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REST • RESTORE • REPLENISH

Holistic Therapy in Redondo Beach, CA

LIFE CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING AND UNCERTAIN AT TIMES

But therapy should’nt feel that way.

THERAPY FOR KIDS, TEENS, ADULTS, COUPLES, & FAMILIES

Services

My practice offers holistic psychotherapy grounded in empathy, insight, & integrative care.

Therapy sessions are offered both in-person at EUNOIA Wellness Studio in Redondo Beach and online throughout California, provided by myself & associate therapists.

  • Ongoing individual therapy is offered by Emily and me to help you work through challenges with steady, compassionate support.

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  • Offered by Emily, couples and family therapy provides a supportive space to work through conflict, improve communication, and foster meaningful connection.

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  • My associate Emily offers play therapy to help children express themselves, explore emotions, and feel more supported in a safe, playful environment.

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  • EMDR therapy is available with me in weekly, intensive, and adjunct formats to support trauma processing and emotional healing.

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  • As an EMDR-Certified therapist and Consultant-in-Training (CIT), I offer supportive consultation for clinicians pursuing certification or looking to grow more confident in their EMDR work.

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  • I provide supervision for associate therapists working toward licensure, with specialized support for building confidence in private practice.

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Licensed Psychotherapist in Redondo Beach, CA || Catherine Alvarado, LMFT

Hi, I’m CAT.

About me.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), EMDR-Certified therapist, Consultant-in-Training (CIT), and Clinical Supervisor. I'm passionate about holistic, trauma-informed care that not only helps relieve symptoms but also supports people in rebuilding confidence within themselves and feeling more grounded in their lives. I offer a variety of therapeutic services for children, teens, and adults, along with supervision for associate therapists and EMDR consultation for those who share a commitment to compassionate, high-quality care.

I'm the co-owner of EUNOIA Wellness Studio in Redondo Beach—a warm, thoughtfully designed space where my private practice offers in-person sessions in a calm, supportive environment.

Specialties

Complex Trauma

Trauma can linger long after the danger has passed—showing up as disconnection, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty trusting others. I work with those carrying the weight of complex trauma, whether from childhood, relationships, or ongoing stress. Together, we rebuild safety, self-compassion, and a grounded connection to the present.

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Phobias & Fears

Some fears don’t look dramatic—they show up in quiet patterns, like avoiding food, scanning for illness, or feeling unsafe while eating. I work with phobias tied to swallowing, choking, vomiting, or getting sick, often layered with GI distress and overthinking. EMDR and somatic work help restore ease and body trust.

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ADHD & Anxiety

Living with ADHD or anxiety often means nonstop thoughts, emotional swings, and pressure to keep up. I support overthinkers and neurodivergent folks stuck in cycles of overwhelm or self-blame. Our work builds regulation, clarity, and rhythms that feel sustainable and aligned.

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Sensory Processing

For those with heightened sensitivity, daily life can feel like too much—too loud, too fast, too overwhelming. Whether tied to ADHD, trauma, or neurodivergence, sensory overload can lead to shutdowns or burnout. I help clients create nervous system balance, set boundaries, and feel more at ease in their environment.

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Topics

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Testimonials

  • "Catherine is one of my go-to therapists to refer to in the South Bay. She is an incredibly skilled, empathic and warm clinician who genuinely cares about each and every one of her clients. I especially love how she integrates the mind body approach into her work. She is definitely the type of therapist I would send my friends and family to knowing that they would feel really comfortable and safe in the environment that Catherine creates for all of her clients. If you are considering therapy and looking for a really solid therapist, Catherine would be the person to call!"

    – KELLY MOTHNER, PHD –

  • “Cat is a very special therapist, she is able to help her teen and adult clients with a variety of mental health issues. I have referred people to her for EMDR and they have found it incredibly helpful and healing. You would be lucky to have Cat as your therapist!”

    — STEVE WALKER, APCC, PPS —

  • “Catherine is a skilled therapist who cares deeply about the work she does with her clients. She is warm and thoughtful, and provides a space for clients to learn about themselves, challenge themselves, and grow in ways that will help them achieve their goals. I highly recommend reaching out to her if you are looking to start therapy!”

