Elsa Quintanilla
Elsa Quintanilla
(she/her)
Hello, Welcome, and thank you for reaching out to my practice. I am a dedicated, bilingual professional (Spanish) who has been practicing psychotherapy for 19 years. I am originally from the central valley of California and I have worked with a large range of patients: adults children, adolescents; couples, and families, in various settings across the state. I consider myself a practitioner and perpetual student of depth psychotherapy, a branch of therapy that incorporates the entirety of the person, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I am currently accepting patients. I hold a bachelor’s degree in social work, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of San Francisco, and four years of doctorate training through Pacifica Graduate Institute in in-depth psychotherapy. I also hold an expressive arts certificate through John F. Kennedy University and I have extensive training as a domestic violence and batter counselor through the Marjorie Mason Center.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session, clients can expect to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth that transcends mere dialogue. It begins with a compassionate space, where their experiences, struggles, and aspirations are not just heard but deeply understood. With genuine empathy, I aim to establish a soulful connection that goes beyond surface-level interactions. This connection forms the foundation upon which trust can flourish, allowing for a genuine exploration of the mind and soul. Together, we delve into the depths of their psyche, exploring thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior. Through evidence-based techniques and the wisdom of depth psychotherapy, we unravel layers of complexity, seeking insights and understanding that resonate on a profound level. Clients can anticipate a safe environment where vulnerabilities are honored and celebrated as opportunities for growth. They are encouraged to engage authentically, knowing that every step of the journey is met with compassion and respect. In this initial session, clients may find themselves experiencing a sense of relief as they begin to unpack their burdens. They may also feel challenged as they confront aspects of themselves that have long been hidden or ignored. Yet, through this process, they will discover the transformative power of genuine connection and the potential for profound healing and self-discovery.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I know that therapy can feel intimidating, so I commend you for taking this first step toward a better you. Before applying any therapeutic intervention I believe that trust needs to be built for any change to occur. My hope is that I can be part of your journey and support you in navigating life’s challenges.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
The Patients I am best positioned to serve are those who are open and ready to embark on a journey of profound self-discovery and healing. They are individuals who recognize the importance of addressing not only surface-level symptoms but also the deeper underlying causes of their struggles.
About Elsa Quintanilla
I identify as
Specialties
Serves ages
Licensed in
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Psychodynamic
My experience with psychodynamic therapy is rooted in a deep respect for how our early relationships and unconscious patterns shape our current emotional lives. I use this approach to help clients explore underlying themes, unresolved conflicts, and internal narratives that may be influencing their present-day struggles. I believe that by making the unconscious conscious, clients gain greater insight and the opportunity to experience meaningful change. At the same time, I take an eclectic stance—drawing from various modalities depending on what best supports the client in the moment. This flexibility allows me to meet people where they are, whether they benefit from cognitive restructuring, somatic awareness, or parts work, for example. Expressive arts are a vital part of my practice as well. They offer a powerful, non-verbal way to access feelings and stories that may be difficult to articulate with words alone. I often integrate creative tools like drawing, movement, or guided imagery to help clients explore emotions, process trauma, or gain clarity. I believe that together, these approaches create a therapeutic space that is insight-oriented, flexible, and deeply creative allowing for both emotional depth and personal empowerment.