Culturally-affirming and trauma-informed therapy for couples

Specialties: communication, life transitions, disconnection, trauma, LGBTQ+, multicultural

Collaboration, curiosity, and emotional attunement are the keys to creating change.

My approach to couples therapy

Blending multiple backgrounds, lived experiences, or value systems can be both challenging and expansive. Relationships are like a mirror — sometimes they reflect back our most beautiful features and other times…well…they reflect back some harder ones.

At times, an objective outsider can be the piece that nudges things in a new, more connected and fulfilling direction.

Our work will look different depending on the goals and needs of the couple (or throuple, or more!). Some of the ways I could support you might be:

  • Deepening your understanding of each other’s vulnerabilities so you can better support each other’s healing and growth

  • Addressing past traumas or betrayals that are impacting the relationship you have today

  • Learning to communicate with each other more effectively so that differences lead to juicy conversations rather than escalating into conflict

  • Getting on the same page about what role in-laws and extended family plays in your joint life

  • Recognize, name, and transform the negative cycles you create together that create tension and conflict

My practice is client-centered, which means I honor your journey and meet you where you are. Whether your journey is about rekindling your connection and deepening intimacy, or it’s about exploring separation or a new configuration, I’ll be your ally.

  • “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 and create the loving relationships they long for. Using compassion, insight, and humor, I’ll both support and challenge you on your journey. 

Let’s chat