LICENSED THERAPIST IN THE SOUTH BAY

Catherine Alvarado, LMFT

I’m a Redondo Beach-based therapist who provides therapy to adolescents, teens, and adults that blends traditional psychotherapy with EMDR and other holistic approaches.

Catherine Alvarado, LMFT

OWNER & CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

ANXIETY, TRAUMA, & EMDR THERAPY SPECIALIST

My work as a therapist is rooted in both professional training and lived understanding of how overwhelming anxiety, trauma, and self-doubt can feel. Over the years, I’ve found that healing often requires more than talk—it calls for approaches that reach the whole person. That’s why I bring together EMDR therapy, somatic practices, and mind–body techniques that help clients reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways. I especially love supporting highly sensitive and deeply feeling individuals, people who know themselves well but feel stuck, and even fellow EMDR clinicians who are seeking space for their own healing.

Creating safe, compassionate spaces has always been at the heart of my work. As the owner and clinical supervisor of Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, I not only support clients directly but also mentor associates who share this same vision. Through Eunoia Wellness Studio in Redondo Beach, which I co-founded, I’ve built a collaborative home for holistic providers where therapy and wellness intersect. Whether I’m sitting with a client in session or guiding another therapist through EMDR consultation, my goal is the same: to honor each person’s story and help them move toward resilience, balance, and lasting change.

my style: WARM, COLLABORATIVE, & HOLISTIC

I draw from EMDR, somatic therapy, and a client-centered approach to support both the mind and body.

my specializations

Areas I Can Help With

Catherine Alvarado, LMFT

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Complex Trauma & PTSD

  • Specific Phobias & Fears

  • Pure-O Subtypes (Health & Somatic Related OCD)

  • Somatic Complaints & Chronic Illness

  • Neurodivergence & ADHD

  • Highly Sensitive & Deeply Feeling Clients (HSPs)

  • Burnout & Emotional Exhaustion

  • Highly Self-Aware but Feeling Stuck

  • Low Self-Worth & Self-Doubt

  • Standard EMDR Therapy

    Standard EMDR therapy is delivered in 45-50 minute sessions, giving space to process distressing experiences within the traditional therapy hour.

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  • Intensive EMDR Therapy

    Two-hour EMDR intensive sessions offer additional space for structured reprocessing beyond the standard 50-minute format.

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  • Adjunct EMDR Therapy

    Adjunct EMDR therapy offers the option of standard or intensive EMDR sessions, scheduled as needed alongside ongoing work with a primary therapist.

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  • Somatic Therapy

    Focuses on how trauma and stress are held in the body, using awareness, movement, and grounding techniques to support nervous system regulation.

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  • Attachment-Focused Therapy

    Explores early relationship dynamics and how they influence present-day patterns in trust, connection, and emotional safety.

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  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    A skills-based approach that helps build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthier ways of relating to self and others.

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  • Narrative Therapy

    A collaborative approach that helps separate people from their problems and rewrite the internal stories that shape identity, behavior, and self-worth.

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  • Internal Family Systems & Parts Work

    A gentle method that explores and supports the inner “parts” of a person — including those carrying pain, fear, or protection — to restore balance and healing from within.

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  • Play & Art Therapy

    Creative, nonverbal approaches that support emotional expression, healing, and self-awareness—especially helpful for children or those who find it hard to put feelings into words.

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  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)

    An approach that combines mindfulness practices with cognitive strategies to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and increase present-moment awareness.

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My Background, Training, & Fees

The work I do is grounded in years of study, professional training, and continued growth as a therapist. My goal is to bring together evidence-based approaches and holistic practices so that therapy feels both effective and deeply supportive.

My Background, Training, & Fees

License & Education

01

Professional Affiliations

02

Training

03

04

Services & Fees

Intake Session: $250/45-50 minutes
Individual Therapy: $250/45-50 minutes
Standard EMDR Therapy: $250/45-50 minutes
Intensive EMDR Therapy: $500/2 hours
Individual EMDR Consultation: $100/60 minutes
Drop-In EMDR Group Consultation: $60/60 minutes
Specialty EMDR Group Consultation: Fees vary depending on offering

EMDR Certified Therapist
therapist verified by psychology today
Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
EMDRIA Find an EMDR Therapist

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 –

    Dr. Kelly Mothner & Associates - Hermosa Beach, CA

  • “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, PSY —

    Steve Walker Therapy & Wellness - Hermosa Beach, CA

  • “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!”

    — TORI SMITH, LCSW —

    Therapy for Mind-Body Wellness - Hermosa Beach, CA

  • “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, ASW, MSW, MA —

    Julie A. Fanelli Therapy - Hermosa Beach, CA

  • "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 –

    Therapy with Sabrina - CA

  • "I highly recommend Cat as a therapist! She is a natural healer and a true expert when it comes to EMDR."

    – TAYLOR ADDISON, LMFT –

    Taylor Elyse Therapy & Associates - Redondo Beach, CA

  • "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 –

    Second Wind

  • "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 -

    Individual & Couples Psychotherapy - Hermosa Beach, CA

  • "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 -

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

Blog
Integrative Healing: Mind, Body, and Therapy in One Space
Holistic Therapy Office
Integrative Healing: Mind, Body, and Therapy in One Space
Holistic Therapy Office

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.

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Holistic Therapy Office
When to Refer to Adjunct, Intensive, or Standard EMDR (And Why It Can Help Your Clients Thrive)
EMDR Therapy, Adjunct EMDR
When to Refer to Adjunct, Intensive, or Standard EMDR (And Why It Can Help Your Clients Thrive)
EMDR Therapy, Adjunct EMDR

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.

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EMDR Therapy, Adjunct EMDR
Inside Eunoia Wellness Studio
Holistic Therapy Office
Inside Eunoia Wellness Studio
Holistic Therapy Office

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.

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Holistic Therapy Office