Patricia Alvarado, MA, LPCC, LMHC
Founder, Clinical Director & Licensed Trauma Psychotherapist
Specialties
EMDR Trauma Therapy
Dissociation
Attachment Wounds
Trauma, Complex Trauma, and PTSD
Relational Trauma
First Gen Experiences
Maternal Mental Health
Who I Work With
Adult individuals to help them heal from trauma and lean into the power of choice that they have within them.
About
My approach to therapy and my commitment to you is deeply rooted in the belief that we have the ability to lean into our own power and have choice. As this becomes the forefront of our work together, I take an active role in the therapeutic process. I don’t just sit down and nod my head. Do I respectfully challenge situations? Yep! Can it be incredibly insightful? Yep! Can it be uncomfortable? Also yep! But the rewards obtained while looking inward and noticing what is happening with the mind, body, and soul allow us to further our work on the basis of choice. I am profoundly invested in your healing and growth while celebrating your successes and empathizing with your struggles. The foundation of our work together is the therapeutic relationship, which is central to my practice.
As an EMDR Certified Therapist, my focus is less on talk therapy and more on processing and reprocessing the sensations and emotions in the body. This doesn't mean you won't have the chance to share your thoughts—quite the opposite. We take time to talk, and then integrate these discussions into EMDR sessions to address and challenge negative thoughts. Additionally, I offer EMDR sessions online, enhancing accessibility.
Besides being an EMDR Certified Therapist, I am a CBT Therapist at heart. I believe that thoughts and feelings can affect behaviors. I believe people can change and be better versions of themselves. I believe that if we manage stress and anxiety within our kids and teens it allows them to use these tools in their adult life. I believe that if parents are less stressed, their children will be less stressed because they are mirroring each other’s behaviors. I want you to feel supported unconditionally and if you stumble, we'll face the consequences together.
I approach therapy from a non-judgmental standpoint, emphasizing my humanity and the commonalities we share. I strive to show my clients that like them, I make mistakes, learn, and grow. Through every interaction, my goal is to foster this mindset of recognition, accountability, and continuous personal growth, helping you see that change and improvement are always within reach.
Off the Clock
Typically when I’m off the clock, I am settling into a good crime show. My go to show is always Law & Order SVU and my kind of comedy is Schitts Creek. You’ll also find me hanging out in LA with my toddler in hand, embracing all of his “firsts” together.
Education
University of California, Santa Barbara – BA in Sociology, BA in Women’s Studies
Loyola Marymount University – MA in Counseling
Certifications
EMDR Certified Therapist
EMDRIA Approved Consultant
MBSR Mindfulness Program - Certified
Triple P Level 5 Pathways Parenting Program - Certified
Triple P Standard Level 4 Parenting Program, certified
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) - Certified
Incredible Years (IY) Parenting Program - Certified
Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP) - Certified
Seeking Safety - Certified
Grief Educator - Certified
Problem Solving Treatment (PST) for Depression
Brief Response to Crisis (BRC/CORS) Crisis Intervention Training
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Professional Assault Crisis Training (Pro-ACT)
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMH)
Licensures
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC#3333 - California
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC#007932 - New York