In-person & online across california

Catherine Alvarado

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist 134744, EMDR Certified Therapist, Consultant-in-Training (CIT), Clinical Supervisor, & Co-Founder of EUNOIA

call me cat

About me.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and EMDR-Certified practitioner, I specialize in holistic healing and compassionate care. I am the Co-Owner of Eunoia Wellness Studio, where my practice is based in Redondo Beach, CA, and proudly serves clients across California.

    • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) - CA License #134744

    • BBS Approved Supervisor - Board of Behavioral Sciences

    • EMDR Certified Therapist – EMDR International Association

    • Consultant-in-Training – EMDR International Association

    • Certified Reiki Master – Maggie Gold Inner Wellness

    • Certified Skylight Therapist – Skylight Psychedelics

    • B.A., Psychology – Loyola Marymount University, CA

    • M.S., Counseling Psychology – Mount Saint Mary’s University, CA. Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy

    • Clinical Supervision: Foundations - Therapist Development Center

    • Flash Technique Certification – The Flash Technique (FT)

    • Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Training – Skylight Psychedelics

    • EMDR Basic Training - Institute for Creative Mindfulness

    • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

    • EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

    • Co-Owner & Founder of Eunoia Wellness Studio, Redondo Beach, CA

    • BBS Approved Clinical Supervisor, Board of Behavioral Sciences

    • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Private Practice, Redondo Beach, CA (formerly in Hermosa Beach, CA)

    • Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, completed supervision under Dr. Kelly Mothner, Hermosa Beach, CA

    • Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Soultenders, Arcadia, CA

    • Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee, The Ness Counseling Center, Los Angeles, CA

    • Graduate Intern, Career Services & Internships, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, CA

    • Student Activities Assistant, Office of Student Activities, Otis College of Art and Design

    • Operations Manager, Student Health and Wellness Center, Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, CA

    • Behavioral Health Intern, Project Touch Teen & Family Counseling, Hermosa Beach, CA 

Psychology Today Badge
EMDR International Association, EMDR Certified Therapist badge.
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) logo, Professional Membership.
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) logo, Professional Membership

You’re in the right place.

Here to help you reconnect with yourself, discover your inner truth, and express yourself authentically.

After facing personal struggles with anxiety, panic, and emotional distress, I came to understand that true healing requires going deeper than simply analyzing the problem. Holistic EMDR Therapy is at the heart of my work. As my primary modality, EMDR allows us to metabolize distress where it's held—mentally, emotionally, and physically. By targeting root experiences and the body’s responses to them, this method helps shift deeply embedded patterns and support lasting relief.

My approach

Methods & Modalities

To strengthen the mind-body connection and deepen the healing process, I integrate a range of complementary approaches. These commonly include:

  • Attachment Based Therapy

  • Strengths Based Therapy

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Gestalt Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Somatic Experiencing (SE)

  • Mindfulness Practices

  • The Flash Technique (FT)

  • Play & Art Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Person-Centered Therapy

Specialties

Complex Trauma

I’ve always been drawn to the quiet, layered ways trauma shows up—through disconnection, self-doubt, or a sense that the past is still happening. My work with complex trauma is paced and collaborative, honoring the body’s wisdom while building trust and safety over time. Whether someone is processing early attachment wounds or navigating years of survival mode, I hold space for the small shifts that lead to lasting change.

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Phobias & Fears

This work often begins in the body—tight throats, nausea, racing thoughts that spiral before a meal or social event. I’ve supported many clients through fears tied to swallowing, vomiting, choking, illness, or food itself, often in connection with GI distress and hypervigilance. My approach blends EMDR, somatic awareness, and compassion-based tools to reduce avoidance and help re-establish a sense of safety and autonomy.

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ADHD & Anxiety

I understand how exhausting it is to live in a mind that never turns off—especially when paired with the pressure to perform, hold it together, or feel “normal.” I work with overthinkers, highly sensitive people, and neurodivergent clients to explore the patterns behind their anxiety. Our work focuses on self-trust, nervous system care, and rewriting the story that it’s all just “too much.”

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Sensory Sensitivity

Working with highly sensitive and neurodivergent folks has deepened my understanding of how the world can overwhelm the nervous system. Sensory sensitivity isn’t “too much”—it’s an intelligent response to a world that often asks for too little attunement. I support clients in understanding and honoring their sensitivities while developing strategies to feel more resourced, regulated, and grounded in their day-to-day lives.


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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 -

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.

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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.

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ADHD, ARFID, therapy

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