ELLIE Busalacchi
OWNER/DIRECTOR
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #124766
Doctorate of Psychology (psyd) Candidate
Contact Info: Ellie@cultivatesandiego.com or 619-786-5864
“Why now?”
This is a question I always begin with. Yes, it is such a simple question, yet I often find that the source that maybe drove you to search for a therapist is just hitting the surface of what actually lies underneath. Most people are unaware of what ignites their day-to-day emotions/behaviors. For example, individually, we may continually find ourselves in self destructive behaviors or dysfunctional relationships and wonder why or how we ended up here again. Maybe you are continually finding yourself coming in and out of depression, or having anxiety and wondering where it’s coming from. Relationally, we may find ourselves having the same arguments over and over, or pulling away/seeking love and attention in our closest relationships, but once again wonder why we continue to fall into these same patterns. Have you ever asked yourself – “Why do I/we keep ending up here?”
This is where I come in. At the age of 10 (yes, 10!), I knew I wanted to be a therapist. My first encounter with the therapist-patient relationship occurred at the age of 10. This was the only time I felt seen, heard, and able to voice my needs in the safe space I grew to love, my therapist’s office. Through my own therapeutic work throughout my childhood-adolescence, I instantly fell in love with the therapeutic process and knew my lifelong journey would lead to me being a therapist myself.
Through intuitive, and empathic listening, warmth, and most importantly compassion, I will support you in gaining more insight into the ways in which you uniquely operate. As a therapist, it is my pure joy to walk alongside my clients as they navigate through their vulnerabilities and underlying belief systems that prohibit them from living a life of authenticity and fulfillment. Vulnerability, with yourself or others, presents an opportunity to grow in deeper self-awareness, heightened relationship intimacy, and overall life fulfillment.
I utilize a Humanistic, client-centered approach, integrating Attachment Theory. I have in depth training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and pull from techniques within The Gottman Method approach to couples therapy.
I am truly honored to be in the presence of someone's journey, finding home in themselves.
Therapeutic Focuses:
-Individuals, couples, women between the ages of 20-40
-Self insight, self awareness & self compassion
-Attachment styles and needs
-Interpersonal communication & connection
-Boundary work
-LGBTQ+ (specialty in bisexuality) individuals and relationships
-Consensual non-monogomy/polyamory
-EMDR Part I & II trained - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
EDUCATION
2017- Current: Doctor of Psychology in Marital & Family Therapy (PsyD), Alliant International University
M.A, Marriage and Family Therapy, Alliant International University
B.A, Psychology & Women’s Studies, Loyola Marymount University