CLIENT PORTAL
 

ABOUT ME

Hello and welcome!
I’m Catherine Alvarado –

As a licensed MFT and EMDR trained therapist, I support my clients in healing anxiety and past traumas so they can build a deeper relationship with themselves and experience more connection, fulfillment, and joy in their lives. 

Rooted in the belief that the mind and body are inextricably linked, our work together combines cerebral modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Interventions with body-based techniques like Somatic Experiencing and EMDR to help clients develop mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance, as well as repair energy imbalances and harmful nervous system responses created in the body from past painful events. 

MY APPROACH

MY STORY

How I discovered holistic mind-body healing.

Connection, self discovery, and authentic expression have always been really important to me. However, it wasn’t until I discovered the true power of mind-body healing for myself that I began to understand the way our mental, emotional, physical, and soul parts of ourselves are all connected. Holistic approaches to healing and therapy show us the way back to ourselves and can truly change our lives.

As a teenager and young adult I experienced some symptoms of anxiety and depression from time to time, but nothing that seemed alarming. I did well in school, got into a top graduate program, grew a successful private practice, and maintained strong relationships with friends and family. 

It was only after years of doing all those things while being in a toxic, co-dependent relationship and not taking care of myself that I began to embody and believe that I must be lazy, stuck, and broken. 

The more I believed these thoughts, the more I began to embody them. My emotional distress and panic attacks became so severe that I developed intense gut issues. I could barely eat, nothing seemed to soothe or satisfy these feelings. I became so ill that I had to take months off from work. My days were spent crying in my room, seeking safety wherever I could find it. 

During this time I experienced a deep sense of hopelessness I often hear from new clients. Pills were being pushed at me with no regard for who I was as a person, the side effects of different medications, or the root of what was coming up for me emotionally.

Eventually I was able to connect with a team of providers who were able to understand and support me as a person. Together we began healing the root causes of the distress and anxiety I was experiencing, integrating somatic-based and energetic healing modalities to heal all parts of myself. 

Knowing I had a team of support made me feel safe and secure in and out of session. Building a toolbox of resources helped me confidently and calmly navigate triggers, build new ways of being, and heal.  

Through this work I returned to the life I was wanting to live, empowered with new modalities and tools to share with my clients, and a fierce passion for sharing the power of holistic healing. 

Today, I focus on individual holistic therapy. My multidimensional approach allows me to deliver a unique, private, and personalized experience for clients to explore and empower their inner voice.

You can learn about what it’s like to work with me and the modalities we use to restore and replenish your whole self here. 

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Education:

  • BA, Psychology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles CA 
  • M.S, Counseling Psychology – Mount Saint Mary’s University CA
    • Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
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Licenses & Trainings:

  • BBS Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #108884, clinical experience completed under supervision of Dr. Kelly Mothner 
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#134744)

Fully trained in EMDR by The Institute For Creative Mindfulness, on track for full emdria.org certification 2023, consultation with Erin Kelly

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Professional Affiliations:

  • CAMFT: California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
  • EMDRIA: EMDR International Association
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Professional Development & Experiences:

    • Behavioral Health Intern, Project Touch Teen & Family Counseling, Hermosa Beach CA
    • Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee, The Ness Counseling Center, Los Angeles CA
    • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Soultenders, Arcadia CA
    • Graduate Intern, Career Services & Internships, Mount Saint Mary’s University 
    • 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 
    • Reiki Master Certification

I tend to work:

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Individuals who have tried talk therapy in the past but are ready for a more personalized, holistic approach that addresses the entire self on a mental, emotional, physical, and even spiritual level
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High-achieving, very ambitious women who despite being very aware of unhelpful patterns are still finding themselves stuck
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Teenagers and young adults experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, and/or trauma
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Highly sensitive individuals and healers looking for relief from stress, depression, anxiety, isolation, lack of confidence, or other overwhelming emotions and thoughts

WORK WITH ME

See what plan is the best for you

In-Person Therapy: Privacy At the Office To Help Get You Started

Finding peace and quiet in the midst of home life and work can be difficult. If that’s the case, therapy sessions at the office may offer the serenity and privacy you’re looking for.

Telehealth Therapy: Chatting From the Comfort of Your Home

Although you’re ready to begin therapy, you’re unable to come to the office due to distance or schedule. Telehealth may offer you the flexibility and security necessary to begin today.

Curious About EMDR but Already Working With a Therapist?

Sometimes you meet the right therapist however, they are not trained in EMDR therapy. EMDR Intensives can help further your work with your talk therapist especially if you’re feeling stuck.

 

ARE YOU READY TO WORK TOGETHER?

Schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation to get started.

INQUIRE FOR MORE DETAILS