EMDRIA APPROVED CONSULTANT
Catherine Alvarado, LMFT 134744
Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant with advanced training in EMDR therapy and holistic, trauma-informed care.
About Me
My work is rooted in an integrative, mind–body approach that recognizes how experiences are held not only in thoughts and emotions, but also in the nervous system and the body.
In therapy, EMDR is woven together with relational and somatic work to support deeper integration and meaningful, lasting change. Sessions often involve slowing things down, tracking present-moment experience, and gently exploring how patterns show up both internally and within relationships. The focus is not just on understanding what has happened, but on creating shifts in how things feel day to day—supporting greater regulation, clarity, and connection.
Alongside client care, I provide clinical supervision and EMDR consultation for therapists seeking thoughtful, process-oriented support. Consultation is approached as a collaborative space to deepen clinical attunement, strengthen confidence with EMDR, and explore cases through a relational and nervous-system-informed lens. Both individual and group consultation options are available.
Credentials & Experience
I continue to further my education as a therapist, with particular emphasis on advanced training in EMDR therapy. Ongoing learning allows me to thoughtfully integrate different therapeutic approaches in a way that feels supportive and meaningful.
B.A., Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles CA
M.S., Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles CA
EMDR Basic Training, Institute of Creative Mindfulness (ICM)
EMDRIA Certified Therapist, EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
EMDRIA Approved Consultant, EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
Skylight Certified Therapist, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Member, California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Clinical Supervisor & Private Practice Owner
Co-Founder, Eunoia Wellness Studio, Redondo Beach CA
My Specialties
-
EMDR therapy is a central part of my work and is offered through a holistic, trauma-informed lens. I use EMDR to support the processing of experiences that continue to impact the nervous system, often showing up as anxiety, panic, emotional reactivity, or patterns that feel difficult to shift through talk therapy alone. EMDR may be integrated into ongoing therapy, offered through EMDR intensives for more focused work, or provided as adjunct EMDR in collaboration with an existing therapist.
-
I support individuals with complex trauma and PTSD through a compassionate, holistic approach that honors how past experiences continue to live in the body, emotions, and relationships. This work often involves making sense of long-standing patterns such as hypervigilance, emotional shutdown, self-doubt, or difficulty feeling safe or connected. Therapy is a space for understanding these responses with curiosity and care, allowing healing to unfold in a way that feels grounding and restorative.
-
I work with anxiety, panic, and specific phobias through a mind-body, trauma-informed approach that looks beyond symptoms alone. These experiences often show up as persistent worry, physical tension, panic responses, or fears that feel limiting or confusing. Therapy focuses on understanding how these patterns developed, supporting the nervous system, and helping create more ease, confidence, and flexibility in daily life.
-
I offer EMDR consultation for clinicians through both individual and group formats, providing support, clarity, and guidance in developing EMDR practice. Consultation is a space to strengthen understanding of the EMDR process, refine case conceptualization, and explore questions that arise during reprocessing. My approach is collaborative and grounded, supporting clinicians at different stages of their EMDR journey while honoring both clinical skill and the therapist’s presence in the work.
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. ”
— KELLY MOTHNER, PHD –
Licensed Psychologist in Hermosa Beach, CA
“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 —
Licensed Psychologist in Hermosa Beach, CA
“Catherine is a highly skilled EMDR therapist, as well as a compassionate thorough EMDR consultant. Catherine is especially proficient at working with clients who experience phobias and eating disorders with EMDR Therapy treatment, providing specific and needed support for clients and consultees alike.”
— ERIN KELLY, MSW, LCSW, REAT, RYT-500 —
EMDRIA Approved Consultant in Pittsburgh, PA