Elena Harris (she/her), M.A., PhD Candidate
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #143593
Supervised by Yamilka Urquiza-Mendoza, PSYD, LMFT112227
Spoken Languages: English and Russian
Education
Elena is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and is currently completing her Doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy at Alliant International University.
Training
Elena’s professional experience in the field of psychotherapy includes working with individuals, couples, and families of various backgrounds at a community clinic, intensive inpatient and outpatient clinics, and a private practice in San Diego County. She offers couples therapy to address communication difficulties, intractable conflict, and infidelity. In addition to traditional couples therapy, she offers premarital counseling, discernment therapy, therapy for ethically non-monogamous couples, and divorce counseling. Elena also provides family therapy to families with school-age children (9-year-old and older), adolescents, and adult children. She works with multi-generational, nuclear, poly, and blended families and families navigating difficulties with life transitions, separation, or divorce. Elena offers LGBTQIA+ affirming support and culturally sensitive care.
Specialization
Elena has received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Trauma Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She also has experience with other modalities, including Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, integrative therapy, and feminist therapy. Elena’s clinical and research interests are currently focused on couples who have been affected by infidelity. She works from a strength-based, value-informed perspectives, helping clients rediscover resilience, love, and connection. Elena brings empathy, humor, and curiosity into her sessions, creating a space where clients can be real, feel heard, and begin to recover.
Approach
Elena’s approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in acceptance and compassion. She believes that healing happens in the context of a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship, and her goal is to create that space for her clients. Elena helps her clients build deeper understanding, greater emotional security, and stronger bonds with their loved ones.
Direct Contact
If you’d like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact Elena via email at eharris2@alliant.edu or by phone at (619) 786-0503.