What does it mean to thrive?
The heart of my practice is the very essence of equipping individuals and families to live a life where they thrive.
To thrive is a means of growth, to flourish, revive, change-state or turn.
I practice using evidence-based treatment modalities including EMDR, ERP, DBT and CBT, 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, perinatal loss, mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, family struggles, PTSD, 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 