What does it mean to thrive?
The heart of my practice is the very essence of equipping women to live a life where they thrive.
To thrive is a means of growth, to flourish, revive, change-state or turn.
I practice using modalities including CBT, DBT, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (mind-body), and IFS. All while cultivating hope through a strengths-based approach.
Over the years I have had experience working with a broad range of issues including eating disorders, body image, grief and loss, PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, family struggles, and crisis intervention.
Work History
Outside of Thrive Practice, I was a Clinical Advisor for Center for Discovery Del Mar Outpatient treatment center where I supported the NeuroCenter and provided Neurofeedback and EMDR to clients with eating disorders. Prior to my advisor role I was the Southern California Regional Director for Center for Discovery Outpatient, one of the top leading national eating disorder treatment center organizations. I oversaw and managed eating disorder outpatient Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) in Southern California.
Prior to my Regional position, I worked as a Primary Therapist and later moved into a Program Director position with Discovery. In these roles, I provided individual, family and group psychotherapy to adolescents and adults where I specialized in treating eating disorders and dual diagnosis.
During my graduate studies, I worked for San Diego Hospice as a bereavement counselor, providing psychotherapy to individuals and families through their bereavement journeys. While also working for the San Diego Police Department as a Crisis Interventionist for several years, offering psychological first-aid to victims and witnesses who have experienced trauma. Additionally, serving as a volunteer Chaplain for the Office of Emergency Services of San Diego County, providing counseling services to first-responders and victims in emergency situations. Lastly, serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate with Voices for Children, working with San Diego County’s foster youth.
Education Background
I obtained my Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in San Diego, California. I also hold undergraduate degrees in Communication Studies and Psychology with a minor in Civic Leadership.
Certifications and Trainings
EMDR Trained • Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) education course training • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Relationship Violence Assessment & Response Specialist • Level 1 Clinical Training Gottman Method Couples Therapy • San Diego Police Department Crisis Intervention Academy • Assisting Individuals In Crisis, Critical Incident Stress Management • Pastoral Crisis Intervention, Critical Incident Stress Management • Advocate University, Voices for Children • Sand Tray Therapy Training • Grief and Loss Training, San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care, Grief Education Care Center
CA License 96867
Cyndi Pulsinelli, LMFT 