trauma therapist specializing in emdr, anxiety, and complex ptsd

About catherine alvarado, lmft

Trauma Therapist Specializing in EMDR, Anxiety, and Complex PTSD

Highly experienced therapist in Redondo Beach offering trauma-focused care for complex PTSD, anxiety, and issues related to self-confidence, attachment, and relationship struggles.

MEthods & modalities

Catherine offers trauma-informed, holistic therapy to help people heal from anxiety, past trauma, and relationship struggles. Her approach blends EMDR, somatic work, and attachment-based care to support both the mind and nervous system in an integrated way.  Each session is shaped by what feels most helpful in the moment — whether that’s making sense of big feelings, processing painful memories, or creating new patterns in relationships. Therapy is steady, grounded, and designed to support deep healing over time.

How Therapy Works

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Specialties & Focus Areas

  • Support for generalized anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias, and nervous system dysregulation.

  • Care for the long-term effects of developmental, relational, and attachment trauma. Learn More

  • Exploring how early attachment wounds and past relationships shape current emotional and relational dynamics.

  • Healing internalized beliefs of “not enough” and working toward self-trust, confidence, and emotional resilience.

  • Therapy that honors differences in attention, processing, and communication — with tools that support regulation and clarity.

  • Support for those who process the world intensely — emotionally, relationally, or somatically.

  • For individuals who’ve been holding it together for too long and are ready to reclaim calm, clarity, and internal space.

  • Designed for clients who already have insight and awareness, but need support translating that into real change and relief.

Therapeutic Modalities

  • EMDR Therapy

    A structured approach that helps the brain and body heal from trauma by reprocessing distressing memories and beliefs.

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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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    • B.A., Psychology – Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA

    • M.S., Counseling Psychology – Mount Saint Mary’s University, CA

      • Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy

    • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (CA License #134744)

    • Certified EMDR Therapist & Consultant-in-Training (CIT) – EMDR International Association

    • Certified Reiki Master – Maggie Gold Inner Wellness

    • Certified Skylight Therapist – Skylight Psychedelics

    • Flash Technique Certification – The Flash Technique (FT)

    • Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Training – Skylight Psychedelics

    • EMDR Training - Institute for Creative Mindfulness

    • EMDR Certification – EMDR International Association

    • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

    • EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

    • Co-Owner & Founder of Eunoia Wellness Studio, Redondo Beach, CA

    • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Private Psychotherapy Practice, Hermosa Beach, CA

    • Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, completed supervision under Dr. Kelly Mothner, Hermosa Beach, CA

    • Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Soultenders, Arcadia, CA

    • Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee, The Ness Counseling Center, Los Angeles, CA

    • Graduate Intern, Career Services & Internships, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, CA

    • 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, Los Angeles, CA

    • Behavioral Health Intern, Project Touch Teen & Family Counseling, Hermosa Beach, CA 

Catherine alvarado, lmft & associates

Offering support and healing for those in need.

Catherine Alvarado is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Certified EMDR Therapist, Consultant-in-Training, and Clinical Supervisor. She has extensive experience supporting adults through trauma, anxiety, attachment wounds, and long-standing emotional patterns. Her clinical work is grounded in trauma-informed, holistic care that integrates mind, body, and nervous system awareness.

Her areas of focus include complex PTSD, dissociation, developmental trauma, and high-functioning individuals who feel stuck despite insight. She draws from EMDR, somatic therapy, parts work, and attachment-based approaches to meet each client with attunement and care.

In addition to her private practice, Catherine co-founded Eunoia Wellness Studio in Redondo Beach — a space dedicated to integrative healing and connection among providers. She also offers clinical consultation and supervision to therapists pursuing depth-oriented, trauma-informed 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. 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 –

  • “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, PPS —

  • “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!”

    — VICTORIA SMITH, LCSW —

  • “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, MSW, ASW —

  • "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 –

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

    – TAYLOR ADDISON, LMFT –

  • "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 –

  • "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 -

  • "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 -

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therapist verified by psychology today
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Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
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