Kristi Marcuson

LMFT, SEP

In-Person (Carlsbad) and Virtual Options

From the earliest time that I can remember I knew I wanted to work with matters of the heart! Attending California State University of San Bernardino provided a dual major program that equipped me with knowledge in both Psychology and Child Development. I was able to put my knowledge to practice in the classroom as I worked for three years as an early childhood educator. My students and their parents taught me so much about the resiliency of the family in overcoming obstacles of learning disabilities, bullying, and parental separation. The joy of working with little ones spurred me on through the long 8-year educational journey of attaining a BA and then a MA degree!

In my quest to understand the heart and mind, I set out to learn from the great theologians at Bethel Seminary San Diego. This was strategic in giving me a vision for coming alongside those devastated by generational poverty, drug addiction, and violence. Through these experiences I learned that kindness from one heart to another repairs the trust that is needed for healing. I anticipate many more adventures as families, couples, and teens invite me to participate in their journey toward healing!

Personally, I am a lover of family and the great outdoors! Backpacking, trail running, and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation with friends and family (preferably with a cup of coffee) keeps my soul alive and well.

Education:

  • Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy, Bethel Seminary San Diego

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino

  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Development with an Emphasis in Child Development, Cal. State University, San Bernardino

  • Completion of Focus on the Family Institute

Training & Certification:

  • Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner - Peter Levine www.traumahealing.org; 3 year certification in trauma, the autonomic nervous system and the integrated body & mind connection

  • Restoration Therapy Level 1 - www.restorationtherapytraining.com

  • Completion of Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies

  • EMDR, Trauma Recovery/ HAP’s EMDR Part 1 Training & EMDRIA Part 2 Training

  • Completion of EFT Externship

  • Emotionally Focused Family Therapy Training

  • Certified PREPARE-ENRICH Instructor

Experience:

  • Community Liaison Manager

  • San Diego Rescue Mission Children and Women’s Center

  • MFT Trainee, San Diego Rescue Mission Outpatient Counseling Services

  • Early Childhood Educator, St. John’s Lutheran Preschool