    — VICTORIA SMITH, LCSW —

  • “Cat is a very skilled and thoughtful therapist. Her demeanor is both warm and inviting, and she is deeply committed to her clients. She has extensive experience and training that allows her to give insightful guidance. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for help with their mental health.”

    — JULIE FANELLI, MSW, ASW —

  • "Catherine is a great therapist who is always striving to learn more so she can help her clients even better. She’s done many trainings and continues to get certified in other modalities. I often refer people to her as I know she is kind, caring, and focuses on a holistic approach. If you’re looking for a therapist, I definitely recommend Catherine!"

    – SABRINA FISH, LMFT –

  • "I highly recommend Cat as a therapist! She is a natural healer and a true expert when it comes to EMDR."

    – TAYLOR ADDISON, LMFT –

  • "I can't say enough good things about Cat. She is not only highly skilled and knowledgeable in her field, but she also possesses a genuine compassion and sweetness that make her stand out. From the very first session, I felt completely at ease and understood. Cat creates a warm and welcoming environment where I feel safe to express my thoughts and emotions without any judgment. Cat listens attentively and provides insightful feedback that has been key in my personal growth. Her genuine care and dedication go above and beyond, making me feel truly valued and supported. If you're looking for a therapist who is both professional and deeply caring, I highly recommend Cat. She has made a profound difference in my life."

    – PALOMA WILLIAMS, CERTIFIED EATING DISORDER COACH –

  • "Catherine is a profoundly insightful & empathic therapist. She is personable and incredibly knowledgeable. Any client of hers is in very good hands. Highly recommend!"

    – ABBY HACOHEN, PSYD -

  • "I recently had a wonderful therapy experience with Cat. She is incredibly empathetic and understanding, which made it easy to open up and discuss my feelings. Cat's approach is both professional and warm, creating a safe and comfortable environment for our sessions. Her insightful questions and thoughtful feedback helped me gain new perspectives on my challenges and develop practical strategies for managing them. Overall, working with Cat has been immensely beneficial for my mental health, and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking effective and compassionate therapy."

    - KA -

  • "Cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Cat. From our first session, I felt welcomed and understood. Her approach is both compassionate and insightful, and helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself while learning tools I could actually use to manage my anxiety. She's truly committed to her clients' individual needs and goals. Highly recommend!"

    - AV -

Reach out today.

Take the first step toward creating the life you truly want. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me—I’ll answer your questions and you can decide if I’m the right therapist for you.

therapybycat@gmail.com
P: 323.296.9846 F: 213.802.9514

220 S Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 112
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Blog
Ch. 16 Overcoming the Fear of Choking: Pseudodysphagia
Phobias, Anxiety Disorders, Therapy
Ch. 16 Overcoming the Fear of Choking: Pseudodysphagia
Phobias, Anxiety Disorders, Therapy

The fear of choking, also known as pseudodysphagia, is an intense and often debilitating phobia. Individuals struggling with this fear may experience significant anxiety when faced with the thought of choking on food, drinks, or even their own saliva. This phobia can lead to avoidance behaviors, impacting daily life and well-being. Here, we’ll explore what pseudodysphagia is, its causes, and the most effective treatment options for overcoming this fear.

Read More →
Phobias, Anxiety Disorders, Therapy
Ch. 15 How to Start Crafting Wellness in a Busy Life
Self-Care, Burnout, Work-Life Balance
Ch. 15 How to Start Crafting Wellness in a Busy Life
Self-Care, Burnout, Work-Life Balance

Today’s focus is on crafting wellness within busy lives and navigating the complexities of balancing work or school demands with the need for self-care. In today’s fast-paced society, it’s all too easy to become consumed by tasks and responsibilities, often prioritizing productivity over personal well-being. This phenomenon—marked by an overemphasis on work or school at the expense of self-care—has become increasingly normalized, but at what cost?

Read More →
Self-Care, Burnout, Work-Life Balance
Ch. 14 Navigating ADHD and ARFID
ADHD, ARFID, therapy
Ch. 14 Navigating ADHD and ARFID
ADHD, ARFID, therapy

This piece focuses on crafting wellness pathways for individuals living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It delves into the unique challenges faced by those with ADHD and ARFID, providing guidance on building personalized treatment plans and care teams that foster holistic well-being.

Read More →
ADHD, ARFID, therapy

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