Gissell Rodriguez,
LMFT, M.A.

San Diego-based Latina Psychotherapist Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

Gissell Rodriguez, LMFT, warm and welcoming millennial Latina therapist in San Diego, specializing in somatic therapy, trauma recovery, and couples therapy

Hello, I’m Gissell (she/her/ella)

I am a Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma recovery and relationships. Through somatic experiencing and traditional therapeutic modalities, I help people reconnect with their sense of safety, resilience, and wholeness. As a Latina Therapist, I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, supporting people throughout California from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, working professionals, entrepreneurs, and students, as well as Veterans and Active Duty Service Members. I have experience working in various therapeutic settings including community mental health, school-based services, home-based services, and private practice. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by each community and continue to inform my compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy.

My path to becoming a therapist grew out of my own lived experiences with trauma healing. These personal experiences have shown me the freedom that comes from embracing one’s story, the safety found in attuned presence, and the authenticity that emerges through self-acceptance. A deep curiosity about the internal world of others, combined with a highly sensitive heart, has guided my passion for supporting women and couples. I’m continually moved by the sacredness of the healing process—how it unfolds uniquely for each person, revealing resilience in ways we don’t always expect. This depth work energizes me, ignites me, and ultimately continues to transform me.

My Values and Commitments

In both my personal and professional life, I am committed to anti-oppressive and culturally responsive practices. I am keenly aware of how systemic injustices intersect with mental health, and I actively work to honor each client’s identity and lived experience. Valuing consent, empowerment, and client self-efficacy, I strive to provide a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported in a world where these rights are too often compromised.

I believe that doing my own therapeutic work is essential to my practice, enriching my self-awareness and ability to connect deeply with my clients. This ongoing journey enhances my presence and empathy, allowing me to offer authentic, compassionate support that is grounded in my personal and professional growth.

When I'm not in my therapist role, you’ll likely find me soaking up the outdoors (letting Mother Nature ground me), sharing laughter and connection with loved ones, exploring San Diego’s restaurant scene, moving my body through yoga, dance, or weight lifting, or curling up at home with a good book. I hold many roles close to my heart, from being the daughter of hard-working immigrants to being a wife, sister, tía, dog mom, friend, active community member, advocate, and lifelong learner. Each role enriches my life and shapes my understanding of resilience, connection, and growth—the same values I bring to my work as a therapist.

More About Me

Training/Continued Education

Somatic Experiencing (SE®) Advanced Certified, Somatic Experiencing International (2023-present)

Relational Rupture & Repair Work: A Somatic-Developmental Approach with Dr. Abi Blakeslee & Dave Berger, PESI (2025)

Healing the Body’s Response to Attachment Trauma, Dr. Peter Levine & Diane Poole Heller, Self-Study 2025

Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couple’s work, Training and Research Institute for Emotionally Focused Therapy (2023)

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training, County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services (2019-2020)

Trauma-Informed Systems, County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services (2019)

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Uplift Family Services (2019)

Affirmative Clinical Practices with LGBTQ+ Populations, County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services (2019)

Grief Counseling Training, Janet Childs/Bill Wilson Center for Living with Dying (2018)

Domestic Violence Crisis Counselor Training, Catalyst Domestic Violence Services (2015)

Degrees

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with Emphasis in Latino Counseling - Santa Clara University, 2019

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Minors in Gender & Sexuality Studies and Family Relations - CSU Chico, 2016

Education & Credentials

Licenses/Memberships

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with Board of Behavioral Sciences

Member of California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists

Member of Somatic Experiencing International (SEI®)

Proud Member of TherapyDen