Hello there! I am Cristina Trette, though most people call me Crissie. My passion lies in helping others create thriving relationships and joyful families. I specialize in couples therapy and am dedicated to helping couples transform their relationships through therapy, intensives, and workshops based on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. These services are designed to cultivate lasting change while deepening connection and love. Whether you want to renew your romantic relationship, develop communication skills, or seek support during a relationship crisis, I am here for you.

In my work with couples, I guide partners to communicate effectively, strengthen their bond, and revitalize intimacy. I place great importance on addressing both emotional and sexual connection within couples therapy. Many couples seek my guidance during critical moments in their relationships. Their difficulties may arise from ongoing communication breakdowns, the painful discovery of infidelity, a breach of trust, discussions of divorce, or extended periods of conflict or tension. I am fully committed to assisting couples as they navigate these challenging circumstances and see relationship difficulties as profound opportunities for healing and growth.

My approach is characterized by warmth, compassion, and a focus on the healing power of attachment and the nervous system. At the same time, I am a directive therapist. I challenge my clients to create the relationship they desire and encourage them to take responsibility and make forward movement. I support my clients in engaging in deep emotional processing and provide practical tools that can be applied to everyday life.

My qualifications include a Master of Arts degree in Marital and Family Therapy and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, both from the University of San Diego. I have extensive training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, including the EFT Externship, Core Skills, Infidelity Recovery, Trauma, and Violence. I have actively served on the Board for the San Diego Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy for six years and currently serve as the Mentorship Chair on the Board for the San Diego Chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization Accelerator.

I have a particular interest in working with executives, business owners, and entrepreneurs. I understand the stresses that can impact the relationships of high performers and serve as a guide to help bolster their love and family life. My clients include those in traditional marriages, non-traditional relationships, open marriages, blended families, and complex family dynamics. I hold an accepting stance toward all relationships and family structures in their diverse forms. I also have a special interest in working with couples who are parents.

I have professional training in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and maintain certification in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International. I am certified in Susie Walton's Joy of Parenting and am a Registered Course Facilitator of Robyn Gobbel's "Being With: A Course for Parents of Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors." Furthermore, I have successfully completed the Co-Parenting Specialist Certification offered by Mosten Guthrie.

Prior to opening my practice, I provided therapy in diverse settings, including High Tech High Schools, residential trauma and addiction recovery, and a private therapy practice located within The Soul of Yoga. When I'm not with clients or running the practice at Integrative Couples Therapy, you’ll find me enjoying activities like hiking, yoga, surfing, and cherishing moments with my life partner and our children.