About Lisa

Hello, I'm Lisa Klipfel, LMFT, and I'm honored to walk alongside individuals, children, adolescents, and families as they navigate life's challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

I believe that therapy is most effective when clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and resilience. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, parenting challenges, trauma, or concerns around food and body image, I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgment.

I enjoy working with clients across the lifespan and tailor therapy to meet each person's unique needs and goals. With children, I incorporate play and art therapy to help them express emotions, develop coping skills, and build confidence in ways that are engaging and developmentally appropriate. For adolescents and adults, I draw from evidence-based therapeutic approaches while emphasizing self-awareness, emotional wellness, and practical tools for everyday life.

I also have a special interest in helping clients heal their relationship with food and their bodies through an Intuitive Eating, non-diet approach. Together, we work to reduce shame, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion and trust in the body's natural wisdom.

My goal is to provide a warm, welcoming environment where clients feel empowered to overcome obstacles, strengthen relationships, and create lives that reflect their values. I view therapy as a partnership, and I am committed to supporting you with empathy, respect, and authenticity throughout your journey.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. I look forward to helping you and your family move toward greater healing, balance, and well-being.


Being in south Orange County, Lisa serves San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel and Laguna Hills. Lisa's office is a block from the beach along PCH. She also offers virtual therapy to those that reside in California. 

Trainings Provided
2019 - International Dyslexia Association, Portland, OR
2012- Anxiety Management for Preschoolers
2012- 5 Easy Steps for Therapists to Incorporate Technology into their Practice

Published Articles
Book Review: Child Development and Executive Functioning, CALAPT Newsletter, Jan 2014
Treating Young Children with Anxiety, CALAPT Newsletter, Dec 2013
Book Review: Child Development and Executive Functioning, CALAPT Newsletter, Jan 2014
Treating Young Children with Anxiety, CALAPT Newsletter, Dec 2013
Book Review: Child Development and Executive Functioning, CALAPT Newsletter, Jan 2014
Treating Young Children with Anxiety, CALAPT Newsletter, Dec 2013
Dyslexia in the Therapy Room, March 2020, CAMFT's Therapist Professional Magazine
Book Review: Child Development and Executive Functioning
, California Association of Play Therapy Newsletter, Jan 2014
Treating Young Children with Anxiety, California Association of Play Therapy Newsletter, December 2013

Book Review: Child Development and Executive Functioning, CALAPT Newsletter, Jan 2014
Treating Young Children with Anxiety, CALAPT Newsletter, Dec 2013
Ask the Expert: Bck-to-School Anxiety, August, 2013, Parenting OC Magazine.
Teaching Very Young Children Deep Breathing Techniques for Anxiety Management. 2012. www.RealPsychSolutions.com

Volunteer Positions
Officer for Orange County Chapter of California Association of Play Therapy, 2013 President-Elect, 2014 President, 2015 Immediate-Past President).
Community Liaison, San Clemente Therapists Group, 2012-5.
CAC Member, 2012-2015, Special Education Committee Advisory Committee to Capistrano Unified School District.

Training Attended (Much more attended than can be listed)
AI in Mental Health, CAMFT, March 2026
Working with Families Impacted by ICE, CAMFT Feb 2026 
Polyvagal Theory, CAMFT, Feb 2025
Intuitive Eating Certification, 2023. Original Intuitive Eating Pro.
Weight-Inclusive Nutrition and Diet (WIND) conference, 2022, 20 CEUS
Accanto Health Eating Disorders training (assessment, eating disorders) 8 hrs, 2022-2023
Intro to Trans and Non-binary, CAMFT, 2023
Grief and Divorce (Play therapy), CALAPT, 2023
Suicide Assessment, CAMFT, 5 CEU
Implicit Bian and Racial Microaggressions, CAMFT, Black Minda Matter, 2 CEU
LGBT, CAMFT 2019, 2 CEU
Sandtray, CAMFT, 2019
The Gut-Brain Connection, Institute for Natural Resources, 6 CEU
Deconstructing gender mental health, non-binary gender therapy, CAMFT 2020
Play Therapy and Attachment, Jan 2015, CALAPT
International Dyslexia Assoc, annual conference, Nov 2014
Using Play Therapy with those Grieving, July 2014
Orton-Gillingham Technique I-III, Jan-April, 2014, Dyslexia Training Institute, USD
Sandplay Therapy, 6 hrs, Jan, 2014, CALAPT
Assessment for Infants and Toddlers, 5/3/13, CALAPT
Mindfulness Techniques for Children, 5/3/13, CALAPT
Treatment for Children who have Experienced Trauma. 5/4/13, CALAPT
Understanding the Technology Issues in Families, 5/4/13, CALAPT
Appsolutely Amazing Apps for Special Education 3/14/13, TASK
Play Therapy with Teenagers, Jodi Smith, Feb 2013, CALAPT
Child Parent Relationship Therapy, 1/26/13, CALAPT
Play Therapy Techniques with Teens, Scott Riviera, Oct 2013, APT
Techniques for Self Mutilation Issues, Oct 2013, APT


Lisa is accepting new clients.