Meet Marisa

photo credit: Davis Mckinney

Hello and welcome! I’m so happy you found your way here. Whether you are seeking support, connection, or simply a safe space to explore your thoughts, you are in the right place.

Like you I am many things; founder of Insightful Roots Therapy, a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, wife, mom of two, empath, intuitive helper and healer, among many other things. My passion in life is helping others live their most authentic lives.

I intimately understand both the beauty and chaos that is being human. Through my own journey I've learned that human connection is the foundation from which all growth and healing occur. Insightful Roots Therapy is built on this very wisdom. It is my goal to ensure all of my clients experience this and know that they are not alone.

My Background

I’ve always been fascinated by what shapes us—our relationships, our challenges, and the stories we carry. That curiosity led me to earn my Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento, and my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from The California School of Professional Psychology.

I began my work in community mental health, supporting individuals, couples, and families facing the kinds of stress that can impact every corner of life. Later, I worked in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where I helped clients manage symptoms so overwhelming they made even daily routines feel impossible. These experiences taught me that healing takes both compassion and practical tools and that no two journeys are the same.

Now, in my private practice, I bring together professional expertise and real-world understanding to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and deeply understood. Together, we’ll uncover what’s been holding you back, heal old wounds, and help you build a life that feels more grounded, connected, and true to who you are.

I believe you are more resilient than you realize and that with the right support, change is possible. I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you create the life you’ve been hoping for.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can share your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.

I embrace every part of you—the bright, glowing pieces and the parts that feel heavy or hidden. Just as a tree needs both sunlight and the nutrients within the soil, I believe in honoring and integrating all aspects of your being so you feel truly seen and valued.

Together, we’ll explore the narratives and root causes of your experiences, uncovering how past events, conditioning, and external influences have shaped your present. Alongside insight, I’ll offer practical tools—whether it’s coping strategies for stress, communication skills for relationships, or mindfulness practices for grounding—so you can apply what we discuss in real life.

I believe laughter can be just as healing as reflection, so when it’s appropriate, we’ll make space for humor, too. Sessions will be dynamic and adaptive—sometimes focusing on structured exercises or tangible action steps, and other times allowing for deeper, reflective exploration. My approach shifts based on what needs care most in the moment.

Marisa Ronquillo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #122594) based in Sacramento California.

My Approach

My understanding of healing comes from both years of education and my own personal journey. I believe the relationship you build with your therapist is the foundation of the work—we grow most through safe, authentic connection.

I focus on exploring the stories you’ve been told about who you are or who you “should” be. Over time, these stories can become so ingrained that they start to feel like your own voice, shaping your identity and choices. By identifying where these narratives began and releasing the ones that no longer serve you, you create space to step into your truth and experience real change.

Therapeutic influences in my work include:

  • Attachment Theory — understanding how early relationships shape patterns of connection

  • Narrative Therapy — exploring and gently rewriting the stories you tell about yourself

  • Mindfulness-Based Approaches — increasing present-moment awareness and self-compassion

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) — supporting healing from trauma through adaptive processing

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) — working with the different parts of yourself to foster integration and self-leadership

Who I Work Best With:

  • Self-reflective and curious – You’re open to looking inward, even when it’s uncomfortable, because you know that’s where growth happens.

  • Open to both insight and action – You want more than a place to vent—you’re ready for strategies and new perspectives to take into daily life.

  • Navigating life transitions – You may be in a season of change: starting or ending relationships, becoming a parent, shifting careers, or redefining what you want.

  • Feeling “stuck” in old patterns – You’ve noticed certain challenges or dynamics repeating and want to finally break free from them.

  • Seeking a balance of depth and lightness – You value a therapist who can hold space for your heaviest moments but also bring warmth and even playfulness when it’s needed.