Therapy Blog
Resources to improve your mental health, increase your self-awareness, and invite growth.
Integrative Healing: Mind, Body, and Therapy in One Space
At Eunoia Wellness Studio, healing doesn’t begin and end with talk therapy. Explore how somatic work and psychotherapy come together in one calming space—what integrative care really means, how it works, and why it matters to our practitioners.
When to Refer to Adjunct, Intensive, or Standard EMDR (And Why It Can Help Your Clients Thrive)
Adjunct, Intensive, and Standard EMDR therapy options at Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates offer a flexible, collaborative way to help clients move through stuck trauma, distress, or emotional blocks — without disrupting their ongoing therapy. Learn how it works, who it’s for, and what to expect.
Inside Eunoia Wellness Studio
Take a closer look inside Eunoia Wellness Studio, a therapy office in Redondo Beach designed with calm, care, and intention. In this post, you'll learn what Eunoia means, the story behind the space, and what makes it feel different from a typical therapy office—plus a visual tour of the studio itself.
Debunking Common Myths About Individual Therapy
Therapy is often misunderstood—and these myths can keep people from getting the support they need. This blog from Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates breaks down common misconceptions about individual therapy and offers a clearer picture of what sessions are really like with a therapist in Redondo Beach.
What to Expect in Your First Individual Therapy Session
Starting therapy can feel intimidating when you don’t know what to expect. This guide walks you through what typically happens in a first individual therapy session—from scheduling your appointment to easing first-session nerves—so you can take that first step toward support with confidence.
Finding Time for Therapy
Finding time for mental health can feel impossible when life is nonstop. Between packed schedules, constant demands, and the pressure to always stay productive, therapy often ends up on the back burner. Explore why slowing down feels so hard, practical ways to find a local therapist, and how to make room for individual therapy—even in the busiest seasons of life.
Why Relaxing Feels Impossible in Adulthood
Many adults find it hard to truly relax, even during downtime. Between chronic stress, constant notifications, and an overactive nervous system, switching off can feel impossible. This post explores why relaxation is so challenging in adulthood and what factors keep the body and mind on high alert.
How to Find the Right Therapist in the South Bay
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming—but knowing where to start makes all the difference. This guide shares practical tips for searching locally in the South Bay, the best therapist directories to use, and key questions to ask before booking your first session.
When Everything’s ‘Fine’ But Doesn’t Feel Right: Signs It’s Time for Therapy
Even when life looks fine on the outside, something can still feel off. This post explores the quieter signs of emotional overwhelm that many adults experience—and why therapy can help, even without a crisis. For those navigating stress, burnout, or disconnection in adulthood, support is closer than it seems.
Feeling Behind in Your 20s? You’re Not Alone
Feeling stuck or behind in your 20s is more common than it seems. From shifting identities to pressure-filled milestones, therapy can offer space to process the uncertainty, reconnect with personal values, and move forward with greater self-trust.
How To Support Your Teen Through Big Emotions (Without Power Struggles)
Big emotions are a normal part of adolescence—but they don’t have to lead to conflict. Learn how to support your teen with calm, connection, and clear boundaries.
Teen Anxiety Is on the Rise — Here’s How Therapy Can Help
Teen anxiety is on the rise, showing up through irritability, avoidance, and physical symptoms that often go unnoticed. With the right therapeutic support, teens can better understand their emotions, build confidence, and find relief from the overwhelm.
How to Set Boundaries as a Young Adult (Without Feeling Guilty)
Saying no, asking for space, or speaking up for your needs isn’t always easy—especially when it brings up guilt or fear of conflict. This blog explores why boundary-setting is hard for many young adults and how therapy can help make it feel more doable and less heavy.
How to Know If Your Teen Needs Therapy (And What to Expect)
It’s not always easy to know when a teen is just going through a rough patch—or when they need extra support. In this post, we cover signs your teen might benefit from therapy and what counseling looks like in Redondo Beach or the South Bay.
Can Therapy Help with Perfectionism in Young Adults?
Many young adults wrestle with the pressure to be perfect—especially when high expectations collide with self-doubt, burnout, or fear of failure. This blog explores how therapy can help shift those inner patterns and build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with success.
Overcoming the Fear of Choking
Struggling with fear of choking or anxiety around food? Learn how therapy can help individuals living with pseudodysphagia rebuild trust in their body and find relief—right here in Redondo Beach.
Ch. 14 Navigating ADHD and ARFID
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.
Ch. 13 Food for Thought: Exploring Phobias and ARFID
Phobias and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) are two conditions rooted in intense anxiety, leading individuals to avoid specific situations or foods that trigger their fears. Although they share some similarities, these disorders have distinct differences in terms of triggers, symptoms, and their impact on daily life. Gaining a deeper understanding of phobias and ARFID can shed light on the experiences of those affected and pave the way for effective treatment approaches. This blog will explore the nature of phobias and ARFID, highlighting their unique characteristics and how they affect individuals in different ways.
Ch. 12 Intensive EMDR for Trauma: Healing Deep Wounds Quickly
Dealing with trauma can be a long and arduous journey, often requiring extensive therapy and support. For many, traditional therapeutic methods may feel slow and insufficient, leaving individuals yearning for quicker relief. This is where Intensive EMDR therapy comes into play. By accelerating the healing process, Intensive EMDR offers a more efficient and impactful way to address trauma. This discussion delves into the intricacies of Intensive EMDR, exploring how it works, its benefits, and why it stands out as a revolutionary approach to trauma treatment.
Ch. 11 Mapping Trauma’s Effects on the Mind and Body
Trauma has a profound impact on both the mind and body, often leaving lasting effects that can shape thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being. Understanding how trauma manifests across these different areas is essential for effective healing and recovery. By exploring the interconnected nature of trauma, it’s possible to gain insight into the ways it influences various aspects of life. This guide delves into the effects of trauma on the mind and body, providing a comprehensive view of its reach and offering strategies for managing its impact.
Ready to take the next step with your mental health?
I’d love to support you. Use the buttons below to learn more about me and get in touch for a free, confidential consultation.