Therapy Blog

Resources to improve your mental health, increase your self-awareness, and invite growth.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Self-Care, Burnout, Work-Life Balance Catherine Alvarado Self-Care, Burnout, Work-Life Balance Catherine Alvarado

Ch. 15 How to Start Crafting Wellness in a Busy Life

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?

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ADHD, ARFID, therapy Catherine Alvarado ADHD, ARFID, therapy Catherine Alvarado

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.

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therapy, ARFID, Phobias Catherine Alvarado therapy, ARFID, Phobias Catherine Alvarado

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.

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therapy, trauma & stress Catherine Alvarado therapy, trauma & stress Catherine Alvarado

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.

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therapy, trauma & stress Catherine Alvarado therapy, trauma & stress Catherine Alvarado

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.

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therapy, anxiety disorders, EMDR Catherine Alvarado therapy, anxiety disorders, EMDR Catherine Alvarado

Ch. 10 How Intensive EMDR Therapy Can Transform Anxiety Treatment

Intensive EMDR therapy provides a focused approach that targets the root causes of anxiety by processing traumatic memories and reshaping how they’re stored in the brain. Unlike standard EMDR, which typically takes place once a week, intensive sessions can span several consecutive days, allowing for deeper immersion in the therapeutic process. This format is particularly beneficial for individuals who have struggled with chronic anxiety and are looking for immediate relief, as it addresses both the emotional and physical aspects of anxiety in a holistic manner.

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therapy, phobias, anxiety disorders Catherine Alvarado therapy, phobias, anxiety disorders Catherine Alvarado

Ch. 9 Emetophobia: Fear of Vomiting Demystified

For many, the thought of vomiting may evoke feelings of discomfort or disgust. But for those living with emetophobia, vomiting is not just a passing concern—it’s a relentless source of anxiety that can significantly impact daily life. This installment explores emetophobia, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, and provides insights for overcoming this debilitating fear.

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therapy, EMDR Catherine Alvarado therapy, EMDR Catherine Alvarado

Ch. 8 The Science Behind EMDR Therapy: How Eye Movement Desensitization Works

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy has gained significant recognition as an effective treatment for trauma and related mental health issues. But what is the science behind this unique therapy? This installment explores how EMDR therapy works, the role of eye movements, and the latest research supporting its effectiveness.

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therapy, anxiety Catherine Alvarado therapy, anxiety Catherine Alvarado

Ch.7 Living in an Anxious Body

Anxiety is a complex and multifaceted experience that can manifest in various ways, often extending beyond the realm of conscious thought. While traditional notions of anxiety may focus on cognitive symptoms such as racing thoughts or excessive worry, the somatic aspects of anxiety—the sensations and reactions felt in the body—are equally significant and worthy of exploration.

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EMDR, therapy Catherine Alvarado EMDR, therapy Catherine Alvarado

Ch.6 EMDR Therapy vs. Traditional Talk Therapy: Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to addressing mental health issues such as trauma, anxiety, or depression, therapy is a crucial component of the healing process. Two popular approaches are EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and traditional talk therapy. But how do these therapies differ, and how do you decide which is right for you? In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between EMDR therapy and traditional talk therapy to help you make an informed decision about your mental health treatment.

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therapy Catherine Alvarado therapy Catherine Alvarado

Ch.5 How To Reframe Your Awareness in Therapy

It’s not uncommon for individuals to feel that their level of self-awareness might somehow hinder their progress in therapy. Perhaps you’ve been told that you’re “overthinking things” or “too analytical” for traditional therapy approaches. But does this mean therapy isn’t for you?

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anxiety, EMDR Catherine Alvarado anxiety, EMDR Catherine Alvarado

Ch.4 Top 5 Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Anxiety and Stress Relief

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety and stress can feel overwhelming, impacting every facet of our lives. Fortunately, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy offers a promising approach to managing these challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five benefits of EMDR therapy and how it can be an effective tool for anxiety and stress relief.

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anxiety, phobias, OCD Catherine Alvarado anxiety, phobias, OCD Catherine Alvarado

Ch.3 Beyond Fear: Exploring Anxiety, Phobias, & OCD

Let’s embark on a journey of understanding and navigating the intricate landscape of anxiety, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This installment delves into the relationship between these mental health conditions, shedding light on their interconnectedness and offering insights to support the journey toward healing and well-being.

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