapists & Graduate Students
Now Offering: Private Practice Startup Consultations
Are you a therapist or grad student with questions about private practice? Do you ever come across therapist profiles or businesses and wonder how they did it, or feel overwhelmed about where to start? If so, you’re in the right place!
I’m Marisa Padilla, LMFT and Private Practice Owner, and I offer consultations designed to provide you with clarity and insight for your own private practice journey. Whether you’re looking for answers based on my experience, or want to hear about my real-life journey of building my private practice from the ground up, I’m here to thoughtfully answer your questions to help you make informed decisions for your private practice.
Starting or transitioning into private practice can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you’re unsure about where to start, have a lot of questions, or even feel uncertain, I’ve been there, and I’m here to help! I offer one-on-one consultations designed for therapists looking to navigate their next steps in private practice with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. My consultations are guided by your questions and curiosities about my experience, strategies, private practice successes & flops, and more. AND… I can definitely relate to the “I don’t even know what questions to ask” experience, so I’ve provided you with examples of common consultation topics before our virtual call.
This isn’t about telling you what to do—it’s about giving you the space to explore options with the guidance of someone who’s been there- because, let’s face it, there are SO MANY paths to building a private practice in this field. Whether you're just getting started in the field, a recent grad, considering going part-time or full-time private practice, or simply curious about the process, these consultations can provide you with beneficial insights to set a strong foundation for your practice. And I hope it get’s to be empowering for you. So, let’s get started!
Ready to Book? Bring your questions, and we’ll dive into the specifics that matter to you. I’ll provide practical, honest answers to help you find what works best for you!
30-Minute Consultation: $100 per meeting
Ideal for quick questions or focused discussions on one to two topics like an overview of steps I took to get started, how I approach social media & marketing, how I defined my niche, or just hearing about my path as a therapist. Book your 30-Minute Consultation here.
1-Hour Consultation: $200 per meeting
A comprehensive, in-depth consultation covering a wider range of topics and more extensive Q & A.
Perfect for therapists ready to dive into multiple topics or have a lot of questions ready. Book your 1-Hour Consultation here.
*please email me at marisa@illuminatedlifetherapy.com if you do not see a time that works for you on the booking page and wish to connect
About Marisa
Hi, I’m Marisa! I’m a Black and Latina therapist who is deeply passionate about helping others. My journey into private practice wasn’t without its challenges—I had plenty of worries and fears about stepping out on my own. Like many therapists, while I was hesitant to take the step into private practice, I realized it was the change I needed to support my life and family goals— and even my mental health, in the long run.
It took time to push past the discomfort and uncertainty, but once I got clear on what steps I needed to take, I was able to show up as a better human and clinician, creating a practice that allows me to work with clients I deeply care about and align with, while also living a life that aligns with my values and goals.
In the process, I’ve found a lot of joy in not only the client work, but also connecting with other therapists through consults and sharing about everything I’ve learned and wish I knew when I first started out. I want to help other therapists feel empowered to gain confidence in professional development, and take that step into private practice—whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow your practice. I’ll share the strategies that worked for me, so you can confidently step into your own private practice journey. Looking forward to connecting!